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Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge announced that
construction on the much-anticipated Breckenridge gondola will start this
spring.
The new gondola will start from the Breckenridge Transportation
Center located in the parking lot right off historic Main Street and have
terminals at both Peak 7 and Peak 8, providing an integral link for skiers,
riders and visitors from town to the ski resort base areas. It will allow the
ski resort and the Town to upgrade the skier experience and improve the
overall experience by reducing the number of people that need to be bussed to
the mountain. In addition to stops at the base areas, the new gondola will
include a mid-station at Shock Hill. Setting the stage for the planned
developments on Peak 7 and 8, the 8-passenger gondola is expected to be
completed by Christmas 2006.
"The gondola has been talked about in the community for 20 years and now
the timing is perfect as this project will continue the incredible momentum
that Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge have worked together
to build from the success of the Imperial Express, the popularity of the
Skyway Skiway and a strong real estate and development market," said Roger
McCarthy, co-president of the mountain division for Vail Resorts and chief
operating officer of Breckenridge and Keystone. In May 2002, the Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort signed a
landmark agreement outlining a development plan for Peaks 7 and 8 designed to
maintain both the resort town's world-class stature and quality of life. As a
part of this plan, the Mountain Thunder Lodge and Townhome project and the
Skyway Skiway have been completed in the past year ahead of schedule. The
gondola represents one of the last major steps in implementing the development
plan and the transportation framework as well as the continued relationship
between the Town and the resort. As part of the agreement, the Town of Breckenridge has committed to a
contribution of $6.7 million toward the completion of the gondola. For its
part, the ski resort has guaranteed parking at the gondola base, transferred
density from the parking lots to the Peak 7 and 8 base, sunset density
consistent with the Upper Blue Master Plan and reduced commercial density at
the Peak 7 and 8 future bases. The ski resort also has obtained virtually all
necessary approvals to build the gondola and buildings associated with the
project. In addition to the monetary commitment from the Town of
Breckenridge, the Breckenridge Land Company (the developers of Shock Hill) is
contributing $500,000 to the gondola project and the necessary easements to
complete the gondola. The mayor of Breckenridge, Ernie Blake, said, "The Town of Breckenridge is
thrilled with the ski area's decision. We recognize that Vail Resorts has
many choices for its investment dollars and appreciate the confidence it has
shown in Breckenridge with this commitment. It comes years ahead of the agreed upon schedule and is another example of what a model public/private
partnership can produce. We are fortunate to be economically capable of
contributing to this wonderful amenity upgrade for our guest." The Breckenridge gondola will be one of the most modern gondolas in North
America with seating for eight and room for ski and ride gear inside. Right
now, the ski resort plans to operate the gondola in both the winter and summer
seasons. It will have a ride time of approximately seven and a half minutes
from the transportation center to the base of Peak 8 and will be able to carry
3,000 people per hour.
- Breckenridge Gondola Facts:
- 7.5 minute ride time from Transit Center to the Peak 8 terminal
- Two mid-stations at Shock Hill and Peak 7 base area
- 7,842 ft. in length
- 391 ft. vertical rise
- 25 towers
- Capacity of 3,000 per hour
- 143 cabins
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