Winter Park Breaks Ground on Game-Changing Town Gondola

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Excavation has begun in downtown Winter Park, Colorado for a new 10-person aerial gondola that will connect the town to the nearby ski resort. This is the first step in a broader "Connect Winter Park" initiative that will transform the area over the next seven years, including doubling the town's housing, increasing hotel capacity, and expanding the resort's terrain.

Why it matters

For years, the town of Winter Park and its adjacent ski resort have operated as separate entities, despite their close proximity. This new gondola project aims to physically and symbolically unite the two, creating a seamless experience for visitors and residents alike. The broader infrastructure upgrades are also expected to significantly modernize and expand Winter Park's offerings as a major Colorado destination.

The details

The new 10-person gondola will have a capacity of up to 3,500 people per hour, replacing the need for a shuttle service between the town and resort. On the mountain side, plans include replacing the Gemini Express with a larger gondola and expanding terrain into the Vasquez Mountain zone. A new ski-back trail will also allow riders to cruise directly from the slopes into the town center.

• On April 9, 2026, excavation began near Winter Park Town Hall for the new gondola terminal.
• The overall "Connect Winter Park" project is expected to take seven years to complete.

What’s next

Over the next seven years, the town and resort will continue construction on the new gondola system, terrain expansions, and other infrastructure upgrades as part of the "Connect Winter Park" master plan.