Vail Mountain will begin construction on the new gondola in Vail Village the day after the ski season ends. The new gondola will kick off Vail’s 50th anniversary and is set to be operational for opening day of the 2012-2013 ski season, November 16, 2012. The new gondola will be the first of it’s kind in North America and with a speed of 1,200 feet per minute, it will be the fastest gondola of its type in the world, creating a 40% increase in uphill capacity. Replacing the existing Vista Bahn Express lift (#16), the ride time will be reduced from 9 minutes to 7.5 minutes.
The silver gondola cabins, designed by French manufacturer Sigma, will carry 10 passengers each and will feature, cushioned, heated seats and Wi-Fi for guests.The gondola will allow for easier access at the base, a more functional interface with Mid-Vail and easier downloading from the top of the mountain.