It’s almost here. Snow is falling. Lifts are moving. Skis around town are coming out of garages and getting a fresh tune. The snow guns are running full force. The 2009/2010 ski season is literally, just around the corner. And with the completion of the new gondola, Sun Valley decided it was time to celebrate.
Today was the Sun Valley Winter Expo and Gondola ‘Ganza at the base of River Run, and it was the perfect way to open the season. A traditional ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off the day and included speeches by mountain manager, Peter Stearns, the president of lift company Doppelmayr, the mayors of both Sun Valley and Ketchum, and Sun Valley owner, Carol Holding. The excitement was palpable, as thousands of people drank beer and free hot cocoa in the mile-long line to get a free ride on the new gondola, River Run Express #2.
In case you missed it, we have the video for you – check out video footage from Roundhouse Express gondola grand opening at River Run on November 21st!
Last night was good and cold, and the snowmakers have been making good progress on Bald and Dollar mountains. The forecasts show continued cold temperatures throughout this weekend and all next week – and we’ll be taking advantage of every minute of it.
Our webcams are now monitoring North America’s largest gondola construction project on Bald Mountain.
Opening for Sun Valley’s 74th ski season (2009-10), the Roundhouse Gondola will travel from River Run Plaza to the Roundhouse Restaurant.
The Doppelmayr CTEC Detachable-Grip, Eight-Passenger Gondola will carry 1800 passengers per hour, traveling 2,000 vertical feet in eight minutes. 56 eight-passenger cabins will service skiers, snowboarders and foot passengers.
To keep an eye on construction progress check out our mountain cams page.
Lower Gondola Terminal – River Run station. Picture updating continuously.
Upper Gondola Terminal – Roundhouse station. Picture From October 1, 2009.
Construction on Sun Valley’s new Doppelmayr gondola from the base of River Run to Roundhouse is progressing. The new gondola cars have just arrived and preparation is underway for flying tower forms and concrete pours early next week!
UPDATED: The helicopter is finished for this phase. The top terminal photo was poured via truck and pumper, 15 towers were poured with the helicopter There are now 21 tower footings in place.
Looks like the sun is finally here and the Sun Valley Ticket Office is getting ready to open the summer lifts on June 27th and 28th then closing until July 3rd for gondola construction. We are excited about some new things happening for winter ski passes. Keep checking www.sunvalley.com for more information.
