BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT
AND THE TOWN OF
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
BRECKENRIDGE SKI
RESORT AND THE TOWN OF
· New
gondola will serve as link between town and the Peak 7 and 8 base areas
BRECKENRIDGE,
“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 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 up to $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. In addition to the
monetary commitment from the Town of Breckenridge, the Breckenridge Land
Company, the developers of Shock Hill, is giving $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 8 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