A plan that dates back over a decade to connect two Californian ski areas will finally be realised next winter with the completion of the $65 million Base-to-Base Gondola at Palisades Tahoe, owners the Alterra Group have confirmed.
The gondola will connect the two mountains of what was once two resorts for the first time, giving a combined 6,000 acres of terrain and creating the third-largest ski area in North America.
The 16-minute gondola ride will take skiers and riders between the two base areas, reducing road congestion in the region and making it easier to enjoy both mountains in a single day. It is the first gondola of its kind in North America, with four terminals connecting two base areas via a climb of nearly 2,000 vertical feet and also offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada along the way.
The project is just part of $344 million in capital improvements ahead of winter 22/23 by the Alterra Mountain Company across its 15 North American destinations. This means spending in the first five years of the company’s existence, which began in 2018, is now expected to reach over $1 billion, almost double the original financial commitment of $555 announced when the company was formed.
“This historic investment is clear evidence of our commitment to deliver a premier guest experience at our North American destinations and our engagement towards the long-term future of our mountains,” said Rusty Gregory, CEO, Alterra Mountain Company. “More than ever, we continue to infuse meaningful capital into projects that will transform our base areas while significantly improving our physical and digital on-mountain offerings to ensure that our guests experience the best of the mountains.”
