It may be baking outside right now, but Park City Mountain is already thinking about winter.
Construction on the resort’s new 6,500-foot, 10-person gondola started earlier this month, marking the start of the second of three phases in the overall Sunrise Gondola project.
“This project marks a significant improvement to the guest experience. We are excited to get guests on snow faster out of the Canyons Village Base area,” said Emily McDonald, communications manager at Park City Mountain.
Phase two involves establishing a lift corridor on the mountain, construction work with temporary fencing near the bottom terminal and utility and infrastructure improvements. McDonald said summer activities at Canyons Village will not be impacted.
The existing Sunrise chairlift would be removed during the third phase in 2025. That’s also when the terminals, towers, ropes and cabins would be installed and the bottom terminal plaza is constructed pending the necessary approvals.
Phase one was completed in January when the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission approved a low-impact permit for the Sunrise Gondola. There was overwhelming support for the project from community members, too.
Resort officials view the new gondola as a link between the south end of the resort and the upper mountain. The base will be located near the Pendry Plaza between the Lift Hotel and the Hyatt Centric, and the gondola would terminate near the Red Pine area.
The realignment would keep skiers and snowboards moving and reduce time spent waiting for wind holds or in line. The gondola would be a third option alongside the Red Pine Gondola and Orange Bubble Express, improving circulation.
The Sunrise Gondola is targeted to open during the 2025-26 winter season.