Mountain Village: Gondola Expected to Open 6/15!

11 Jun Mountain Village: Gondola Expected to Open 6/15!

Mountain Village officials have confirmed that the gondola connecting Mountain Village and Telluride will open for summer 2020 on Monday, June 15. Face mask ordinance will be in effect. (Details on ordinance here.) Additional mandates below.

The gondola’s operating hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at this time. Express buses will run between Mountain Village and Telluride from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. until further notice. Given the fluid nature of state and county public health orders, operating hours are subject to change and any schedule changes will be communicated through all Mountain Village communications channels.

“As we open up for this unique summer season, we are excited to announce the gondola will still be getting us — safely and efficiently — to our farmers markets, shops, restaurants, and trailheads,” said Mountain Village Mayor Laila Benitez. “I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our partners at San Miguel County, Public Health Director Grace Franklin, and the entire gondola maintenance team for making it possible for the gondola to meet our community’s critical transit needs this summer.”

The gondola’s bi-annual maintenance program, which occurs each shoulder season, saw a three-week delay due to public health orders in March. Maintenance work began on April 26 to be in compliance with Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board requirements.

“Even though our maintenance work was delayed,  the weather was on our side, and we were able to make up for lost time,” said Mountain Village Transit Director Jim Loebe. “We’re confident that our new gondola protocols will help keep the community safe.” 

The following protocols have been set in place to ensure passengers and staff safety:

• No mask, no ride: per Mountain Village and Telluride ordinance, masks are required on all public transportation at this time for those over the age of 2. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face covering, please let operators know. Operators will provide a face mask if you don’t have one.

• Cabin occupancy: One person or one associated party at a time will be loaded per cabin.

• Cabin cleanliness: Advanced cabin disinfection methods will be in constant use. Cabins will be disinfected after each passenger disembarks. Cabin windows will be kept open to ensure adequate ventilation.

• Line management: There will be no singles line, and markers will be at each station to maintain social distancing while waiting to board. Operators will maintain a six-foot distance from passengers yet continue to engage with guests.

• Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizers will be available at each station for passengers.

• Recreational equipment: Passengers will be required to load their own recreational equipment, including bicycles and strollers. Please familiarize yourself with the proper use of the exterior bike racks before loading or ask an operator for guidance.

These measures are subject to change if state or county public health orders are revised.

“The gondola is such an important part of this community and its reopening is a real bright spot during these challenging times,” said Mountain Village Town Council Member Patrick Berry. “I am so grateful to the gondola maintenance team for getting this key piece of transit repaired, tuned, and ready for operations.” 

Please note: Several trails accessible via San Sophia Station including Ridge Trail, Telluride Trail, See Forever and Village Trail will be open when the gondola resumes. However, the Telluride Bike Park, Wasatch Connection, Basin Trail and Prospect will remain closed until further notice from Telluride Ski Resort.