Vail Resorts proposes Sunrise gondola replacement to enhance mountain access

The Summit County Snyderville Basin Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards enhancing the guest experience at the Canyons Resort by recommending a low impact permit for the replacement of the Sunrise lift with a new 10-passenger gondola. This decision, made during the January 9, 2024 meeting, aims to improve access to the mountain and streamline transportation for visitors.

The proposed gondola will be strategically located between the Pendry Plaza, Lift Hotel, and Hyatt Centric, facilitating quicker access to the mountain while minimizing wind-related disruptions that can affect other lifts. The project, spearheaded by Vail Resorts and planner Tiffany Robinson, is seen as a crucial development in the ongoing transformation of the southern end of the resort, which has seen substantial growth since a major amendment in 2018.

The project will unfold in three phases. The first phase involves the entitlement process and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Canyons Village Management Association and the county. The second phase will focus on relocating existing utilities and improving access roads, while the final phase will see the installation of the gondola and the completion of supporting infrastructure.

This upgrade is expected to not only enhance the efficiency of guest transportation but also improve accessibility for all visitors, aligning with the resort's long-term development goals established since the original agreement in 1999. The planning commission's recommendation will now be forwarded to the community development director for final approval, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of the Canyons Village area.