Park City Planning Commission explores aerial transit for Snow Park, Park City

A gondola transit system like the one in Telluride, which connects the resort to town, was discusssd by the Park City Planning Commission at their Oct. 9 meeting. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

Telluride, a town with a gondola system that connects the resort to town, is discussed as an example of what could be

PARK CITY, Utah—The Park City Planning Commission is evaluating a major development at Deer Valley’s Snow Park base, with transportation and traffic being key concerns. Part of this discussion includes developing a gondola to transport people within the resort, but during their October 9 meeting, Commissioner Henry Sigg introduced the idea of a gondola system that could connect the resort to town.

Sigg cited the successful model in Telluride, Colorado, which could inspire Park City’s future aerial transit efforts.

Deer Valley is proposing a gondola route from Snow Park Lodge to Park Peak and its new development off U.S. 40, known as the East Village. The idea of creating aerial transit has been pondered in Park City since the 1990s. Officials say that potentially linking with a citywide gondola system could alleviate traffic by encouraging visitors to park outside the city and take aerial transit into Park City, with the ability to get off at key locations.

Deer Valley has said one of the proposed terminals would be located near a route between Snow Park and Old Town.

Aerial transit in Park City has so far remained at the conceptual stage. However, with the 2034 Winter Olympics on the horizon and the potential for federal funding, new discussions about aerial routes in the area may soon emerge.

What’s next: While the gondola concept gains traction, discussions continue about transforming Snow Park into a full-service base with residences, commercial spaces, and a transit hub.