Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group
11
First gondola in US State of Washington The Mount Rainier gondola is the perfect solution for Crystal Mountain resort in Washington state. It has turned the ski area into a full-fledged yearround attraction.
C
rystal Mountain is Washington’s biggest ski area, and the first resort in the state to install a gondola. Thanks to this new lift, the popular winter destination can now look forward to a boost in summer tourism. Nature lovers enjoy sightseeing by gondola Deciding on the best type of lift was no easy task, as Mountain Operations Manager Scott Bowen explains. One of the main reasons for choosing to build a gondola was the ability to address the needs of nature lovers and not just skiers. In the summer season, the resort expects to attract visitors who can take in the flowerfilled meadows and panoramic views
Buoyant mood: Washington’s biggest ski area is now a full-fledged year-round resort. No. 184 • May 2011
while enjoying the gentle pace of the gondola. 8-MGD Mt. Rainier Gondola Transport capacity
900 PPH
Trip time
9.6 min
Speed
4.0 m/s
Cabins
36
Interval
32.0 s
Inclined length
2,107 m
Vertical rise
748 m
Top station altitude
2,090 m
Bottom station altitude
1,342 m
Towers
15
Drive
Bottom
Tensioning
Bottom