Gondola Connects Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows

snowboarder jumping

Good news for Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows ski enthusiasts. A 2.2 mile gondola will now connect the two resorts, and is expected to be ready for the 2022-23 ski season.

Enjoy Two Resorts Without Leaving the Mountain

Palisades Tahoe (formally Squaw Valley,) and Alpine Meadows were merged back in 2012. In the past, they relied on a shuttle service to get skiers and boarders from one resort to the other.

The gondola will now provide this access. It promises to provide a breathtaking ride through the mountains. Skiing from one resort to the other will still not be possible, and no new ski runs will be added. However, the gondola connecting the two resorts will reduce traffic congestion in and out of the resorts.

Alterra Mountain Company owns both resorts, and will spend $65 million to complete the gondola. It will provide skiers access to both resorts, while never having to leave the mountain.

Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows

Palisades Tahoe is best known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is popular among technical skiers and boarders because it offers the area’s best advanced runs.  Alpine Meadows is popular among locals because of its charm and woodsy terrain. Whether you like Granite Chief and KT-22, or prefer the Sherwood chair at Alpine, you can easily get from one run to the other without taking off your skis!

Four terminals will connect the two base areas, and climb 2000 feet. Not only will this make Palisades/Alpine the 3rd largest ski resort in the US, the carbon reduction in the area will be reduced. Emissions can settle into beautiful Lake Tahoe and reduce clarity.

Riders can expect a 16-minute ride across beautiful terrain, in cabins that can hold 8 passengers. They estimate that over 1,400 people will be shuttled over the mountain per hour. A cool feature of the gondola will be the ability to access KT-22, Palisades Tahoe’s iconic lift.

Legal Battle

The Granite Chief Wilderness Protection League fought this project for many years through lawsuits. They were concerned about the impact it would have on a native frog habitat. The owners agreed to preserve and fund restoration projects to protect this species.

While protecting the Granite Chief Wilderness is especially important, the reduction in emissions to “keep Tahoe blue” is equally important. We are really excited to hear that the gondola project is moving forward.

Watch the video here to see how the gondola will connect the two ski resorts.

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