VailMountain Announces a State-of-the-Art Gondola to Replace Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) in Vail Village

Opening of new gondola will coincidewithVail’s 50th anniversary in December 2012

High-capacity gondola – first of its kind inNorth America– will increase uphill capacity by 40 percent and include new features such as free Wi-Fi acces

VAIL, Colo. — Dec. 19, 2011 — Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, has already begun making plans for its 50th anniversary in December 2012, by announcing the planned installation of a new, state-of-the art gondola to replace the Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) inVailVillage.

The new gondola, which will have the number “1” to commemorate Vail’s original gondola in that location, will provide a 40 percent improvement in uphill capacity over the existing Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) – the highest of any gondola inNorth America. The state-of-the-art gondola, the first installation of its kind inNorth America, will offer new features, such as free Wi-Fi access for guests.

“We could think of no better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary ofVailMountain than by making a dramatic investment to improve the experience for our guests. The new gondola will set a standard for how we transport guests up the mountain, significantly reducing wait times at one of the most popular and recognized lifts anywhere in the world. It will also offer a protected and comfortable ride, completewith free Wi-Fi access,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer ofVailMountain. “The new gondola continues a long tradition of Vail’s investments to set the leading position in guest service anywhere in the mountain resort industry.”