Is there a good rule of thumb when a chair is good vs when a gondola is good?
One likes a gondola for long rides, but having to take off and take on the skis all the time can be a hassle.
Gondolas work best for long lifts which are typically the first one you ride when you arrive at the mountain. You will rarely find one which does not start near a lodge or parking lot.
They also work well as beginner lifts as group lessons can more easily stay together and it prevents little kids from needing to ride by themselves (large chairs can also do this but loading 7 kids on a chairlift is no easy task).
Additional factors also come into play such as pedestrian traffic, cargo transport, high spans, or need for the highest capacity possible.
Lift Blog 
Is there a good rule of thumb when a chair is good vs when a gondola is good?
One likes a gondola for long rides, but having to take off and take on the skis all the time can be a hassle.
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Gondolas work best for long lifts which are typically the first one you ride when you arrive at the mountain. You will rarely find one which does not start near a lodge or parking lot.
They also work well as beginner lifts as group lessons can more easily stay together and it prevents little kids from needing to ride by themselves (large chairs can also do this but loading 7 kids on a chairlift is no easy task).
Additional factors also come into play such as pedestrian traffic, cargo transport, high spans, or need for the highest capacity possible.
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