More than three years after it was first proposed, Taos’ Base-to-Base gondola is closer to reality. In a draft decision published today, the Forest Service proposed approving both the gondola and replacements for Lifts 2 and 8, though the decision is still subject to an objection period.
The gondola’s purpose is multifold. First, it would provide much-needed alternative to Lift 1, the only non-beginner lift out of the Resort Center. When Lift 1 goes down, the only other way for skiers to access the mountain is via road to Kachina Basin. The detachable gondola would also improve skier access to backside lifts 4 and 7. In summer, the gondola would link the village and Taos Ski Valley’s summer summer activity hub with bike park, via ferrata and hiking trails. The gondola would become the longest lift at Taos with eight seat cabins transiting 7,300 linear feet. While the base-to-base would not directly service much skiing, it would rise 800 vertical feet and provide access to a green trail running between Kachina Basin and the village. A small cabin maintenance facility is planned adjacent to the Kachina terminal.
The gondola is being designed to move 1,800 guests per hour both winter and summer and is expected to reduce vehicle traffic between base areas. A ticket will be required to ride in order to minimize foot traffic into the Wheeler Peak Wilderness adjacent to the top terminal. “Use of the gondola by non-ticketed guests may be allowed in the future following further study of guest use patterns and the broader use of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness,” notes the Forest Service. The agency did not set a minimum price for gondola rides, noting it could be “nominal.”
A second approved project would replace Lift 2, a 1995 fixed grip quad running from near the top of Lift 1 to Taos Patrol Headquarters. This lift would likely be a detachable quad and boost capacity from 1,800 to 2,400 skiers per hour. Lift 8 is also approved for similar treatment in the coming years. That lift services terrain below Lift 2 and dates back to 1991. When all three projects are completed, Taos will operate five modern detachable lifts, up from zero just five years ago.
Parties who previously commented on the projects have 45 days from today to file any objections.
Lift Blog 
I’m excited for them.
Taos is a criminally underrated place. Some of my favorite terrain when the snow is good, incredible pride from locals and guests, overall just a really unique and special place.
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The gondola project and the Lift 2 upgrade seem like an odd combo to me – Lift 2 is currently a choke point since it is a fixed-grip that is the only access to the very popular Lift 4 terrain. The gondola will greatly alleviate that pressure, which to me would make the replacement of Lift 2 unnecessary.
Lift 8 might be the least crowded lift at Taos, which makes its planned replacement a little odd as well – I don’t think I’ve ever stood in line for this lift, even on very busy (for Taos) weekends. Honestly, combining Lifts 2 and 4 wouldn’t seem like a ridiculous idea to me.
I’m not opposed to upgrading lifts, but it will definitely change the character of this incredibly laid-back mountain. Hopefully they’ll get around to glading the terrain below Lift 7 soon, that’s what I’m really excited about!
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My take is that the gondola will transform the resort’s structure. It will move traffic directly to Kachina basin which will be the busiest zone, thereby greatly reducing skier numbers on Lift 1, 2 and 8. It seems, to me, that it will have the affect of converting the West Basin into an advanced expert zone. I believe traffic on the front-side greens will drop drastically.
I wonder if they are looking at making a combined Lift 2 + 8?
Also, possibly starting Lift 7 from lower down?
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Congratulations Taos on this amazing project!
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Is there any good forum for lifts and gondolas?
It would be fun to post ones own ideas for lifts and discuss with like minded people.
Maybe something for liftblog? :)
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A forum would be nice but in the meantime feel free to share your ideas in the comments of various posts. Remontees Mecaniques is the only active forum I know of but it’s all in French.
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There is a long-standing and very active Australian one of 20 years or so (ski.com.au), but that mainly (of course) focuses on Australian skiing and riding, as well as our holidays overseas. You guys are totally welcome there though of course! We don’t bite at all, and hearing about North American skiing etc during our off-season would be cool.
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Does this work? I made it in a few spare minutes I had…
https://sites.google.com/view/liftforums
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That would be nice to have a forum! I’m all in!
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Gondola is happening; permission has been granted at long last.
Taos Ski Valley will be a vastly changed experience. For the first time there will be no need for people to be scared looking up at Lift 1. They can jump on the gondola and ski Lift 4.
The announcement said:
“Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran on Thursday (March 27) signed a final decision notice for proposed improvements within a special use permit area for Taos Ski Valley Inc., including installation of a 7,300 foot base-to-base gondola.”
Source:
https://www.taosnews.com/news/carson-national-forest-approves-tsv-inc-gondola-master-plan-projects/article_fcd96c98-4c62-49ef-bbc4-23cdc2527989.html
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