Initial Planning and Implementation of the Telluride Gondola Transit System

Carrick, Jonathan R.; ,

Initial Planning and Implementation of the Telluride Gondola Transit System

by Jonathan R. Carrick, Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety, Board, Denver, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Automated People Movers IV

Abstract:

Construction on the first phase of a gondola transit system began in the summer of 1992, with the goal of connecting the town of Telluride, Colorado with the Telluride Mountain Village, two miles away. By the end of 1993, three connected gondola units will be completed. The gondola system will serve as a public transit system for the two towns. The two communities are located in a beautiful, remote area in southwest Colorado. They are considered destination resort areas with the economy based almost exclusively on tourism, which includes skiing in the winter as well as summer activities. Activity in the spring and fall is somewhat limited. Telluride was originally settled as a mining town. The town began a steady decline around the 1930's until a small ski area was created. It has evolved into a year round festival resort. Telluride, located in a box canyon with steep rock sides, is isolated from the Telluride Mountain Village, a planned resort community owned and operated by The Telluride Company (`Telco'), who is also the operator of the ski area. The only non-skiing linkage between the town and the village is a 7-mile drive on a twisting two lane state road, known as Lawson Hill, that climbs up to the village. A one way trip in good weather takes about 15 minutes. In winter weather the trip can be considerably longer.

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