Gondola Dedication and Opening Day
November 16, 2012
Time: 8:30am
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Vail Mountain officially opens for its 50th winter season when the lifts start turning at 9 a.m, but the fun starts in Lionshead when the lift line starts forming.
Get to Vail Village early to witness the unveiling and dedication of Vail’s new, state-of-the-art gondola at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village beginning at 8:30 a.m. The dedication will feature speeches, a ribbon cutting and the first official gondola ride, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies as well as limited edition commemorative pins.
A cabin from Vail’s original gondola will be stationed in Mountain Plaza throughout the 50th anniversary season; EpicMix photographers will be on hand on opening day for guests who wish to capture an historic image in the cabin with friends or family. Immediately following the ceremony, the gondola will be open to the public for free foot-passenger access only until 3:30 p.m. Guests are invited to ride the gondola to Mid-Vail for complimentary cocoa, coffee and pastries until 10 a.m. or while supplies last. EpicMix photographers will be on hand for photos at the top of the gondola. After Friday the 16th, the gondola will be closed until it reopens for regular operations, which is expected to be the following week.
Opening Day Terrain
Beginning at 9 a.m. in Lionshead, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the Born Free Express Lift (#8) and terrain on the Born Free trail – including a terrain park experience – as well as an route to Vail Village. The Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) will also be open to allow skiers and snowboarders access to the Little Eagle Lift (#15) and beginner terrain in the Eagle's Nest area. To return to Lionshead, download the gondola from Eagle’s Nest.
The Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest will be open for on-mountain dining for the season beginning Friday, Nov. 16.