A proposed gondola connection between the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back mountains will create a new type of ski resort network in the United States.
The eight-passenger SkiLink gondola will have the capacity to transport 1,000 people per hour each way and is projected to transport skiers between Canyons and Solitude Mountain Resort in just 11 minutes.
SkiLink is designed specifically as a transportation-only connection between Canyons and Solitude and will not impact backcountry skiers. SkiLink skiers and snowboarders will enter/exit the gondola at Canyons or Solitude. The gondola will not make any stops at any interim point where riders would exit.
A traffic analysis demonstrated SkiLink would reduce ski season traffic through Big Cottonwood Canyon by as much as 18,000 cars per year. Initially that means around 1 million fewer miles driven per year and around 1 million fewer pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
“The SkiLink vision has been in the works for many years and we are glad to be at a point where we can share the details of the proposed project and express our excitement and enthusiasm for the tremendous experience and benefits it offers for Utah and snowsport enthusiasts from around the globe,” said Mike Goar, managing director, Canyons Resort.
No season-pass partnerships have been announced yet, nor is there a timeline in place. The plans are in proposal stages at this time.
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