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Base-to-Base Gondola at Taos Receives Tentative Approval

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Nov 4, 2024 2:14 PM ET

The likelihood of Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, constructing a base-to-base gondola has increased.

In a draft decision published late last month, the Forest Service tentatively approved the project, which was first proposed over three years ago.

“Overall, I feel my decision will improve the experience of guests to the National Forest within the [Taos Ski Valley special use permit] area, while avoiding and/or mitigating long-term adverse impacts,” the decision reads.

The proposed gondola would stretch approximately 7,300 feet and ferry eight-person cabins at a rate of roughly 1,800 people per hour. According to the Forest Service’s draft decision, the gondola would improve general base area connectivity and skier circulation.

The preliminary nod from the Forest Service also includes several more updates to Taos Ski Valley. Two lift replacements are on the cards. Lift 2 could become a detachable or fixed-grip quad, as could Lift 8. An approximately 7,000-square-foot restaurant near the top of Lift 7 is planned, as is a replacement and renovation of the Whistlestop Café. A new water tank, booster station, and additional snowmaking piping would increase Taos Ski Valley’s snow-blowing efficiency.

The proposal has now entered an objection period. Barring an objection, the base-to-base gondola proposal could see a final decision before winter arrives. However, the Taos News reports that objections may occur.

In total, the proposal saw almost 600 public comments before the Forest Service’s draft decision. According to the Taos News, the Forest Service worked carefully to address these comments and included numerous stipulations associated with the approval.

For one, the Forest Service will require Taos Ski Valley to undergo a water conservation plan before moving forward with any elements of the project that involve water use, like the tank and booster station. After the project is complete, Taos Ski Valley must make water metering and usage associated with the Lift 7 Restaurant, Whistlestop Café, water tank, and booster station publicly available every quarter.

Another stipulation mandates that the gondola be limited to winter ski use and visitors participating in summer activities at Taos Ski Valley. This stipulation is designed to reduce strain on the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area.

“In other words, guests would have to have a ticket for an activity or event within the [Taos Ski Valley special use permit] to utilize the proposed infrastructure, dissuading wilderness use emanating from the proposed base-to-base gondola,” the draft decision reads.

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This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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