Vail Colorado Local Blogs

Primarily built to transport skiers during the winter season, chairlifts and gondolas have become a part of the summer activity schedule in many skiing resorts. The ski resorts in the Vail Valley of Colorado are no exception.

Vail Mountain is the star for it offers the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The gondola rides begin just after the ski season ends and proceed through early fall. The spectacular ride takes you from the base to the top of Vail Mountain. As you ascend into the high mountain air, your eyes will be able to take in the view of the Gore Mountain Range and the Mount of the Holy Cross. The views from the top are awe-inspiring, as you are surrounded by panoramic scenes of alpine splendors. This is especially fun if you are not a skier and have always wanted to ride to the top of the mountain.

Another great feature of the gondola ride/chairlift is the ability to haul your mountain bike up the hill. For an additional fee, you can take you bike to the top and then explore the seemingly endless mountain bike trails that guide you back down to the base.

Another area ski resort to offer scenic gondola rides in the summer is Keystone. Keystone actually operates two high-speed gondolas, which take you up the mountain. You can choose to go all the way to the top or to get off halfway.

Vail, Beavercreek, Keystone and Copper Mountain also provide summer scenic chair life rides. What is even more fun than the ride is the number of activities that you can do once you get to the top! You can spend an hour or an entire day enjoying various activities that include horseback trail rides, a rebound trampoline, pony rides for the young ones, a dinosaur dig, a climbing wall and a discovery center. Or, if you prefer to explore on your own, you can take a number of hikes.

Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola and Vista Bahn Chairlift

Please be aware that the schedule changes throughout the summer, so it is best to check ahead regarding dates and times of operation.

• Adult lift ticket $20
• Child (under 12yrs) FREE
• Senior (65+) ticket $13
• Twilight rides 4pm-9pm Thursday-Saturday (gondola only) FREE

Bike Haul

• Adult lift ticket with bike haul $25
• Child (under 12yrs) FREE
• Senior (65+) lift ticket w/bike haul $18

Ride & Lunch Package

• Adult 1 day scenic ride & lunch $25
• Adult 1 day scenic ride, lunch & bike haul $30
• Senior 1 day scenic ride & lunch $23
• Senior 1 day scenic ride, lunch & bike haul $28

Beavercreek Scenic Chairlift

At Beavercreek you can ride to a height of over 10,000 feet on the Centennial Express Lift to Spruce Saddle for a scenic lunch and play horseshoes or Disc Golf. The fees to ride the chairlift at Beavercreek during the summer are comparable to those of Vail and kids under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Keystone Scenic Gondola and Chairlift Rides

• Adult lift ticket $22
• Child (under 12yrs) $14
• Twilight rides 4pm-7pm
• Adults $10 – includes a voucher for a free hot chocolate at the top
• Children are free

Copper Mountain Scenic Chairlift

The American Eagle Chairlift located in the ski resort of Copper Mountain is the best deal going. Starting at an elevation of just 10,000 feet this scenic ride will take you up another 1500 feet, over trees and wildlife and deliver you to a developed area. Here you will find a restaurant and the beginning of some great mountain biking/hiking trails. Why is it such a good deal – because the ride is FREE!

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