Gondola Rides
Although Vail and Beaver Creek's gondola and chairlifts are mainly used during the winter months to shuttle skiers and snowboarders to high-elevation powder stashes, the lift service is also a fun and exciting way to see the area and terrain during the summer.
What better way to spend a beautiful summer day than riding Vail's gondola to the upper regions of the resort and taking a short hike, enjoying lunch and snapping a few photos of the breathtaking scenery which surrounds you. All in all, having the opportunity to access the environment of the higher elevations and experience the flora and fauna that exists without having to spend numerous hours physically climbing to the top is a treat that should be taken advantage of when you are in the area.
Vail Resorts offers both chairlift and gondola rides from shortly after ski season ends into the early fall. For nonskiers, especially, who aren't used to this method of transportation and the immediate scenery it affords, this can be an entertaining way to see a unique side of Vail. The 15-minute gondola ride offers amazing vistas. After enjoying the many splendors at the top, you can either climb back into the gondola for the ride back down, or hike back to the base on marked trails. Cost is approximately $22 for adults and $10 for kids under seven. Seniors 70 and older ride for free. Beaver Creek also offers chairlift rides, somewhat scaled down but still offering stunning panoramas and good fun. Cost is about $10 for adults and $6 for kids under 12. For more information contact Vail Resorts.
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