Here is the official press release: 

“For years, skiers and riders have been forced to make a tough decision: ski and ride the world class steeps, glades and groomers of Squaw Valley, or choose the down-home vibe, and powder-filled bowls of Alpine Meadows. But what if you didn’t have to make that decision? What if you could explore the wide range of terrain that both mountains offer without having to choose one over the other? Help make the dream a reality and support the California Express project by signing the petition: change.org/p/enhance-your-ski-experience-with-the-california-express.

The website describing the proposed Gondola has a link to a petition page on Change.org where the plan is further detailed: 

“The California Express gondola will realize a long-held local dream and enhance the ski and ride experience at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows by truly connecting these two world-class mountains for the first time. This will offer Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows skiers and riders a cohesive, seamless ski experience with access to incredible terrain at both mountains, and additional lift access to the top of the KT ridge at Squaw Valley, including on some weather adverse days when the upper mountain is forced to close.

Because the environment is our livelihood, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is committed to ensuring the gondola is sensitive to the environment, native habitat, and nearby public lands when it is built. As such, the design plan for the California Express prioritizes environmental sustainability at every step. This includes:

  • Limiting the number and height of gondola towers to maintain the scenic beauty of the area
  • Eliminating the need to construct access roads by using helicopters and overland crews for construction
  • Reducing car and shuttle traffic between the two mountains that impacts guests, residents and employees
  • Protecting and preserving all identified critical habitat and avoiding crossing into the Granite Chief wilderness boundary

Your voice is essential to securing the approval and ensuring the California Express gondola is constructed in time for the 2019-20 winter season.

Please sign and share this petition in support of enhancing your ski and ride experience at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.”

…so far they have 1,199 of their 1,500 signature goal:

Here’s California Express By The Numbers: 

-37 LIFT TOWERS

-1,400 PEOPLE PER HOUR (HALF THE RATE OF A TYPICAL 6-

PACK CHAIRLIFT)

-2 ANGLE STATIONS

-13,000 FEET IN LENGTH

-2 MOUNTAINS ACCESSED BY 1 GONDOLA
-6,000 ACRES TO EXPLORE SEAMLESSLY

-13-26 MINUTE RIDE FROM ONE BASE TERMINAL TO ANOTHER

-2019-20 WINTER SEASON TARGETED TO OPEN

Environmentally speaking the project will have no construction access road with aerial only transport of construction materials. The height and amount of gondola towers is being kept at a minimum and will only operate during the winter.
This is huge news and we will be on top of this story as more details emerge. Stay tuned!

Unofficial Networks Newsletter

Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.

Hidden
Newsletters
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.