Government Camp, Oregon — A few years ago, it appeared that Timberline Lodge was preparing to install a huge gondola. However, the plans have changed: a new, more skier-oriented lift plan has been announced.
This week, Timberline Lodge announced it is pivoting away from its planned gondola project to connect Summit Pass and Timberline ski resorts. Instead, it will focus on adding two new chairlifts on the lower mountain, along with a new base lodge.
Originally, Timberline Lodge and Summit Pass were two separate ski resorts. Back in 2018, Timberline Lodge acquired Summit Pass. In 2021, a merger between the two ski resorts was officially announced. While you can ski top to bottom from Timberline and Summit Pass, they are not yet connected by lift. The original idea was to merge the two via gondola, but Timberline Lodge decided against that.
“Timberline has chosen to evolve its long-term approach to mountain access and guest experience in a way that better supports the resort’s long-term business viability and operational flexibility,” said John Burton, the Director of Marketing & Public Affairs at Timberline Lodge, to the Oregonian.
The New Plan
The new proposal focuses on improving the skier experience. The first chairlift would likely be a fixed-grip quad that goes slightly higher up the mountain than its predecessor. The second chairlift would be high-speed. This would go from near the top of the new lower lift to around the Stormin’ Norman chairlift. This would lead to a simpler loading and unloading process for those who are lapping this terrain. A new skier services building remains part of the plans.
“The concept maintains Summit Pass as an approachable, family-friendly, and value-oriented area while also giving more advanced guests access to Timberline’s upper mountain from Government Camp,” said Burton.
Before implementation, the projects will need to go through the U.S. Forest Service approval process.
Image/Video Credits: Timberline Lodge
