Breckenridge, Colorado — While it doesn’t serve any terrain, one of Breckenridge Resort’s most important lifts is the BreckConnect Gondola.
It connects the South Gondola Parking Garage, North Gondola Parking Lot, and Gold Rush Parking Lots to Peaks 7 and 8. However, the gondola’s operations face a challenge because of a local who isn’t happy with a new townhome development.
CBS Colorado reports that a local resident wants a new luxury home development to be stopped due to its proximity to the BreckConnect Gondola. Local resident Richard Himmelstein argues that the new homes didn’t follow the plan the town approved, as they are in the vicinity of the gondola’s airspace. He says it makes operating the lift dangerous.
“I just want everyone to follow the rules and ensure that safety is paramount…
When you have a gondola operating, and you have people estimated 80 feet off the ground, and you’ve got to evacuate them, and a building is on fire, it’s very dangerous because it’s traveling above a potential fire… I just want everyone to follow the rules and ensure that safety is paramount,” said Himmelstein.
In response to his request, the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board is assessing the situation. While they haven’t ruled on the potential violation yet, one possible outcome is the forced closure of the lift.
“In the case that the noncompliance creates an unreasonable safety hazard for continued operation, the board may issue an order to cease operation of the tramway,” said the Board.
The issue is scheduled for discussion at the Tramway Safety Board’s meeting on November 4th. Breckenridge’s projected opening date is November 6th.
Vail’s Response
Vail Resorts is aware of the situation and says it did its own research on whether it was a hazard. In a response to the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board, they stated it doesn’t impact operations or add any hazards.
“Breckenridge Ski Area respectfully denies any violation of the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Practice Act or the Rules of the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board,” said Adam Pino, Lift Maintinence Director at the ski resort. “Most importantly, no tramway safety concern, operational issue, or clearance conflict has been created as a result of the completed construction.”
The Town of Breckenridge and Independence Townhomes, the developer behind the new homes, didn’t respond to comments from CBS Colorado.
Could It Actually Shut Down?
Probably not, as those with real experience in the field say this situation is not a risk to the public. One perspective on YouTube came from someone who claims to have run the lift:
“Used to run the Breck Connect, and there is PLENTY of clearance over the townhomes in the event of a fire. Also if there was a fire, the gondola doesn’t stop running, and guests would be cleared from the line swiftly at Shock Hill, Peak 7, and Peak 8. The haul rope, sheaves, and sheave assemblies can withstand high temps for a pretty generous amount of time, so there’s also that. I don’t think this guy knows how evacs work and are performed. No one at Shock Hill has ever complained, and the gondola is even closer to structures there.”
Others quickly pointed out that Himmelstein has had runs with the town, a real estate developer, and the ski resort over the Peak 8 development for years. His large chunk of land at the ski resort, Tailor Lode, is also labeled as a “private area,” meaning people can’t go in.
So if you have a trip planned or are thinking of going to Breckenridge this winter, I’d say it’s more likely than not the gondola will remain unscathed from this local drama.
Image/Video Credits: CBS Colorado, Breckenridge Resort
