- According to an article in Axios, aerial gondolas could become common in urban areas of the United States. This technology typically seen in ski-resorts is being used successfully in Latin American cities for public transportation. Urban aerial gondolas took off after Medellin, Columbia built its first system in 2004. They are an appealing form of transit for many reasons. During the COVID-19 era, their ability to move a small number of riders per cabin has been particularly attractive. Several cities in the U.S. are evaluating gondolas to improve transit and connectivity, like was done with the existing Roosevelt Island Tram and Portland Tram.
- A private developer has shared plans for building a tram over Bridal Veil Falls in Utah, but it has met resistance. The developer wants to recreate a tram from the 1960’s, with a safer and improved viewing area, to connect to a luxury rehab lodge at Provo Canyon’s Bridal Veil Falls. On December 9, the Utah County Commission voted against the private development and also established a plan for a conservation easement to prevent any future private development.
- Jungfrau Railways in Switzerland has inaugurated the Eiger Express, the world’s heaviest tri-cable gondola. The 3S (tri-cable) gondola will move riders from Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier Station in just 15 minutes in the 26-seater gondola cabin. The new system saves riders 47 minutes. Eiger Express was the second phase of the V-Cableway that connected Grindelwald to the Eigergletscher mountain. The first phase was completed last year and connected Grindelwald to the Männlichen mountain.
- Killington Ski Resort in Vermont has traded manure for solar panels. In an effort to improve sustainability the resort has installed 14 AllEarth Solar Trackers, generating approximately 200,000 kWh and replacing energy previously generated from cow manure. The resort has completed 668 environmental projects since 2000.