local
Mack: One valley, one plan, one gondola
By Peter Mack at Aspen Times
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
Some of the most impactful conversations of my life have happened on the gondola — with friends, family and strangers. Imagine that gondola camaraderie woven into daily life in Aspen , not just powder days.
Aspen is about to spend $410 million improving employee housing and nearly a billion mor...
Key takeaway The ledger is staggering: an airport rebuild, the Lumberyard, the Entrance to Aspen, a school bond, the Armory, a new Castle Creek Bridge and a separate RFTA rail-corridor study penciled in for 2028 — well over $1.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The proposal for a modern gondola in the Entrance to Aspen corridor raises crucial questions about the city's long-term planning and infrastructure priorities. With over $1.5 billion in projects slated for the next decade, including the airport rebuild and the Lumberyard housing development, it's clear that Aspen's growth and development are at a crossroads. The gondola option, estimated to cost between $400-600 million, could potentially alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the city's reliance on fossil fuels, while also preserving the Marolt Open Space. As the city moves forward with these ambitious projects, it's essential to consider the potential benefits of a unified, valley-wide plan that prioritizes sustainability and connectivity. The gondola proposal offers a unique opportunity for Aspen to rethink its transportation systems and create a more livable, environmentally conscious community for both residents and visitors.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Some of the most impactful conversations of my life have happened on the gondola — with friends, family and strangers. Imagine that gondola camaraderie woven into daily life in Aspen, not just powder days.
Aspen is about to spend $410 million improving employee housing and nearly a billion mor...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter Mack at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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