Such a system is called pulse cabin and usually several cabins are loaded simultaneously. In other systems the cable is slowed intermittently to allow passengers to disembark and embark the cabins at stations, and to allow people in the cars along the route to take photographs, such as Lebanon's Téléférique which offers an exceptional view to the Mediterranean, the historical Jounieh Bay and the pine forest at the 80% slope which this gondola lift goes over. Examples of a lift with three stops instead of the standard two are the Village Gondola, the Excalibur Gondolas at Whistler Blackcomb and the Skyride at Alton Towers. Gondola lifts can have intermediate stops that allow for uploading and downloading on the lift. On older installations, gondolas are accelerated manually by an operator.

To be accelerated to and decelerated from line speed, cabins are driven along by progressively swifter (or slower) rotating tires until they reach line or terminal speed. Cabins are driven through the terminals either by rotating tires, or by a chain system. Doors are almost always automatic and controlled by a lever on the roof or on the undercarriage that is pushed up or down. These grips allow the cabin to be detached from the moving cable and slowed in the terminals, to allow passengers to board and disembark. In some systems the passenger cabins, which can hold between two and fifteen people, are connected to the cable by means of spring–loaded grips. Gondola lift at the Ylläs ski resort in Lapland, Finland The Kohlerer-Bahn opened on June 29, 1908, in Bolzano, South Tyrol, the first modern aerial enclosed cable car solely for passenger service. The systems may also be referred to as cable cars. Because of the proliferation of such systems in the Alps, the Italian: Cabinovia and French: Télécabine are also used in English-language texts. The capacity, cost, and functionality of a gondola lift will differ dramatically depending on the combination of cables used for support and haulage and the type of grip (detachable or fixed). In contrast, an aerial tramway operates solely with fixed grips and simply shuttles back and forth between two end terminals. It is often considered a continuous system since it features a haul rope which continuously moves and circulates around two terminal stations. The cable is driven by a bullwheel in a terminal, which is typically connected to an engine or electric motor. It consists of a loop of steel wire rope that is strung between two stations, sometimes over intermediate supporting towers. See other Family Attractions near the Estes Park tram.A gondola lift is a means of cable transport and type of aerial lift which is supported and propelled by cables from above. It’s located near downtown Estes Park at 420 E. The tram is still operated by the family of the engineer who designed and built it, Robert Heron. For many visitors who came to Estes Park as children, it’s a nostalgic ride. Since the tramway opened in 1955 it has carried more than three million people to the summit. No reservations, so lines sometimes build up later in the day.įor those who’ve found their cell phone coverage is spotty in town and the Park, you’ll have good cell reception! But don’t bring fido – pets are not allowed.

As you are whisked up the mountain, the views expand beneath you! Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light for photos and fewer crowds. Because of the steep terrain it’s a “free span” – no support towers are needed. It’s a short, smooth ride (3.5 minutes) up 1,100 vertical feet. Kids love the observation deck with 25 cent binocular viewing. Kids 5 and under ride Free.Īt the top visit the gift shop that sells peanuts for the chipmunks and the small café. The Estes Park Aerial Tram is open from the end of May to the beginning of September from 9-6 daily, then weekends only through September – weather permitting.

Aerial tramway