Located at the Aspen Snowmass Resort in Colorado, the Elk Camp Gondola plays an important role in transporting summer and winter visitors from the Snowmass Base Village to the Elk Camp Meadows and Elk Camp Restaurant.
This article addresses all the common questions you might have about the Elk Camp Gondola, so keep reading to find out more!
Table of Contents
- Aspen Snowmass – Elk Camp Gondola
- Activities at the Top of the Elk Camp Gondola
- How Much Does the Elk Camp Gondola Cost?
- Elk Camp Gondola Operating Hours
- Frequently Asked Questions
Aspen Snowmass – Elk Camp Gondola
The Elk Camp Gondola is an 8-person gondola that starts in the Snowmass Base Village (8,400 ft) and finishes at Elk Camp Meadows and Elk Camp Restaurant (9,765 ft).
According to the Snowmass website, the gondola takes approximately 9 minutes and rises 1,368 ft (417m) from start to finish.
Transporting skiers and snowboarders up the mountain is the main task of this gondola during the winter season.
In both summer and winter, you can also purchase a Sightseeing Ticket which includes a ride up and down the gondola.
The gondola gives you access to all the activities at the top of the mountain – and there are a lot of them. We cover these in more detail below!
Activities at the Top of the Elk Camp Gondola
Once you’ve reached the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, there are plenty of activities on offer for you to enjoy in summer and winter.
The activities below all require gondola access.
Gondola access can either be via a season pass, day lift ticket, Sight Seeing Ticket or Lost Forest Ticket.
Winter Activities
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
It goes without saying that the most popular activity in winter is skiing and snowboarding. The top of the Elk Camp Gondola provides you with access to a number of different trails on the mountain.
From here you can take the Elk Camp chairlift to Elk Camp (11,325 ft) for access to even more trails.
Most of the trails from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola are rated blue so they are perfect for intermediate skiers or beginners looking for a challenge.
2. Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
A popular non-skiing activity in winter is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
Reaching a speed of up to 28mp/h (45 km/h), this alpine coaster is over a mile long (1,609m) and offers riders an exhilarating ride with a 360-degree loop, drops and turns.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity this winter then make sure you check it out!
Gondola access is required for this activity.
3. Snowtubing
If you’re looking for another alternative activity to skiing, the mountaintop snow tubing is a great family-friendly option located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.
Snow tubing at Snowmass usually starts at the end of December and finishes in April.
Tickets can be purchased online and combo tickets, which include a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, are also available.
Gondola access is required to take part in this activity.
4. Ullr Nights
On select nights during the peak winter season, Aspen Snowmass host Ullr Nights – a winter wonderland party at Elk Camp from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
The Elk Camp Gondola transports visitors up to the Elk Camp Restaurant and Elk Camp Meadows for this event.
In addition to the complimentary activities, visitors can also ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and take part in Snow Tubing at this event.
Summer Activities
1. Lost Forest
The most popular family-friendly summer activity in Aspen Snowmass is the Lost Forest.
Below is a list of the activities on offer including at the Lost Forest:
- Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
- Climbing Wall
- Disc Golf
- Trout Hook Fishing Pond
- Treeline Trial Challenge Course
- Canopy Run Zipline Tour
More information about opening times and ticket prices can be found here.
2. Hiking
Snowmass is also home to a number of hiking trails in the summertime with many of these hiking trails starting at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.
You’ll need to purchase a Sightseeing Ticket if you’re planning on starting your hikes from the Elk Camp Meadows.
3. Disc Golf
Disc gold is one of the fastest-growing sports at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.
Disc golf is included in a Lost Forest Ticket or you can purchase a Sightseeing Ticket and take the gondola to the starting point.
4. Mountain Biking
With a growing network of mountain bike trails for riders of all abilities, Aspen Snowmass has become a popular destination for mountain bikers in summer.
Access to the mountain bike trails is via the Elk Camp Gondola and Elk Camp Chairlift.
These are just a few of the activities on offer – you can find a complete list of the activities on the Snowmass website.
How Much Does the Elk Camp Gondola Cost?
In summer and winter, you can purchase a Sightseeing Ticket which allows you to ride up and down the gondola.
At the time of writing, the cost to purchase a Sightseeing Ticket in summer is as follows:
| Ticket | Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing Single-Ride | $35 |
| Sightseeing Package* | $44 |
| Season Pass** | $139 |
*The Sightseeing Package gives you the following:
- Up to 3 days of the gondola and chairlift rides (valid 3 of 7 days) at Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola and Snowmass’s Elk Camp Gondola and Chairlift;
- 10% off Lost Forest Base or Treeline ticket
- $10 Lunch Credit valid for one-time use at one of three restaurants: the Sundeck Restaurant (top of Aspen Mountain), Ajax Tavern (base of Aspen Mountain) or Elk Camp Restaurant (top of Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass)
**The Season Pass gives you unlimited access to Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola and Snowmass’s Elk Camp Gondola and Chairlift.
More information about summer prices and opening times is available here.
At the time of writing, the cost to purchase a Sightseeing Ticket in winter is as follows:
| Ticket | Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 – 64) | $46 |
| Senior (65+) | $34 |
| Child/Teen (7 – 17) | $34 |
Note that in winter, the cost to ride the gondola is included in your day lift ticket or season pass. The Sightseeing Ticket is a separate ticket for non-skiers.
Is the Elk Camp Gondola free?
The Elk Camp Gondola is only free for children under the age of 3.
If you purchase an Adult Sightseeing Package you can enjoy one complimentary kid Sightseeing Package (ages 4 – 12).
Elk Camp Gondola Operating Hours
The gondola is open in both the summer and winter seasons.
Summer Operating Hours
In summer, the gondola is open from the end of June to the start of October. It operates from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
More information about the summer operating hours can be found on the official website here.
Winter Operating Hours
In winter, the gondola is open from the end of November to mid-April. It operates from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm with the last right down at 4:00 pm.
More information about the winter operating hours can be found on the official website here.
What time does the Snowmass gondola open?
The Elk Camp Gondola is open from 9:00 am.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Snowmass have a gondola?
Yes – the gondola in Snowmass is known as the Elk Camp Gondola.
The Elk Camp Gondola starts in the Snowmass Base Village (8,400 ft) and finishes at Elk Camp Meadows and Elk Camp Restaurant.
How long is the gondola ride in Snowmass?
The Elk Camp Gondola takes approximately 9 minutes and rises 1,368 ft (417m) from start to finish to get from the Snowmass Base Village to the Elk Camp Meadows.
Can you take a dog on the Elk Camp Gondola?
Dogs are welcome on the Elk Camp Gondola and most hiking trails during summer.
Make sure to check leash laws for individual trails before embarking.
Where do you park for the Elk Camp gondola?
The best parking place for the Elk Camp Gondola is the Base Village Parking Garage.
During winter the first hour is free with each additional hour costing $6.00. The maximum daily rate is $42.00.
Evening parking is free if you enter after 3:00 pm. However, no overnight parking is available.
The parking garage is free during the summer months.
