New Colorado Gondola is the First of its Kind in the Country

Gondolas provide a quick and convenient way to access hard-to-reach spots, including the tops of ski slopes and scenic peaks in Colorado. Whether it's giving a lift to skiers, snowboarders, bikers, hikers, or sightseers, this functional mode of transportation can be used throughout the entire year.

Right now, there are 22 gondolas in the Centennial State - with one more currently in the works. Once it's finished, Colorado's brand new gondola will be the first of its kind in the country.

The plan for the Mighty Argo Cable Car is to build a 1.2-mile gondola that will haul 22 ten-person cabins up the mountain from the historic Argo Mill in Idaho Springs. According to the Denver Post, the scenic gondola will travel up Rosa Gulch, climbing 1,300 feet in elevation on the 10-minute ride. At the top, there will be pedestrian plazas, viewing decks, an observation trestle, food and beverage options and an amphitheater. The summit provides stunning views of the Continental Divide.

The $71-million project involves a unique gondola design that has been used in Europe for several years now, but will be the first of this type in the United States. Rather than catering to skiers, its specialized concept features bike haul cabins, allowing riders to load their bikes up in an efficient and vertical manner. This keeps the main cabin clean and comfortable, and gives riders extra room without bulky equipment getting in the way.

Construction on the Mighty Argo Cable Car gondola began on July 25, 2024 and is expected to be completed by March 2026. It's set to operate all year-round.

Idaho Springs hopes the new gondola will give a boost to local tourism.