Stone Creek Proposing To Construct And Operate A Gondola
Stone Creek is proposing to construct and operate a gondola along with a day lodge, trail networks, viewing platforms, suspension bridge and associated utility services infrastructure as part of the Silvertip Integrated Village Resort.
The Gondola Project proposes a Gondola connecting the base area of Silvertip to an upper terminal on the summit ridge of Mount Lady MacDonald, via a mid-station integrated with the Silvertip Resort Village. The Gondola Project spans lands administered by three jurisdictions: Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Public Land, and land within the Town of Canmore.
Summary of Proposal
The Gondola Project proposes a passenger aerial ropeway system (Gondola) connecting the base area of Silvertip to an upper terminal on the summit ridge of Mount Lady MacDonald, via a mid-station integrated with the Silvertip Resort Village. The Gondola Project spans lands administered by three jurisdictions: Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Public Land, and land within the Town of Canmore.
Gondola
The Gondola will provide an accessible sightseeing, light recreation, environmental and cultural tourism opportunity to all skill levels and user groups. Enclosed cabins will enable access for all, including young families and visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. The ride from the Palliser Station Area up to the Silvertip Village Station Area would take just over 3 minutes; and the ride from the Silvertip Village Station Area up to the Summit Lodge Area would take around 7 minutes.
The Lower Gondola (the Palliser Base Area to the Village Station Area), will enable residents, staff, and visitors the optionality to utilize the Lower Gondola as a sustainable and convenient transit facility, independent of the Upper Gondola (the Village Station Area to the Summit Lodge Area). The Lower Gondola will be operated for longer hours and during difficult weather events when the Upper Gondola may not be operating. The Lower Gondola will allow visitors, staff, and residents to make the journey to the Silvertip Village Resort without an automobile which will reduce emissions, benefit the environment, alleviate traffic congestion, and provide convenience for users.
Summit Lodge Area
The day lodge at the upper Summit Lodge Area will provide a variety of education and commercial services for guests. Educational awareness opportunities may include wildlife conservation/human co-existence programs, environmental stewardship, and responsible wilderness skills. Food and beverage services will provide for indoor public dining and a versatile space that can accommodate the public, groups, or local events. A full-service bar, espresso bar and lounge, and a large outdoor viewing deck and patio area are proposed.
Guest services, supplementary retail, and accessible restrooms will also be included. There will be no overnight facilities provided as part of the Summit Lodge. Iconic yet sensitive architecture will be important for creating a unique experience while ensuring alignment with Silvertip’s overall vision.
Summit Trail Network
The Gondola Project also includes the creation of a new trail network located completely within the Summit Lodge Area. The network will provide access to easy walking and interpretive trails, and several mountain top viewing areas. The Gondola Project proposes several viewing platforms on the east side of the Summit Lodge Area, as well as suspension bridge spanning over a natural escarpment. Designed as a loop, the well-defined trail network will provide guidance for the visitors in allowing a maximized experience while ensuring a smooth flow of pedestrian traffic.
