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Gondola One

Experience smooth, scenic gondola rides at Gondola One in Vail, Colorado. Explore spectacular hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and breathtaking views with a 4.6-star rating. Perfect for summer and winter outdoor adventures.

Vail, CO 81657, United States View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 140 recent guest reviews
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet Toilet Credit cards Debit cards
What recent guests emphasize

Gondola One Ski Resort

Guests appreciate the scenic gondola rides and access to hiking and skiing activities, highlighting the smooth operation and beautiful mountain views. While prices for passes are regarded as high by some, the overall experience is considered rewarding.

Guests often praise

  • Scenic and well-maintained gondola rides offering stunning views of mountains and valleys.
  • Access to excellent hiking trails and bike routes from the top stations.
  • Friendly and helpful staff assisting with passes and information.
  • Smooth and stable gondola cabins that comfortably fit groups.
  • Good transportation connections including shuttles between gondola points.

Worth knowing

  • Day passes and ski passes can be expensive, with prices noted as a downside by several guests.
  • Weather conditions like intermittent rain are fairly common in summer months and may affect outdoor activities.
  • Gondola rides provide great summer experiences but are typically more associated with skiing in winter.
  • Some guests suggest the gondola is best used as transportation to hiking rather than as an attraction alone.

Best for

  • Outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking and biking access on the mountain.
  • Skiers looking for a reliable and scenic lift system during winter.
  • Families and groups wanting nature excursions with smooth, accessible gondola rides.
  • Visitors comfortable with premium pricing for quality mountain experiences.
  • Guests valuing well-supported outdoor activities with shuttle options.
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About this property

Welcome to Gondola One

Gondola One, nestled in the scenic expanse of Vail, Colorado, stands out as a premier mountain transportation experience with a solid 4.6-star rating. This gondola serves as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking hiking and biking trails around the mountain, attracting outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore Vail’s natural beauty.

Many visitors praise the smooth and stable ride, describing it as a well-constructed gondola that comfortably fits ten passengers. The journey offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, making the ascent as rewarding as the adventures that await at the summit.

While some guests note that the $60-$65 day pass may seem steep, the consensus is that the cost is justified by the access it provides. Hiking routes from Gondola One to neighboring gondolas create exhilarating loops, combining physical activity with awe-inspiring vistas. Many travelers find joy in combining the ride with hiking and biking, transforming a simple gondola trip into a full day of memorable exploration.

Service at the ticket counter receives positive remarks, with staff members like Todd highlighted for their helpful and friendly assistance, smoothing the process of acquiring passes such as the Epic Pass.

Seasonal appeal adds to Gondola One’s charm: winter visitors revel in skiing and snowboarding access, while summer guests enjoy hiking and mountain biking trails that traverse lush terrain and wind through the crisp mountain air. Though rain showers can occasionally interrupt summer outings, they only add to the refreshing mountain experience, enhancing the natural atmosphere rather than detracting from it.

Overall, Gondola One offers an impeccably maintained ride framed by spectacular views and versatile outdoor activities. It is a must-try for anyone seeking an immersive connection with Vail’s alpine environment, whether for a day hike, a biking expedition, or simply to savor the scenery from above.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Toilet
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Good for kids
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

A
Andy Dec 09, 2025
10

$65 per person for a day pass gondola. It was worth it to access all the nice hiking trails that loop around the mountain and go up and down the mountain as well. Be mindful that in Aug it could rain periodically before stopping. Gondola runs smoothly and is well maintained.

KC
Kauai Cakery Dec 04, 2025
10

Expensive but worth it! We hiked from the first gondola to the second one & it was super fun and had beautiful views all the way up to the top.

TFA
The Foodie Architect Nov 27, 2025
10

A well constructed gondola. Fits 10 people. Ru a super smooth and stable. First time here in summer, it’s great way to explore the mountain by bike or hike. The ride up here is a treat. Beautiful valley and views of mountains.

KG
Kason G Nov 17, 2025
10

Grateful to have had the gondola to provide transportation up to the top of the mountain, but man is it a bit pricey if all you're wanting to do is go hiking higher up on the mountain.

AR
A R Nov 08, 2025
10

We have ridden Gondola One a bunch of times during the winter. This was our first summer experience. While it is expensive at $60 per person, we had a great time hiking both uphill and downhill once we arrived at the top of the gondola station. This is definitely a worthwhile experience to try at least once during the summertime.

7V
76 vortex Nov 05, 2025
8.0

Great place to ski and enjoy the vale. Ski pass was around $360 that’s a lot for a pass to ski everything else was good.

NH
Nhien Hoang Oct 12, 2025
10

Todd at the counter was very helpful and friendly. He helped us get the epic pass within minutes! We took Gondola 1 up, chose your hiking route to Gondola 19 to go down, shuttle available every 10 mins to bring you back to Gondola 1. Highly recommend!

SA
Sinica Aluculesei Sep 16, 2025
10

We went up with gondola one from vail village hiked about a mile to the other gondola and came down and visited lionhead village. The views are incredible. It was worth the price.

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