Now THIS will be one heck of a ride ...

[Minuteman3]

Just got an email from Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Area (we have a time share there) announcing a gondola that will go from the top of one mountain to the other.

Here's some specs:

Speed
7.5 meters per second.

Ride Time
approximately 11 min.

Total Distance
4.4km (straight line)

Length of Unsupported Span
3.024km (straight line between the two towers that are furthest apart)

Highest Point
above the ground is 415m over Fitzsimmons Creek

Number of Towers
4 (2 on Blackcomb and 2 on Whistler)

There's some more info here: http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/p2pg/home.html including some artist's pictures and a pretty dramatic set of videos.

If my conversion is correct, that's about a 1.25 mile ride without a tower, with about 1,200 feet "drop" to the ground!! WOW!!

Supposed to be done in '08 and we usually go sometime around Christmas. Talk about a thrill ride ...

On a nice day, I can just imagine the photo ops ...

Cheers!!

Ken

 

[Blair]

YES!!!! It is about time!!!!

Cafe collective shoot from the gondola?

 

[seafoxfla]

Nice ride, looks like the're starting to gear up for the 2010 Winter Games.

 

[Gale]

wow

 

[jaymc]

It makes the #1 rated ski resort in North America even better. Good to hear!

- Jay :474:

 

[bozola]

Way cool. Can't wait to do that!.
BTW..3.024km = 1.890265 miles

 

[Minuteman3]

Way cool. Can't wait to do that!.
BTW..3.024km = 1.890265 miles

Gulp!! That's a long ride between poles!! Can you imagine what it would be like in a windstorm or other nasty weather?

(Although, I have no doubt there will be very specific constraints on the usage in marginal weather ... after all, there are lawyers in Canada ...!!)

Would be fun to get a group together. Certainly would be unique!!

Cheers!!

Ken

 

[Pradipta Dutta]

That will be on heck of a ride!

 

[TexIndian]

LOL I'll have to pack a little parachute in my back pack.