In the heart of the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada, lies the breathtaking Sea to Sky Gondola. This popular tourist attraction is located in the city of Squamish and is surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Pacific Ocean. However, the gondola has become a subject of controversy in recent years as it fell victim to a vandal attack that initially took place in 2019, and again in 2020.
In this blog post, we will explore in detail what happened to the Sea to Sky Gondola, the impact of the incident on tourists, the investigation, and strategies put in place for restoration.
Background
The Sea to Sky Gondola is an aerial cable-car system that opened in 2014, providing sweeping views of the Howe Sound and the surrounding area. The gondola operates year-round, offering tourists a unique and stunning experience of the spectacular panoramic views of Squamish.
However, on August 10th, 2019, the gondola’s cable was deliberately severed, and all 30 of the cabins plummeted to the ground. The incident took place late at night and fortunately, nobody was inside the cabins during the time of the incident.
The vandalism of the Sea to Sky Gondola was a shock to the community, especially for those who relied on the attraction for tourism income. Initially, the Squamish RCMP had no leads regarding the perpetrators of the incident, but the evidence pointed towards sabotage or a targeted attack.
The Impact of the Incident
Following the vandalism, the Squamish Resort Association had to re-think its strategy to lure tourists back to the area. The gondola’s temporary closure had a significant impact on the livelihood of many tourism businesses in the area that relied on the attraction to remain profitable. Guests who planned to visit the gondola during the summer of 2019 had to seek alternative adventures in the area.
One of the ways the tourism industry tried to cope with the impact of the gondola’s closure was to create new experiences focused on local activities. Squamish gained revenue from local events such as bike races and hikes that marketed and promoted other outdoor adventures in the region.
The Investigation
The police launched an investigation immediately after the incident and spent weeks analyzing the evidence with the hope of catching the culprits. A similar incident occurred once again on September 14th, 2020, where the cable was severed again, this time in three locations instead of one.
During the investigation, the officials established that the culprits committed both acts of vandalism at night. The culprits also left no fingerprints at either scene, making it challenging to identify them. The suspects walked through the woods surrounding the gondola to the towers before cutting the cable by hand.
Strategies put in place for Restoration
Following the incident, the Sea to Sky Gondola had to work around the clock to come up with a plan for restoration. The biggest challenge was replacing the 30 cabins used to ferry people back and forth from Squamish to the summit station.
Initially, the Squamish Resort Association stated that the gondola would reopen in the spring of 2020. However, the second act of vandalism that occurred in September of that year affected the restoration process further.
Due to the time taken to restore the gondola, the company had to hike the prices of lift passes to compensate for the losses during the temporary closure. The prices were significantly higher, but tourists still visited the gondola once it opened in February 2020.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, the vandalism of the Sea to Sky Gondola was a shock to many tourists, community members, and businesses that rely on the tourism industry. These acts of vandalism had severe economic, social, and emotional impacts on the people of Squamish and British Columbia as a whole.
Despite this setback, the gondola was restored and reopened and continues to attract tourists from around the world. The incident is a reminder of the importance of protecting our cherished landmarks and structures and ensuring that they are safe for the public to use.
FAQ
How much did it cost to fix the Sea to Sky Gondola?
The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, British Columbia was the victim of an act of sabotage on August 10, 2019, when someone intentionally cut the gondola cable, causing all 30 cabins to crash to the ground. This created an emergency situation that required immediate attention from the gondola company.
After the incident, the company began the long and expensive process of repairing the damage and restoring the gondola to its former state. The repair process was extensive and required many resources. It took six months, four kilometres of new cable, and 30 replacement cars to get the gondola up and running again.
The cost of repairing the Sea to Sky Gondola was substantial. According to the CEO of the gondola company, the total cost of repairing the gondola was more than $5 million. The company had to spend a significant amount of money on new parts, new equipment, and labour to fix the damage.
The cost of fixing the gondola was not only limited to repairs; the incident had a significant impact on the local economy too. The temporary closure of the gondola resulted in a loss of tourism revenue, affecting the livelihoods of many people who relied on the gondola for their business. The repair process was, therefore, necessary not only for the gondola company but also for the local economy.
Repairing the Sea to Sky Gondola was a complex and costly process that required a significant investment in time, money, and resources. The total cost of repairing the gondola was more than $5 million, and it took six months to complete. Nevertheless, getting the gondola back up and running was vital for the local economy and the thousands of people who enjoy the stunning views from the top on a daily basis.
Where is the longest gondola in the US?
The longest gondola in the United States is located at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho. The gondola stretches an impressive 3.1 miles from Kellogg’s downtown area to the summit of Silver Mountain. The resort is a year-round destination with activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
The gondola at Silver Mountain Resort is not only the longest in the US, but also in all of North America. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the summit on the gondola, during which time visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
The resort offers a variety of activities and amenities at the summit, including several dining options, a spa, and a variety of outdoor activities such as zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking. In the winter, the resort boasts excellent ski and snowboarding terrain, with over 1,600 acres of skiable area and over 70 named runs.
Silver Mountain Resort is easily accessible by car and is located just east of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and approximately 80 miles southeast of Spokane, Washington. There are also several shuttle services available from nearby cities and airports.
Silver Mountain Resort’s gondola is an impressive feat of engineering and provides visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are visiting for the skiing and snowboarding in the winter or the outdoor activities in the summer, a ride on the gondola is a must-see when visiting this beautiful resort.
How far shannon falls from Sea to Sky Gondola?
The distance between Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola is approximately 7 kilometers or 4.3 miles. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is home to some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the Squamish region, and it is an extremely popular destination for hikers and tourists alike. The Sea to Sky Gondola, located just a short drive away, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound.
To get from Shannon Falls to the Sea to Sky Gondola, one can either drive or hike. The most popular hiking trail that connects the two is the Sea to Summit Trail, which is a 7.5-kilometer (4.7-mile) trail that starts at the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola and ends at the summit. The trail is rated as moderate, and it takes an average of 3-4 hours to complete the round trip.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a popular destination among tourists who are interested in experiencing the beauty of Squamish from high above. The gondola ride takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound. The summit also has several hiking trails and a suspension bridge that visitors can explore.
All in all, the distance between Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola may not be too far, but the experience of traveling between them is what makes it truly remarkable. Whether you choose to hike or take the gondola, the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Squamish will undoubtedly make the journey worth it.