If you get to the Gondola parking lot early and park close to the gondola, it's wonderful, very convenient. Whether you get off at either peak 7 or 8, you are right at the slope- no long walks. It's a great ride too just for the views.
Biggest thing is the cost to park. If you can take your resort shuttle to the start it would be best.
Took it to the Alpenglow Stube for dinner. We did not have to wait in line with the skiers, there was a special entrance for those with reservations, they gave you blankets.
Best way to get to the mountain. Free to everyone. Will accommodate strollers. My 3 year old grandson loves to ride it. Look for moose in open areas before you get to Peak 7.
It is enclosed so the ride to the top is pleasant. If the weather is cold & snowy you will be glad you are in the gondola.
We had a great time riding the Gondola. Even my 70+ mother was able to get on and off with little trouble. The view is spectacular and you can't beat the price-free!
Free ride takes you up to a great spot to get some pictures and watch some big air trick from skiers and snowboarders.
The gondola ride is so nice. The kids loved it. And the views are the best. We rode both of them one to one summit and the other across to the next summit.
By the end of the week my wife was still skiing but my knees were shot. We wanted to meet on the mountain for lunch but the question was how to do it so she would not have to ski down. The gondola is a scenic ride that serves peaks 7 and 8. If you are not skiing but only going to the restaurant there is no charge. It is also a great way to access peaks 7 and 8 for skiing but you need a lift ticket for that.
Really nice scenery (including deer, fox) and great to take advantage of this free ride if you aren't skiing. We also used in the summer to go up to the roller coaster and slide with kids. Only wish is that it would run a little later in the day for people staying on the mountain to get to/from town.