Ski Apache Celebrates Lift-Off of Brand New Gondola
By: Marianne Elisak
Updated: January 18, 2013
MESCALARO--- The inaugural ascent of the Apache Arrow signals the completion of $15 million in improvements that the Mascalero Apache Tribe invested in the ski resort for this season.
Marketing Director for the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Sarah Kazhe-Kirjan says that it took months to complete and on Friday morning, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to signal the opening of the new gondolas.
"It's the first in the state and the only gondola ride in New Mexico" says Kazhe-Kirjan.
Crowds formed on Friday morning for the official opening.
Leaders of the Mescalero Apache Tribe including President Frederick Chino were at Ski Apache for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"What I'm most proud of now is that now the next generation can benefit from them" says Chino.
The new gondola now rides twice as fast and hold twice as many people as before. It takes around 8 minutes to get to the top of the mountain and seats 8 people comfortably. Another thing people have been noticing is the smoothness of the ride.
Ski Apache is open 7 days a week from 9AM-4PM and the gondola is now open to the public.
