Crystal Mountain, USA
Crystal Mountain in Washington state (www.skicrystal.com) is one of the few resorts in the world adding a new gondola this winter.
The new Doppelmayr built $5.5 million gondola connects ruins over the ski area's full vertical from the base to the ski area's summit, replacing a journey that used to require two successive chairlift rides and cutting journey time down to nine minutes.
The new lift, with a capacity of 450 skiers and boarders per hour, offers views across to the famous Mt. Rainier peak and has been named after it. As well as snow sports it will provide access to the mountain top for evening diners and for non-skiers.
The Gondola will also serve as a backup when the Rainier Express chair is not able to run due to high winds.