Connect Winter Park Gondola Proposal
The Connect Winter Park gondola is a proposed project designed to link downtown Winter Park with Winter Park Resort. It represents a major step toward improving access, reducing traffic, and creating a more connected mountain town experience.
This project is part of a broader vision to transform Winter Park into a more connected, pedestrian-friendly destination.
Proposed Route And Stations
The Connect Winter Park gondola is a proposed project designed to link downtown Winter Park with Winter Park Resort. It represents a major step toward improving access, reducing traffic, and creating a more connected mountain town experience.
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A downtown Winter Park gondola station near the Main Street/downtown area
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A resort gondola base station with a rail connection at the resort’s passenger rail platform
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Connectivity ties into Cooper Creek Village and the Cooper Creek Transit Center (bus connections)
Project Overview
The proposed gondola would run between downtown Winter Park and the base of Winter Park Resort, providing a direct, efficient route for visitors and residents.
Key goals of the project include:
- Improve access between downtown and the resort
- Reduce vehicle congestion and parking demand
- Support economic growth and redevelopment
- Create a more walkable, connected community
Town leadership has described the gondola as a central feature in a larger redevelopment effort that connects the east and west sides of Winter Park through a pedestrian-focused corridor.
Current Status
Connect Winter Park remains in the planning phase, but the project continues to move forward as part of the town’s long-term development strategy.
The Town of Winter Park, Winter Park Resort, and development partners are actively working through planning, coordination, and funding considerations. Recent updates highlight that the gondola is being positioned as a key piece of a multi-year transformation of the downtown area.
While progress is being made, construction on the gondola itself has not yet started.
Funding And Infrastructure
The gondola is being evaluated alongside broader infrastructure improvements tied to Winter Park's redevelopment.
Discussions have included the use of public financing tools to support community-benefiting infrastructure, such as transportation, public spaces, and connectivity improvements. This could include mechanisms such as tax increment-style funding tied to future development.
These funding strategies are still being evaluated as part of the overall project planning.
Timeline And Construction Outlook
Winter Park Resort has indicated that development activity tied to the broader Winter Park Unlocked initiative could begin as early as summer 2026, pending approvals.
However, the Connect Winter Park gondola itself is still in the planning stage. No construction or excavation has been confirmed for the gondola at this time.
The overall timeline will depend on approvals, funding, and completion of key planning steps.
Who Is Involved
The Connect Winter Park gondola project involves coordination between several key groups, including the Town of Winter Park, Winter Park Resort, and private development partners.
Town officials are leading planning efforts and public process steps, while Winter Park Resort is involved in long-term vision and integration with the base area. Development partners are also expected to play a role in funding and surrounding infrastructure tied to future growth.
Because the project spans public land, private development, and resort operations, collaboration between these groups will be critical to moving the gondola from planning into execution.
What Happens Next
Recent updates outline several next steps before the project can move forward:
- Securing a property easement for the gondola route
- Hiring a project engineer
- Reviewing multiple landing area design options
- Presenting plans to the town council
- Gathering public feedback
These steps will help determine the final design, feasibility, and timeline for the gondola.
Important Note
All details are subject to change as planning, approvals, and funding progress. The Connect Winter Park gondola remains in the planning phase, and timelines or scope may shift as new information becomes available. This page will be updated as the Town of Winter Park and Winter Park Resort release official updates.