Homewood, CA, New Gondola Update: Resort Expects Completion by 2026-27 Season

Homewood Mountain Resort’s highly anticipated gondola project is progressing steadily toward construction, with an official opening targeted for the 2026-27 ski season. According to an update posted on the resort’s official website, the Homewood Gondola has secured key regulatory milestones, including full approvals from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the California Tramway Board, and substantial conformance approval from Placer County as of April 18. The team is now working toward securing building permits and scheduling construction.

• Related: Homewood Mountain Resort, CA, Plans to Reopen for 2025-26 Season Without New Gondola

The gondola, which will connect the lakefront base with a new mid-mountain lodge near the existing Madden Chair, promises to transform the guest experience. Once complete, the lift will take skiers and sightseers over Lake Tahoe with panoramic views, streamlined access to terrain, and enhanced beginner zones at higher elevations, where snow quality and scenery are typically better.

All gondola components including cabins, towers, terminals, and a generator are already on hand, stored either onsite or in Sparks, Nevada. Site preparation, including tree removal and foundational grading, is scheduled to begin as soon as permits are issued.

Homewood describes the project as a step toward creating “an inspiring and scenic learning environment,” with a special focus on families and new skiers. The new lift will also replace the aging Madden Chair, which will be retired as part of the project.

Pending final approvals, construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the lift expected to debut for public use in winter 2026-27.

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