“I want to ride the red one!” I shouted to my dad, with an owl plushie tucked securely in my arms. I was getting ready to ride my favorite gondola, the ‘skittles’. They were never the most convenient, and never the fastest option, but it made time on the mountain memorable. In the summer of 2027, those ‘skittles’ will disappear.
When I first moved to Snowmass, I lived within a 10-minute walk of the small, colorful gondolas. I would venture over to the mountain just to ride up and down. I wasn’t alone; during the summer concert series, the rides were free entertainment for all of my friends. It was 160 feet of wonder. My first memories in the valley were formed in those small cabins.
In 2005, Aspen Ski Co built the Sky Cab Gondola, a small set of 12 cars to connect Snowmass Base Village with the mall. The cars were colorful, ranging from red, blue, yellow, and green, giving them the nickname of the skittles. The Sky Cab quickly became an attraction for the small kids who came to visit and the adults who appreciated its whimsical nature.
The best color of the Skittles has always been a fun debate in Aspen. Around 31 percent of AHS students report that they prefer the Blue. Red was a close second.
The removal of this gondola coincides with a trend of modernization across the four mountains. The impending destruction of Lift One is one example of changing times for a town rooted in history. Luxury hotels are consistently replacing the classic chairs and gondolas that hold decades of history.
Skiing fuels the trip to the mountain, but the real thing to look forward to is the conversation and laughter on the way. Snowboarding and skiing are rooted in the connections and experiences they offer. What brings people back to Aspen every year is the space to see beautiful mountains while spending time with people in a unique way.
Snowmass Town Council reportedly cited the speed of the skittles as the reason for their removal. The ride takes approximately three minutes and frequently slows and stops. Regardless, they served their purpose effectively. The ride was free and gave a view of Fanny Hill without the need for a pass.
In a mountain full of sleek silver and black chairs and gondolas, the skittles encapsulated the joy that brings people to the mountain. The colors were more than paint; they were laughter, happiness and connection. The Sky Cab is a symbol of the individuality and expression that snow sports promote. The skittles may no longer be there, but the memories made will live on forever.
