Detachable Gondola
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How it works: Cabins detach from the moving rope as they enter the terminal. Inside the station, they slow down on a rail system, allowing passengers to load/unload safely. Then they reattach to the rope and accelerate back to line speed.
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Key benefits: Faster rope speeds which means shorter ride times, slower loading/unloading which is safer and easier for families, beginners, or people with gear, and more cabins can be spaced flexibly to increase capacity
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Where you see them: Most modern gondolas at major resorts, especially high-traffic ones.
Fixed-Grip Gondola (non-detachable)
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How it works: Cabins are permanently clamped to the rope. The rope has to move slowly enough that passengers can get on and off while the cabins pass through the terminals.
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Key traits: Slower overall speed which means longer ride times, simpler mechanics which means fewer moving parts, often lower cost to build and maintain, and lower capacity compared to detachable systems
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Where you see them: Shorter or older gondolas, sightseeing lifts, or places where speed isn’t critical.
In short: Detachable gondolas equals faster, higher capacity, and more comfortable. Fixed-grip gondolas equal simpler, slower, and lower cost.
