Homewood Mountain Resort in California has provided an update on its plans for a major upgrade to its infrastructure, with the announcement of a new gondola slated to open in the 2026/27 ski season.
According to a recent social media post, the resort is on track to begin installation of the gondola in 2026, pending the necessary permits. The gondola’s towers and cabins have already been delivered and are currently stored in Sparks, Nevada.
Additionally, a generator and terminal components have been delivered to Homewood. The California Tram Board has approved permits for the gondola, as has Placer County for the project’s substantial conformance.
However, the resort is still awaiting approval for the building permits for the surrounding gondola structures from Placer County. Once those permits are granted, work will begin on site preparation, including tree removal along the gondola route. Installation of the gondola itself will follow, including grading and foundation work for the lift towers and terminals.
In preparation for the gondola’s installation, Homewood also plans to remove the Madden Chairlift. The resort has set a target of 2025 for the tree removal and grading processes to ensure everything is ready for the gondola’s planned installation in 2026.
The resort’s path to the gondola has not been without challenges. At the start of the 2024/25 ski season, rumors about the resort’s potential privatization caused controversy in the Tahoe area. After a decade-old infrastructure plan was rejected by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the resort’s financial backer withdrew support, leading to the closure of Homewood for the season.
Amid concerns over the future of the resort and public access to it, Homewood made revisions to its master plan. Following a meeting with the TRPA and further adjustments, the resort’s updated plan was approved in January 2025, which includes the construction of the new gondola.
The resort has committed to reopening for the 2025/26 ski season, and season passes are currently on sale.