Owners of the $71 million Mighty Argo Cable Car in Idaho Springs, which will soon haul visitors 1.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet above Clear Creek, have scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony for April 24.
The ambitious project has been under construction since October 2024. It will have 27 10-person gondola cabins, five of which are mountain bike carriers. Four of the gondola cars have glass bottoms. It was built by Doppelmayr, a prominent ski lift manufacturer based in Austria and Switzerland.
“I’m speechless,” said Loevlie, reflecting on the opening. “I don’t think itap hit me yet. Until we open to the public, and until I see that ribbon cut — I get goosebumps thinking about it. Itap been a long road.”
The invitation-only VIP ribbon cutting is set for the morning of April 24. That afternoon, the gondola will be open to Idaho Springs residents only. The owners have not settled on an opening date for the general public.
The upper terminal will feature a three-level facility with three food and beverage options, a terraced amphitheater and an observation trestle. That area is called The Outpost.
“The Outpost will have amazing elevated food and beverage options, Colorado-style,” Loevlie said.
Loevlie also is co-owner of the Argo Mill, a gold mill dating back to the early 20th century that now functions as a museum. The lower terminal of the gondola is located just east of the mill.
A network of mountain biking and hiking trails is being built in a ravine under the gondola. The Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is a collaborative venture involving the city, the Mighty Argo Cable Car owners and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association.
“You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of gold-mining history,” Loevlie said of the gondola experience. “You’ll be surrounded by gold mine workings, above the Argo Mill. Our goal is to have people feel like they’re immersed in outdoor recreation and heritage tourism.”
Loevlie said mountain bikers are expected to make up only 10% of those who ride the gondola. Marketing will be focused on the 3.5 million people who live within 35 minutes of Idaho Springs, where Loevlie has lived most of her life. One of her daughters, Annelise Loevlie, is chief executive of Icelantic skis. Another owns a tavern in town.
“I have grandkids here,” Loevlie said. “This is before the (Eisenhower) tunnel, itap not a resort. Itap meant to convey my feeling of what an authentic Colorado experience is. Idaho Springs is real Colorado.”
Updated 5:45 p.m. Tuesday: The opening date for the public has been updated.
