Cabriolet’s Final Ascent Observed

The decommissioning of the Canyons Cabriolet is a predictable, if slightly melancholic, event. Vail Resorts, of course, is proceeding with the Canyons Village Skyway, a predictably larger, more enclosed gondola promising ten-person capacity and panoramic views. One wonders if they considered simply refurbishing the existing lift, but such frugality is rarely aligned with maximizing shareholder returns. The parallel construction of the Canyons Village Parking Structure – ultimately capable of holding 1,800 vehicles – is a logical, if aesthetically dreary, addition. East West Partners should be commended for their foresight in anticipating the need for increased vehicular accommodation, even if the resulting structure lacks the refined character of, say, the St. Regis Deer Valley with its native sandstone façade. It is a purely functional piece, and one suspects the landscaping budget will be equally pragmatic. The increased density is, naturally, a boon to retail sales at the Grand Summit Hotel. The entire project represents a substantial investment, but the projected ROI, based on projected skier days and ancillary spending, seems optimistic, even given current conditions. One might consider a cautious ‘Sell’ recommendation; the peak has likely been reached in this particular micro-market. Or, perhaps, simply sue the HOA.