Peak2peak Gondola (Whistler, Canada)
The 4.4-kilometer Peak2peak Gondola is the only one in the world that connects two mountain peaks.
It also holds two world records.
It’s got the longest free span between ropeway towers (3.03 kilometers/1.88 miles) and it’s the gondola with the highest point above the ground (436 meters/1,430 feet).
At the opening ceremony in 2008, several Red Bull athletes base-jumped from the middle of the gondola.
Last year, another base jumper attempted an illegal jump from the same spot, but was arrested after causing $10,000 worth of damage when he forced the doors open.
Peak2peak Gondola, 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; +1 800 766 0449
Titlis Rotair (Mount Titlis, Switzerland)
The Titlis Rotair is the world’s first rotating gondola.
Passengers are whisked to the top of Mount Titlis — 3,020 meters (9,908 feet) above sea level — in just over five minutes.
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Since 2011, the cabins have also been used to ferry mountain bikers — and their bikes — to the mountain bike park on Bob’s Peak, making it New Zealand’s first gondola bike lift.
Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, Queenstown, New Zealand; +64 3 441 0101
The Ngong Ping 360 (Hong Kong)
The 5.7-kilometer Ngong Ping 360 connects the center of Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, home to Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Visitors can opt for one of two classes of cabin — standard cabins are cheapest, but more expensive ones have glass floors.
The first passengers officially stepped onboard in September 2006, though there was a minor incident before that.
During a trial run, two gondolas collided and the safety system kicked in, leaving 200 volunteers stranded high above Hong Kong for several hours.
The Ngong Ping 360, New Territories, Hong Kong; +852 3666 0606
Tamara Hinson is a UK-based freelance journalist who has written for publications and websites including the Daily Mail, the Telegraph, the Independent, the Observer, the Express, BA High Life, Sainsbury’s magazine and CNN.
