Heavenly gondola temporarily closed ahead of Saturday's storm due to mechanical issue
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The gondola at Heavenly Mountian will be temporarily closed due to a mechanical issue, the ski resort announced Thursday.
Skiers and snowboarders will not be able to catch a ride up the gondola after maintenance workers found a problem with one of the bearings in the high-speed shaft.
The resort said the gondola has never been unsafe to operate, but they will be taking precautions and replacing the bearing early before they become a bigger issue.
The maintenance team worked with the manufacturer to get the replacement bearing shipped overnight.
The resort said in an update on Friday that when they receive the part, they will begin work to repair it. This could happen as soon as Friday but it is unknown when the gondola will reopen.
The Stagecoach lift is set to open on Saturday morning. The North Bowl Express and Olympic Express could also open next week.
The ski resort added that the snow-making team has been making snow around the clock thanks to the drop in temperatures. This includes the Nevada side of the mountain.
Anyone looking to hit the mountain this weekend and park at the California Base will need a reservation.
