Previously known as our aerial tram, the Sterling Aerial Gondola offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its custom design and unique engineering, manufactured by Doppelmayr. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Sterling Aerial Gondola is its custom design. Unlike traditional ski lifts operating on a straight up-and-down trajectory, the Sterling Aerial Gondola utilizes unique angles and a triangular profile. This design allows for greater privacy during the ride, as cabins do not pass each other frequently, resulting in a more secluded experience for guests and stellar views of the Napa Valley. This innovative system will not only create a more intimate experience for our guests, but it also showcases advanced technology in gondola systems.
In this blog post, we'll take you through the inner workings of the Sterling Aerial Gondola, highlighting its unique features and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at its operations.
The Drive Terminal
 |
 |
The heart of the Sterling Aerial Gondola lies in its drive
terminal, where the cabins attach and detach from the haul rope allowing guests to load and unload safely. As cabins enter and exit the terminal, the grips pass through the compression rail that either clamps or unclamps the grips from the haul rope. The haul rope then drops down, going through the bull wheel.
The Bull Wheel
 |
 |
The giant red bull wheel, which is about 22 feet in diameter, plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Sterling Aerial Gondola. As the electric motor feeds the gearbox, it turns the bull wheel, which sets all the other components in motion within the drive terminal.
The Center Carriage and Tension System
The center carriage, situated on wheels inside the terminal's beams, is responsible for maintaining tension on the haul rope. As cabins and people are added, increasing the system’s overall weight, the hydraulic rams adjust to ensure consistent tension. This modern tension system replaces the old method of using a large concrete counterweight, providing a more efficient and precise means of maintaining tension.
Controlling the Grip
 |
 |
As the grip progresses through the terminal, a series of tires, belts, and pulleys control its speed. These components are designed to slow down the cabin as it approaches the loading or exiting platform, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for guests.
Unique Angles
 |
 |
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Sterling Aerial Gondola is its custom design. Unlike traditional ski lifts operating on a straight up-and-down trajectory, the Sterling Aerial Gondola utilizes unique angles and a triangular profile. This allows for greater privacy during the ride, as cabins do not pass each other frequently, resulting in a more secluded experience for guests and stellar views of the Napa Valley.
Safety and Maintenance
Safety is paramount in the operation of the Sterling Aerial Gondola. Therefore, the terminal has numerous safety switches and a full emergency cord. In addition, there is a maintenance bay where technicians can service and maintain the grips and cabins, ensuring optimal performance. Our team will issue pre-operation inspections every morning to ensure the system is ready for guests.
