Gondola Project
Our Lady of the Rockies Gondola Project
For decades, Our Lady of the Rockies has stood high above Butte as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the community that made her possible. Now, Our Lady of the Rockies Gondola Project looks toward her future—creating a new way for residents and visitors alike to experience one of Montana’s most remarkable landmarks.
Today, approximately 4,000 people visit Our Lady of the Rockies each year. Tours are offered seasonally during the summer months and frequently operate at capacity, limiting the number of people who are able to make the journey.
The proposed gondola would transform that experience by providing convenient, year round access to Our Lady of the Rockies while creating an attraction unlike anything else in the region.
More Than a Ride to the Top
The journey itself will become part of the experience.
As visitors travel toward Our Lady, they’ll be treated to sweeping views of Butte, the surrounding valley, and the Continental Divide. At the top, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Our Lady up close while gaining access to the Continental Divide Trail and thousands of acres of surrounding public lands.
Projected ridership is estimated to exceed 200,000 visitors annually, transforming Our Lady into a year-round destination and creating a major new tourism asset for Butte and Southwest Montana.
The vision extends far beyond transportation. The gondola project is designed to create a world-class visitor experience that brings together three stories that are uniquely Butte: the inspiring story of Our Lady, the extraordinary history and culture of the Mining City, and the natural magnificence of the Continental Divide.
A powerful Economic Opportunity for Butte
The gondola represents an investment not only in Our Lady of the Rockies, but in the future of the entire community of Butte.
An economic impact study estimates the project could generate approximately $114.5 million in direct and indirect local impact, including construction-related activity.
The impact continues long after construction is complete. The average daily visitor spends approximately $180 on lodging, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and other local experiences. With the potential to bring more than 200,000 additional visitors to the area each year, the gondola would create significant opportunities for local businesses while strengthening Butte’s position as a Montana tourism destination.
More visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, exploring Uptown, shopping with local businesses, discovering our rich history, and experiencing everything Butte has to offer.
The gondola has the potential to become an economic driver whose benefits reach far beyond the mountain.
Connecting Our Past to Our Future
Our Lady of the Rockies was made possible because a community came together around an extraordinary idea. The gondola carries that same spirit forward.
By improving access, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation, supporting local businesses, and sharing the stories that make Butte unlike anywhere else, the gondola project has the potential to introduce an entirely new generation to Our Lady of the Rockies.
About the Project
The proposed gondola will begin at a base station located off Continental Drive, adjacent to Skyline Park, creating a convenient and accessible starting point for visitors.
From the base station, the gondola route will follow the I-15 corridor toward a turn station. From there, the gondola cars will travel over I-15 and ascend the East Ridge toward Our Lady of the Rockies.
The completed system will provide a scenic journey from the valley floor to the Continental Divide, making a visit to Our Lady more accessible to people of different ages and abilities while dramatically expanding opportunities to experience the mountain throughout each season.
How to Get Involved
Just as Our Lady herself was built through the determination and generosity of a community, the next chapter of her story will take a community, too.
Whether you’re a lifelong Butte resident, a Montana business owner, an outdoor recreation enthusiast, or simply someone who loves Our Lady and what she represents, there is a place for you in this effort.
Make a Donation
Every contribution helps move the gondola project closer to becoming a reality.
Gifts of any size help build momentum while demonstrating to investors, grant makers, and other potential funding partners that the Butte community stands behind this project. Donations will directly support the continued work necessary to move the gondola forward.
Volunteer
Our Lady of the Rockies has always been powered by people willing to give their time, talents, and energy, and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
We welcome volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts, trail maintenance, bake sales, community events, and other activities supporting Our Lady and the gondola project.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at shop@ourladyoftherockies.org to learn about current opportunities.
Invest in the Vision
The gondola project is being structured to attract private investment alongside community and fundraising effort.
Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about investment opportunities are invited to request our investor prospectus, which provides additional information about the project and opportunities for participation.
To request an investor prospectus or discuss investment opportunities, please contact the Board President, Ron Gallardo, at rmgallardo73@gmail.com.
Help us reach the summit.
This project represents and opportunity to make Our Lady more accessible, strengthen Butte’s economy, expand outdoor recreation, and share one of Montana’s most remarkable stories with hundreds of thousands of new visitors.
Donate. Volunteer. Invest. Share the vision.
Together, we can help create the next chapter in the story of Our Lady of the Rockies.
