TMVOA is the primary funding source for the gondola that connects Mountain Village to the town of Telluride, providing approximately $3.5 million annually for operations and maintenance alone. In addition, TMVOA also has funded significant improvements to the system, including $6 million in 2007 and 2008 for the upgrade that is currently underway and will be completed when the gondola reopens for the 2008 summer season.

The gondola system is the first of its kind in the United States and is open 275 days per year from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, providing free transportation to residents and visitors. The gondola is 2.5 miles (or 4 km.) long and the complete trip from Mountain Village to Telluride takes approximately 13 minutes. Cabins arrive almost every minute into the terminal, carrying up to eight passengers with additional capacity to carry skis, snowboards and bikes.

While the gondola also transports ticketed skiers and snowboarders to the mountain ridge, it is primarily a free public transportation system and provides residents with an easy commute to Telluride for work, school or other needs, and allows guests to avoid the need to rent a car when visiting Mountain Village. Most remarkably, it is more convenient and timely than vehicular transportation, while offering incredible vistas and a unique transportation experience.