If you’ve ridden up to Anakeesta before, you probably remember the slow, scenic climb and the anticipation building as Gatlinburg faded below. That familiar journey is about to change in a big way. Anakeesta has officially announced new details about its upcoming gondola system, The Crystal Express, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most transformative upgrades in the attraction’s history.
The Crystal Express is a cornerstone of Anakeesta’s $100 million, five-year “Making More Magic” expansion, the largest investment the park has ever made. To make room for it, Anakeesta has been temporarily closed since January 5, 2026, with plans to reopen in early spring using the Ridge Rambler. The gondola itself is slated to debut later this year.
From fixed grip chondola to modern gondola system
The Crystal Express will replace Anakeesta’s current fixed grip chondola, which has long been a charming but time-consuming way to reach the summit. What was once a roughly 20-minute trip will soon be reduced to just four minutes, dramatically changing how guests experience the ascent.
This new system will feature 56 detachable gondola cabins, allowing for smooth loading and unloading while keeping cabins continuously moving along the line. The result is a faster, more efficient ride that still delivers the mountain views guests love.
Uninterrupted views in every direction
One of the most talked-about features of the Crystal Express is its cabin design. Each gondola will feature glass floors and glass walls, creating uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. This isn’t just transportation, it’s an attraction in itself, offering a floating, panoramic perspective of the landscape below.
At its highest point, the gondola will travel around 80 feet above the ground, with a total elevation change of about 600 feet over its 2,100-foot length. It’s a ride that blends thrill with scenery, whether you’re looking straight ahead or straight down.
Capacity, comfort, and accessibility get a boost
Beyond the views, the Crystal Express brings some serious operational upgrades. The new system will be able to transport about 2,000 people per hour, roughly three times the capacity of the previous lift. That means shorter waits, smoother guest flow, and less congestion during peak seasons.
Families will especially appreciate one long-overdue improvement. Strollers will be able to roll directly into the cabins, thanks to level boarding. Anyone who has wrestled a stroller onto the current lift will understand just how big of a change this is.
A trusted name behind the technology
The gondola system is being supplied by Leitner-Poma, a well-known leader in ropeway and lift technology used at ski resorts and attractions around the world. Their involvement adds confidence that the Crystal Express will deliver both reliability and a polished ride experience.
Part of a bigger vision for Anakeesta
According to Anakeesta leadership, the Crystal Express is about more than speed. It’s about redefining the guest journey from the moment visitors leave the Parkway. To support the new gondola, Anakeesta’s Parkway station is undergoing major upgrades, setting the tone for a more seamless and immersive arrival experience.
With tourism continuing to be a major economic driver in Sevier County, projects like this show how Gatlinburg attractions are investing heavily in the future. The Crystal Express doesn’t just move guests up a mountain, it elevates the entire experience.
When it opens later this year, that ride to the summit may become one of the most memorable parts of a visit to Anakeesta.