Associated Press - November 22, 2009 6:54 PM ET

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) - Sun Valley Co. unveiled its new gondola on Bald Mountain with free rides.

The Times-News reported that thousands lined up Saturday to ride the gondola that carries passengers from River Run up 2,000 feet in less than eight minutes to the resort's Roundhouse restaurant midway up the mountain.

Besides skiers and snowboarders, the gondola will also carry diners to the restaurant.

The gondola is part of an expansion outlined by Sun Valley Co. owners Earl and Carol Holding, who took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday and greeted guests.

Bald Mountain is expected to open for the season on Thanksgiving Day.

Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.