Equipped with WiFi and furnished with plush upholstery, Vail’s new gondola feels more like a first-class airline cabin than a ski lift. And that’s precisely the point. Celebrating its 50th birthday this season, the Colorado resort is rolling out deluxe services designed to remind the world that Vail is getting better with age.

Dubbed One, the new 10-passenger gondola replaces the landmark Vista Bahn quad with a zippy ride. Traveling at 1,200 feet per minute, it’s the fastest gondola of its type in the world and promises a 40 percent increase in Vail’s uphill capacity — meaning less congestion and shorter waits for skiers and riders. It’s also more comfortable, with heated seats that soothe tired muscles between runs.

Another birthday special, EpicMix places professional photographers on the slopes to catch memorable moments: Skiers can by unlimited photos for a set fee of $30.

But high-tech advancements aren’t the only focus of the birthday bash: The celebration continues with events throughout the season.