Update (August 23): Squamish RCMP confirmed today that the preliminary assessment that the main cable of the Sea to Sky Gondola was cut in the morning of August 10 and that there aren't any other mechanical or natural reasons for the cable failure. 

The investigation remains ongoing and no further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the dedicated tip line at 604-892-6122 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

On August 16, the Georgia Straight reported that the operator estimates that the gondola, which requires cable and 30 cabin replacements, won't be in operation until the spring. 

Original article (August 10):

The area around the Sea to Sky Gondola is a crime scene this afternoon.

That's because the Squamish RCMP's preliminary assessment suggests that somebody deliberately cut the cable.

The apparent vandalism caused nearly 30 gondola cars to crash to the ground early this morning.

"We recognize the potential of what could have been and are thankful that no one was injured," RCMP Cst. Ashley MacKay said in a news release.

Technical Safety B.C. staff and Doppelmayr are working with the Mounties as they investigate.

Anyone who was near the gondola or who was in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. is being urged to come forward to the Squamish RCMP.

That's because the RCMP suspect that the trails may have been used to gain access to the gondola line.

The $22-million gondola opened in 2014, carrying passengers 886 metres above sea level on a 10-minute ride.

The project was supported by B.C. Parks, First Nations, and the local government.

However, it was opposed at the time by a group called Friends of the Squamish Chief because the project necessitated a change in the boundary of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. That was due to restrictions on commercial projects within provincial parks.