Jackson Hole Tram
An icon of Wyoming, the Jackson Hole Tram has a rich history of early dreams realized to its most recent ‘tramformation’. Since 1966, the tram has been carrying people to the top of Rendezvous Peak (10,450 ft) in the Teton Range and providing some of the best skiing in North America.
The morning sunlight dances on the freshly fallen flakes blanketing Jackson Hole. Eager skiers and snowboarders wait with coffees in hand in the tram line, aka, the maze. As the last of the avalanche control bombs echo through the valley, the woman at the turn style announces she is ready for the gathering crowd. Tickets checked, the anticipation grows as everyone loads into the new red car. Nine minutes later, the group arrives at the summit of Rendezvous peak (10450 ft) and prepares for their descent.
The Jackson Hole Tram was originally built in the heart of the Grand Tetons, just west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. After 26 months of construction, the tram was completed in 1966 and became the first of its kind in the United States. In 2006 after 50 years, the tram was decommissioned and plans were put into place for a replacement. A documentary titled Cable to the Sky followed the progress of the construction of the new tram, which was unveiled in December, 2008.
Today, the tram has some staggering stats:
- Base Area at 6,311 feet
- Rendezvous Peak Summit 10,450 feet
- Vertical drop of 4,139 feet
- 12,463 feet in length
- 2-car reversible tram carries 100 people per car
- Uphill capacity of 650 people per hour
Don’t forget about the 2,200 acres of inbounds skiing the tram services or the open back country gate system that accesses another 3,000 acres for the more adventurous and equipped. Combine all this with an average of 459 inches of ‘cowboy powder’ each year, and you have heaven on Earth.
From the top of the tram, Rendezvous Bowl is your first stop. A wide open skier’s dream, the bowl takes you off of the top of the mountain where you have a myriad of choices that will take you back to the base area or to one of the mid-mountain lifts. Whether you decide on a steep Alta Chute, a technical run down Pepi’s Ridge (named after the famed skier Pepi Steigler), or an endless powder parade through the Hobacks, you will not be disappointed.
Winter is not the only time to ride the tram. Mid-may through September, the tram is open as the mountains display the grandeur of summertime in the Tetons. Painted with wildflowers and green grasses, the tram is a great place to sight see with amazing 360 degree views of the mountains, Snake River, and Jackson Hole Valley. On the summit, grab a bite to eat at Corbet’s Cabin and take a hike on the trail system. Even on the most beautiful days, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, and you should always be prepared with extra clothing.
Scenic Tram Rides
Scenic tram rides are available during the summer and winter seasons. No dogs allowed. Please call the resort direclty at 307-733-2292 for current rates and times.
