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    Big Sky Celebrates 25 years of the Tram

    Michael FultonMichael Fulton·19 Jan 2021

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    2020 wasn’t the best year for many people however at the end of 2020 the Big Sky Lone Peak Tram celebrated its 25th birthday, to celebrate Big Sky dropped this epic short film which dives into the history, design and construction of the infamous Lone Peak Tram.The Lone Peak Tram at Big Sky Resort whisks skiers and riders up a sheer vertical face and delivers them to a skiing paradise at the top of Lone Mountain. At the summit, there are 360-degree views of 3 states, 2 national parks, countless peaks, and distant mountain ranges. It's mind blowing.Riders looking to take on the Big Couloir will have to find the right day, line up with the impressive views and then load onto the tram (with only 14 other riders) before taking what could be the more exhilarating run on their life. HERE ARE 20 COOL FACTS ABOUT THE LONE PEAK TRAM:Construction began on June 4, 1995 and the Tram opened to the public on December 23, 1995 for the 1995/1996 season.When the tram opened it tripled the amount of expert terrain and expanded the mountain by 50% - adding over 1,200 acres.Construction required 3000 helicopter flights to haul workers, equipment, and materials to the summit.The Tram is a Doppelmayr lift built by Matrix construction from Alaska, a firm specializing in high altitude and arctic conditions.The inside of the two tram cabins was originally painted pink to have a calming effect on passengers.The tram delivers passengers to 11,150' and they can walk to the summit of Lone Mountain at 11,166'.The Tram travels 2,828' and covers 1,450 vertical feet in 4 minutes.Both Tram cars received new windows, exterior artwork, and durable linings in 2007.It's six miles to ski from the top of the Tram to the Mountain Village via Liberty Bowl.The Lone Peak Tram allows hardcore skiers to ski 4,350 vertical feet in one run.The Tram can transport up to 15 people up the mountain at a time.The Lone Peak Tram cost $3 million to construct.A model of the Tram was blown up in Warren Miller's 1996 ski film Snowriders.The Tram is powered by a 250-horsepower high speed electric motor.The Tram rides on a mile long cable that is almost 2 inches thick.It is the fastest lift on the mountain at 13 MPH.It can transport up to 120 people per hour.The tram accesses signature ski descents like Liberty, Lenin, Dictators, Marx, Gullies, the North Summit Snowfield, and the Big Couloir.Anyone who can ski a groomed blue run (Upper Morningstar) can take the Lone Peak Tram up for a scenic ride.The Interactive Tram Cam brings the views of the tram to you.

    Big Sky Bowls.jpg
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    It is truely a one of a kind ride in North America and also the gateway to Big Sky’s newly rated Triple Black Diamond runs down the many faces of Lone Peak (not for the faint hearted or unskilled). Make sure you follow us on our socials!

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    About the author

    Michael Fulton

    Michael Fulton

    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    50+ resorts visited15 years skiing
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