Jackson Hole Still Undergoing “Tram-Formation”

By Chris Hansen, 2-28-08

	Caption: Go to tram-formation.com for more information on Jackson Hole's new Aerial Tram.

Jackson Hole may not have its new tram yet, but we do have “Tram-formation.com,” a new Web site for tracking all things tram. The new site provides regular updates on what’s going on with construction of the new tram. Local writer Lauren Whaley is on task and has been in touch with those in charge of getting this new lift on line in time for the ’08 season. So far she’s keeping monthly construction updates to keep us all in tune with the progress.

The site so far features four videos highlighting specific phases of construction—or at this point in the process: deconstruction. Local filmmaker Peter Pilafian is the man behind the camera and is in the process of creating a feature documentary about the largest ski lift to be installed at any mountain location in the US in decades.

There are photos of the process so far and a bit of history by local writer and “v-logger” David Gonzales, excerpted from his book Jackson Hole: On a Grand Scale.

But perhaps the most interesting bits of info on the site are the technical specs. They provide side-by-side comparisons of the original tram and the new tram. Of note, while the overall ride time isn’t all that different (10.5 minutes for the old versus approximately 9 minutes for the new), that decreased ride time plus the doubled capacity (100 instead of the old 52) more than doubles the hourly uphill capacity: 650 people per hour versus the old 300 people per hour! That should change things on the ol’ ski hill.