Nov. 5, 2020, TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) plans to operate its iconic Aerial Tram for the winter 2020-21 season with new health and safety protocols for skiers and riders.
For winter 2020-21, JHMR’s tram capacity will be adjusted down to 25 people per cabin plus one operator to allow for physical distancing and to keep guests and staff safe. Under normal operating conditions, the maximum capacity of JHMR’s Aerial Tram is 100 people per cabin. Average ride times for the 4,139 vertical foot ascent will continue to be under 10 minutes, pending weather conditions. Reduced capacity will also allow for greater loading efficiency. During tram travel, all windows and vents will remain open to maximize airflow within the cabin. Tram operators will be separated from guests with clear plexiglass barriers, and tram cabins will be cleaned and sanitized hourly with aerosolized disinfectant. All operations and number of people per cabin are subject to change pending mountain conditions and state, local and health guidance.
Guests will be required to wear face coverings over both nose and mouth at all times while on board, when loading, and when standing in the tram line. Guests are recommended to wear a dry face covering when possible for the best protection. Single-layer material neck gaiters are discouraged. Individuals and groups are required to practice physical distancing and avoid mixing with unassociated groups. As in years past, the tram will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and skiers and riders will queue in the tram line maze, which will be configured to maximize physical distancing.
Corbet’s Cabin will have limited capacity and operations this winter. Waffles will be sold, but for carryout service only. Restrooms will be open, and the cabin will have limited capacity as a warming location. The world-famous waffles will also be available at Off-Piste Market located in Rendezvous Lodge. More details on all on-mountain restaurants and base area options will be coming later this month.
“Operating the Aerial Tram safely this winter is a key priority,” stated Vice President of Operations, Tim Mason. “While it’s a different winter with new capacity protocols, we also recognize the importance of this lift when it comes to providing access to our upper mountain and the backcountry, and having guests physical distance while wearing face coverings when loading, riding and unloading is the only way we can operate safely,” he went on to note. New for this season, guests can boot pack up the north side of Rendezvous Bowl from the Sublette lift as another option for skiers and riders to access high alpine terrain.
The JH Insider app will now include estimated Aerial Tram wait times to assist guests this winter. Additional winter operational details, including information on dining, parking and transportation, will be forthcoming later this month in advance of the November 16 Season Pass refund date. For more information about winter operations, visit Jacksonhole.com.
About Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) located in Teton Village, Wyoming, is a values-led, family- owned, iconic mountain destination with a purpose of enriching the lives of its guests, employees and community through authentic and memorable big mountain experiences only found in the Tetons. Jackson Hole famously delivers the finest powder snow with 4,139 of continuous vertical feet of legendary terrain and 2,500 acres of the best beginner, intermediate and expert terrain. Neighboring celebrated Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and operating in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, makes Jackson Hole an exceptional and unique global destination. With an enduring commitment to the surrounding landscape, wildlife and authentic community character, JHMR strives to live by its values by reducing its environmental impact, and in doing so, runs its buildings, lifts and snowmaking on wind energy.