BIG SKY, Montana – Visitors to Montana’s Big Sky Resort will find a new, stunning addition to the Lone Peak Tram when the head to the slopes this upcoming ski season, as construction is currently underway on a large, 400 glass panel canopy that will cover the bottom station’s loading platform. The canopy will protect both the trams and the guests, providing an out-of-the-elements boarding experience while still keeping an open-air feeling.
“It’s going to be a very unique structure to itself. There’s not going to be another one like it anywhere.” – Patrick Doolin, Jackson Contractor Group and Project Lead
The structure itself is built with primary and secondary steel beams, forming triangle sections where each panel of glass will be installed. With a triangle concept throughout, the structure stays unique and freeform. For the past several weeks, pre-assembly on the triangles was completed, and the structure was put together. Now the 400 glass panels will be installed to complete the project.
“Each piece of glass is meticulously shaped and placed to form a fluid, faceted surface that mimics the elegance of snowdrifts and ice crystals. The interplay of light, shadows, and reflections on the glass panels evokes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of snow and ice. Just as snowflakes vary in form and beauty, so does this structure shift in perception based on viewing angles and environmental conditions, turning every glance into a unique visual experience.” – Big Sky Resort