JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming – Have you ever wondered how those enormous aerial trams that take us up (and sometimes down) some of our favorite ski resorts actually function? Well Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has provided a bit of a behind the scenes look at their aerial tram (nicknamed Big Red) that takes riders up 4,139 feet to the summit at 10,450 feet.
The tram uses electricity from wind turbines to power the 1,000 horsepower twin motors with a 30:1 reduction. The bull wheels spin, moving the cables and pulling the cabin up the mountain.
The Jackson Hole Ariel Tram takes just 9 minutes to climb the 4,139 vertical feet, taking riders to a summit with 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. Though we obviously love the tram the most during the winter, it continues to run throughout the summer months for access to the stunning views, hiking, and more.
