Thanks to good folks at Big Sky Resort in Montana for providing this behind the scenes look at the Explorer Gondola construction project. The new two-stage gondola will replace the existing Explorer chair, which had been faithfully spinning since the resort opened back in 1973.
The new gondola will extend all the way to the Bowl, connecting to the lower terminal of the Lone Peak Tram. The new gondola will transform access to the Explorer and northern Swift Current terrain while upgrading comfort and speed for skiers and snowboarders. Here is the latest dispatch from the Big Sky:
Upper Terminal Enclosure Complete:
A crucial connection is taking shape on Lone Mountain. The assembly and enclosure of the upper terminal of the Explorer Gondola is complete. The upper terminal will create the vital link between our new high-speed gondola and the iconic Lone Peak Tram.
Construction on the upper terminal began in full swing in summer 2024, when teams prepped the foundation for an early start as soon as the mountain closed for winter 2025. The terminal assembly requires an orchestration of moving parts, multiple teams, and technical precision. The completion of the upper terminal makes way for us to begin the rope-pulling process between the mid-station and upper terminal, where the gondola cabins will soon be turning as we quickly near winter.
As the upper terminal construction nears the finish line, the picture comes together as to how the Explorer Gondola will transform all aspects of Big Sky Resort. Skiers of all levels will benefit from the addition—from direct access to the Lone Peak Tram at the top or the entirely new beginner experience from the mid-station. Under the shadow of Lone Peak, the gondola provides comfort and accessibility as a new way of experiencing Big Sky’s expansive terrain.
“The new Explorer Gondola will serve as a base-to-peak corridor. It will have a major impact on skiing and also allow foot traffic to reach the summit of Lone Peak. It’s going to be incredibly unique and will bring more people into the wild environment we have up here.” -Adam West, Big Sky Resort Vice President of Mountain Operations
Related: Big Sky’s Newest Gondola Project Is Quickly Progressing
