These are the Oldest Aerial Trams in North America That are Still in Use for Skiing

Aerial Trams are an incredible marvel of engineering wonder. These mega machines can move large crowds to impossible destinations with ease. Aerial tramways were originally utilized in North America to transport mining ore from precarious locations to mills that refined the precious metals. It wasn’t long until they began to use these tools to shuttle people uphill which gave way to America’s first passenger tramway at Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire, in 1938.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram, NH

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram opened in 1938 to haul skiers up the mountain more safely. This historic tram operated for 43 years until being renovated, now achieving a higher capacity as it services New Hampshire’s highest ski summit. This new modernized tram, built by manufacturer Agudio has three towers and is still operating today. Cannon Mountain is credited with employing the first team of professional ski patrollers, who also worked from the tram in the summer months.

Grouse Mountain Skyride, BC

Grouse Mountain outside Vancouver, Canada, has a rich history in early skiing. The Blue Skyride Tram was opened to the public in 1965, revolutionizing access to this difficult location. Only 11 years after the installation of Blue Skyride, another tram named Red Skyride was opened to the public. Constructed by Garaventa, this tramway operates with only two towers and is still operational to this day. These trams would run concurrently for 48 seasons until the original tram would be removed just this year.

Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, WY

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened to skiers in 1965 via the original Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. Constructed by Willamette, this tram provided access to skiing on Après Vous mountain in the winter months. Running strong for 41 years, the original tram was ultimately replaced by a more modern tram in 2008. The installation of a new tram in 2008 by Garaventa would cement JHMR as a year-round resort by offering tram access through the summer months. This engineering marvel provides the tallest continual vertical rise in the United States and is still in operation today.

Jay Peak Aerial Tram, VT

Jay Peak Resort opened an aerial tram to the public in 1966 for skiing access. While this tram has been updated and modernized over the years, it still operates very much to its original inception. Erected by VonRoll, this tram operates on only two original towers. Jay Peak is known for its wonderful glade terrain and boasts the most snow in eastern North America.

High Camp Cable Car at Palisades Tahoe, CA

Palisades Tahoe opened a tram in 1968 to bring skiers to an alpine lodge called High Camp. Upon completion by Garaventa, this tram was the largest in the world at the time, remarkably with only two towers. While this tram has undergone multiple facelifts over the years, it continues to provide access to skiers and boarders in the present day. Palisades Tahoe also operates North America’s only “Funitel” which is similar to a gondola and a tram but possesses fundamental differences in construction and operation.

Snowbird Aerial Tram, UT

Snowbird Resort opened an aerial tram in 1971 to the public, providing ski access on Hidden Peak. This tram provides stunning views of Little Cottonwood Canyon and accesses Utah’s highest restaurant, The Summit. In 2022, one of the original tram cars was replaced, and the older-style cabin was operated aside from the new cabin for one summer season until the second cabin was replaced for the winter season. One of the previous tram cabins is now part of the Tram Club bar in the Snowbird Center at the base of the mountain.

Ober Mountain Aerial Tram, TN

Ober Mountain debuted an aerial tram in 1973, rising above the city of Gatlinburg. This tram takes you from downtown Gatlinburg up to Ober Mountain Ski Area and Adventure Park. It was constructed by VonRoll and utilizes five towers, allowing. guests to ride 300 feet above the ground below at its highest point. Much more than a ski area, this adventure park offers tubing, ice skating, shopping, and dining at this mountain-top location.

Alyeska Aerial Tram, AK

Alyeska Resort finished tram construction in 1992, high above the Turnagain Arm, a waterway in the Gulf of Alaska known for its dramatic tides, which are among the largest in the world. Erected by VonRoll, this tram operates with only one support tower, raising skiers high up and revealing views of the Chugach Mountain range. Summertime tram rides run at a slower speed to give riders more time to take in the sights, while winter rides operate at full speed to the next powder lap.

Big Sky Aerial Tram, MT

Big Sky Resort opened tram access in 1995 to the top of Lone Peak. Initially installed by Doppelmayr with a 15-person capacity, Garaventa has updated this tram to hold 75 passengers, completed ahead of the 2023 ski season. The Lone Peak Tram is Montana’s highest scenic overlook at 11, 188 feet above sea level. On a clear day, guests can see mountains of three different states including the Teton Mountains of neighboring Wyoming.

Allen Peak Tram at Snowbasin, UT

Snowbasin Resort began operating an aerial tram in 1998, ahead of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games held here. The Allen Peak Tram takes skiers up to an area that was the start of the Men’s Downhill Run for the Olympic Games. Constructed by Dopplemayr with zero support towers initially, in 2017 one single tower was installed to improve clearance above the snow surface.

Each tram location is unique, and every installation serves a specific purpose. Aerial trams provide skiers and sightseers with a sheltered method of attaining great heights. Although capacities are lower than gondolas and ski lifts, it’s a special experience riding uphill in close quarters with so many people. Trams can also operate exceptionally well in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, compared to other options of aerial transport. Riding an aerial tram is an experience not just held for skiers and snowboarders, but appeals to anyone who wants to enjoy the elation of being placed on a mountain peak. Some of these trams are historic relics and should be experienced while they are still in operation, whether to ski, dine, or just take in the views. This list will serve as a guide to catch a lift on one of these colossal people movers while there is still time.