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Teton Village, Wyo. (Ski Press)-Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s decision to close its aerial tram October 2006 has left the ski area focusing its attention on the future and feasible solutions regarding tram replacement.



Discussions with two lift manufacturers will render JHMR with a couple of complete scenarios for review. The company is focused on either a tram or a bi-cable gondola, both on a similar alignment to the existing tram. The financing of either project is being discussed internally.



“We have decided at this time to not concentrate our efforts on outright appropriation but instead are researching other public and private financing mechanisms,” said Jerry Blann, President JHMR. “We will keep the public informed as soon as financing alternatives are thoroughly evaluated which will allow for a replacement decision to be made.”



With the absence of the tram, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will implement the following measures to ensure guests can ski or ride 100% of the mountain, lift out of the base is quick and efficient, and lift access to the summit of Rendezvous Bowl and the Jackson Hole backcountry terrain.



1. Pending Forest Service approval the area will construct a temporary double chairlift up Rendezvous Bowl. The alignment will follow skiers left through the trees to just below Corbet’s Cabin. Named East Ridge Chair, the five minute ride will be accessible via Sublette. The design for East Ridge Chair is taking into consideration the sometimes severe weather conditions in Rendezvous Bowl, with an attempt to maximize the available operating time.



2. The area will purchase 18 new cabins for the Bridger Gondola (the main “workhorse” lift that operates from the base to the Headwall, 2730’ vertical rise). This will increase uphill capacity from the base by an additional 600 skiers per hour from 1800 to 2400 on this lift. (The aerial tram currently represents uphill capacity of less than 300 an hour from the base).



3. Potentially increase uphill capacity on Thunder Chair by adding extra chairs.

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[Axis X]

I skied with a Jackson Hole local while at Snowbasin a week and a half ago. I brought the subject up. Kind of sorry I did as he said the whole town is sick and depressed about the whole episode. I could tell by the sad tone in his voice that he was not exaggerating.



There is still hope for a new tram.

[teledave]

I randomly ran into Jackson local kb1dgh (from TGR) in JH and he from what he said depressed doesn't come close. Pissed off is a lot more like it. THe real problem is that there will be no way from the base except the gondola and it will become hugely crowded there. Also, there is some speculation that JHMR will spend next to nothing in marketing so that they have a very bad year next season resulting in layoffs, reduced tax revenues, flight cancellations, etc. and then will have all these other businesses lobby the state legislature that they have to fund a new tram for JHMR because it is killing the winter economy.