Big Sky Preparing To Enter New Era
Big Sky Resort in Montana has been waiting to update the Lone Peak Tram for 27 years, and after almost 3 decades, the new tram is almost ready for operations.
Opening on December 19th, this new tram will eventually include an all-glass viewing platform (expected to be installed in future years) with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the fall line of Lone Mountain through a glass floor.
The opening celebration includes a ribbon cutting ceremony, giveaways, live music, and MAP Brewing samples in the Mountain Village Plaza.
But before opening the doors to Big Sky's skiers and riders, safety tests had to be carried out by Big Sky's lift ops team, alongside Garaventa experts.
The teams have been conducting a range of tests, calibrations, and commissioning work on the Lone Peak Tram in final preparations for the grand opening on December 19.
Chief Rigger Cedric Aellia explains,"the goal of this test is to see if the motors perform right--the main drive and the Evac drive--and if the brakes work right."
"For the load test we use weight to simulate the weight of the people in the cabin. It can be concrete blocks or water, like we used here, we simulate the weight with with that water to the maximum payload. That's about 12,800 lbs."
"Recheck the angles of the track rope, the swing clearance, and the clearance in the height, especially at the top. That's the most critical point."
"It's about safety and and check if the equipment does its job right. Overall the brake tests as well the whole load test went well."
"It's always a little bit of adjustment and I'm happy how it went and how much time it took."
"Now, after all all the work we put in it's nice to see it almost being done, and I'm looking forward to see it moving up down with the public inside."
We're looking forward to riding it.
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