I hadn't been out to Teton Village in a few weeks, so I was a little shocked when I rolled into the parking lot at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort yesterday. "The Vil" is usually quieter in the summer, a small mountain community tucked away against the backdrop of Jackson's famous snow-less ski runs and the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park behind that.

But this weekend saw some serious action. When I pulled in, I was greeted with spool upon ten-foot-tall spool of cable and a new tram dock that sits ready and waiting for the tram cars to arrive and begin shuttling skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain. Jackson Hole's "tram-formation" is getting closer and closer to completion, with crews working 13-hour days, six days a week in order to meet the December 20th deadline.

New additions to ride-to-the-sky include: 

The 80-foot clock tower and lower tram terminal, complete with working motor room.
Tram towers 2-4 are finished and tower 5 is well on its way to joining the line up that will usher cars to the top of the mountain.
Crews continue to work on the upper terminal and are working on ways to increase foot traffic efficiency and accessibility for those with disabilities.

There is no doubt that this year will prove to be a notable one for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The new tram will rise 4,139 feet, carry 100 passengers (double that of the original tram), will travel at 1970 feet/minute, and will take passengers from top to bottom in approximately nine minutes. With this increased accessibility to Jackson's famous terrain and exceptional views, it's a season you won't want to miss.