raisingarizona
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2020
Triple Black Diamonds at Big Sky
- Thread starter Ripitz
- Start date
I didn’t know much about Big Sky’s changes regarding the Tram, other than seeing that Ikon didn't include Tram access. Turns out no passes include Tram access, everybody pays. Locals can add some kind of daily access option, which they can set up after buying a pack I think. I’d imagine that rate may be less than multi pack access.
I promise, I’m not a dirty tourist with an Ikon pass! I only have it because I was able to roll the four pack I didn’t use last year into an Ikon Base at renewal rates. Although I am excited at my prospects this season…..
MarzNC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2020
Money aside, requiring a separate ticket allows more control of the numbers on a given day for the tram. Seemed like the wait was getting to be over an hour on a regular basis. That's nuts!
MarzNC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2020
I hope you realize that it's quite possible the tram won't be running 2 out of the 3 days you are at Big Sky. When there is low visibility or high winds on most of Lone Peak, the tram doesn't run for obvious reasons.
During the mountain host tour I took the first trip, the point was made that Andesite Mountain is the backup plan when the upper mountain lifts aren't running due to wind hold. With the new 6-pack that probably won't happen as often for Swift Current. But is still a reality for Challenger.
My western trips are generally storm chases….so I know a thing of two about wind/weather issues and high alpine lifts. My only option to have a chance to ski the Tram terrain, if it opens when I’m there, is a three pack, I think. I’ll have to look into it more well before the trip, so I can keep the option open. It would seem to be a big missed opportunity to not ski the Tram at least one day, if it opens, even if the three pack is the only option. Would suck to invest in a three pack and get skunked though…
MarzNC
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2020
Hadn't heard this story before about what John Kircher did to get the tram built even though his father was against it. Good to know there is an Everett Kicher grandson who is actively interested in the ski business (read article for details)
November 1, 2021
www.viewsbigsky.com
" . . .
There’s no story about Big Sky Resort’s devotion to world-class lifts without mention of the clothesline-esque, gravity-defying piece of machinery that takes riders deep into the clouds—and sometimes above them.
To John Kircher, the concept of a Tram to the pinnacle of Lone Mountain was akin to Capt. Ahab’s White Whale—something he had been dreaming of even before he took over for his father in 1979. Kircher family friend [Dan] Egan recalls John ordered all the parts before gaining approval from senior Everett.
“My grandpa was afraid of heights,” Everett Kircher said of his namesake. “You’ll notice any lift that he designed, they’re not more than 15 feet off the ground, like all the lifts in Boyne, Michigan. When the idea of the Tram came up you can imagine he was not down with that kind of lift. And it was going to be expensive.”
Today, the Lone Peak Tram prevails as the resort’s crown jewel. There’s something about standing inside that cabin, the hushed quiet as you move toward the gaping headwall of Lone Mountain, taking in the timeless geographic details of its chutes and crags. That ride is just enough to remind you of your insignificance, a power that keeps people coming back.
. . ."
November 1, 2021
A Lift to the Sky
The chairlifts that built Big Sky Resort’s character make way for new era
www.viewsbigsky.com
There’s no story about Big Sky Resort’s devotion to world-class lifts without mention of the clothesline-esque, gravity-defying piece of machinery that takes riders deep into the clouds—and sometimes above them.
To John Kircher, the concept of a Tram to the pinnacle of Lone Mountain was akin to Capt. Ahab’s White Whale—something he had been dreaming of even before he took over for his father in 1979. Kircher family friend [Dan] Egan recalls John ordered all the parts before gaining approval from senior Everett.
“My grandpa was afraid of heights,” Everett Kircher said of his namesake. “You’ll notice any lift that he designed, they’re not more than 15 feet off the ground, like all the lifts in Boyne, Michigan. When the idea of the Tram came up you can imagine he was not down with that kind of lift. And it was going to be expensive.”
Today, the Lone Peak Tram prevails as the resort’s crown jewel. There’s something about standing inside that cabin, the hushed quiet as you move toward the gaping headwall of Lone Mountain, taking in the timeless geographic details of its chutes and crags. That ride is just enough to remind you of your insignificance, a power that keeps people coming back.
. . ."
Harvey
Administrator
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2020
Good marketing IMO, got me to separate out a thread and here we are 4 pages later.
If there is a significant difference between double black and triple black, it's a useful distinction. Falls ending in death are possible anywhere, but if the odds are significantly higher than the odds of dying on say Rumor, it's worth calling out.
The map makes it look like half the mountain is black and 25% is triple black, so maybe that isn't good marketing.
