"It's only visible if you know it's there," says Head Tram Mechanic Mike Vase. Know what is up there? The "crow's nest", a hidden seat situated on the very top of the tram car. Most passengers who ride the Aerial Tram are focused on the iconic journey to the summit. Unbenounced to them, Vase or one of his team--Cliff Roberts, Sarah Knobe, and Zack Hundson--is ascending or descending throughout the day atop Big Red. Their purpose? Simple: visually and audibly observe the tram to ensure the utmost safety for its passengers throughout the winter. It's a unique and thankless job, but someone's got to do it. Vase and his team are happy to oblige.

Watch a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's iconic Aerial Tram now.

From The Blog

Max Martin skiing powder

A Historic Start to Winter at Jackson Hole

Less than two weeks into the season and we're already in the powder vortex, with nearly four feet of fresh flakes stacking up in the Tetons since Dec. 1, much to the delight of skiers and riders who call our mountain home. It's been a historic opening: pre-season snow coverage allowed us to open five lifts on Opening Day, Nov. 25; and then on Saturday, Dec. 3, we opened the Aerial Tram for the season--on a bluebird powder day no less!

Max Martin Skiing Under Thunder

Thunder: The Next Era

The next era for Thunder. The new lift is 2X the speed of the old with a ride time of just 3.5 minutes, helping you maximize your time on-snow.

Guide & Guests Going Up Cody Peak
Group Lesson

Half-Off Early Season Group Lessons

Ahhhh.. early season skiing. Soft snow, low-angle sun, small crowds; the anticipation of the long season ahead. In the lift maze, you look to your right--and then to your left--and you know you are among your kind. You all share the passion: waiting through the fall for the snow to fly and the lifts to spin. Gathering at pre-season ski swaps and seeing your best ski partners at the local ski fitness class. For every skier and rider, it is a seasonal rite of passage. It just doesn’t get any better. Or does it…