Thunder's Journey to Jackson Hole
A new era of Thunder has arrived. The first legendary lift carried skiers for 24 years, the second 26 years and now, the newest Thunder is likely to serve skiers even longer.
Thunder is a gateway to prime terrain on the South side of Rendezvous mountain. Skiers and riders now load the chair facing north, allowing for a more efficient lift maze and open route to Marmot Chair and South Pass Traverse. The new lift spins in the opposite direction and follows a slightly different path with adjusted tower locations to keep obstructions off of popular runs.
Once at the top, chairs make a 90 degree left turn before riders offload facing south, giving riders more space to strap in and contemplate their next run. Take a right off the unloading ramp for Laramie Bowl, Amphitheater, or Broken Goggle; or a left for classics like Grand, Tower 3 Chute and Thunder Bumps. Looking out to the horizon, riders catch views of the Sublette lift and Snake River Range.
The new Thunder was manufactured by Leitner-Poma of America. This is the same company that crafted Après Vous, Bridger Gondola, Casper, Teewinot and Sublette. Thunder was built almost entirely in Grand Junction, CO, with the exception of a few key components coming from Europe. The haul rope was manufactured in France and traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, and up the West Coast before being loaded onto a truck bound for the Tetons. Thunder’s chairs also made the journey from Europe and are designed specifically for Jackson Hole. Each chair features an individual cushion and footrest.
The new lift also offers improvements for lift operators. Each station has multiple touch screens showing important data like lift speed, wind direction and motor temperature.
Lift mechanics can take new tablets outside with them while diagnosing any problems. All the new technology is fitting for the first detachable lift on Jackson Hole’s famed upper mountain.
Thunder opened for the season on Saturday, December 10. A full ribbon-cutting is planned for Saturday, December 17 with live music! See you out there.
Photo Tour
Behind-the-scenes photo tour of the inner workings of Thunder.
Bottom terminal with tensioning system.
Computer display with lift data.
Contour unloading at the top terminal. You now exit to the left instead of straight off.
Drive train with electric motor and two deisel backup engines.
Lift operator controls with touch screen tablet.
Top terminal of Thunder with Bridger Gondola in the background.
View from below the bottom terminal of Thunder with the Aerial Trams floating overhead.
Inside the top terminal.
Haul rope came from France. Lift was manufactured in Grand Junction, CO.
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From The Blog
Thunder Gets an Upgrade
Thunder.
One lift has the power to conjure countless memories unique to every individual fortunate enough to ascend Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Perhaps it's a ride from winter's past, braving blinding snow descending down from precipitous clouds; a stunning bluebird day, aloft of glistening, untouched powder; a warm spring afternoon complete with slushy turns, hoots, hollers, and abundant smiles. Whatever you think of when you think about Thunder, savor it. This lift has the power to propel people into their wildest dreams.
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.
Thunder Lift Construction Photo Tour
Construction of the new Thunder lift is well underway and we can't wait for you to take rides on it this winter. It's a massive feat to put in a new lift, and although the project is ongoing, this icon of our mountain will operate as usual for the upcoming winter 2022/23 season. Read more for a complete photo gallery of the construction thus far.
Thunder Construction Update
Here's some news to get you pumped for winter: all 13 Thunder lift towers were installed on Monday! This exciting news means that winter is approaching and we're closer to getting you out on our new and improved Thunder lift.