Building an icon: constructing the new Jackson Hole tramway

Abstract

The iconic Jackson Hole Tramway was replaced in 2008 with great success after nine years of analysis and planning that determined that the system, built in 1968, had reached the end of its life. The construction methods and schedule were both aggressive and creative. The experiences gained through the planning and construction of the new tramway are noteworthy and can help to guide the planning of future projects. The challenges associated with the Jackson Hole terrain, location and weather were compounded by the system length, market conditions, and the techniques and specific examples of challenges and how they were overcome, the lessons learned on the remarkdable project may streamline future aerial ropeway projects. Specific examples of successes and challenges will be dissected. The challenges will be examined for their causes and their corrective actions. Additionally, possible alternative methods that would have allowed these issues to have been avoided will be discussed. This paper will conclude with an evaluation of the construction process as a whole in which the project schedule and philosophies will be discussed.