For the first time in nearly sixty years, the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram is getting a new look. Behind the scenes at the resort this fall, our lift maintenance teams have been hard at work ensuring skiers enjoy a safe, smooth ride on the Aerial Tram.
Our iconic V-shaped hangers, the large pieces of riveted aluminum holding the tram’s passenger cabins to the carriages, have been replaced by brand new, state of the art steel hangers from Garaventa. The new configuration sports a single column holding the cabin to the carriage and is the most visible change of the recent Aerial Tram overhaul. The hanger change coincided with two other large-scale projects on the tramway: replacing the haul ropes and inspecting and rebuilding the carriages.
How often does this happen?
Maintenance on every lift is done proactively and as recommended by the manufacturer. The operations team and the lift maintenance team are constantly working to ensure that everything is running properly. Larger projects, like the tram project this summer, are much less frequent.
Every 6 years the Aerial Tram’s carriages are taken off the track rope cables, taken apart, cleaned, non-destructively tested for defects, and put back together with new parts. The carriage overhaul concludes with a near identical carriage, with renewed assurance to the safety of our passengers in the cabin.
As recommended by the manufacturer, barring any defects found during routine maintenance, the haul ropes on the Aerial Tram are replaced every 15-20 years. Other aerial trams performing more trips, in harsher environments or with longer spans may need their haul ropes changed more often.
The haul rope is changed by splicing the new haul rope to the old haul rope. The team runs a winch while the tram brakes and motor are disengaged, to pull the old haul rope out while bringing the new one in. The old haul rope is removed and wound onto enormous spools and taken away to be recycled. With the replacement complete, the new haul rope is ready to be attached to the rebuilt carriages.
Who is completing this project?
The team is made up of Palisades Tahoe engineers and members of the maintenance and operations teams. Four aerial tram specialists out of Switzerland – two engineers from Doppelmayr/Garaventa and two electricians from Sisag – worked with the Palisades Tahoe team to install the new hangers. David “Coach” Peters and Jimmy King, both with decades of experience at Palisades Tahoe, are the local leaders on the project. Red Bloomer, an engineer and North America’s tram expert, is also helping lead the charge. Bloomer recently worked on a similar project on the aerial tram at Snowbird, another aerial tramway that was built by the original engineer of the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram, Hans Burkhart.
To prepare our lift maintenance team for the hanger replacement, Palisades Tahoe mechanics traveled to Switzerland to become further educated on the process. They attended a week-long training session with Garaventa to be fully equipped to complete the project. The entire project is part of the routine maintenance schedule that keeps the tram running smoothly with the safest technology and up-to-date equipment available. It also gives our lift mechanics the opportunity to deepen their knowledge for future projects and confidence in rider safety.
How long did the project take?
The Aerial Tram maintenance began in early September just after the tram closed for the summer. Once the project is completed, the maintenance team here at Palisades Tahoe monitors and tests the Aerial Tram, preparing before it is tested by state inspectors. Red Bloomer will also come back to complete any final adjustments before the tram is expected to open to the public on Opening Day, November 25th.
What does this mean for you?
The new tram hangers have less surface area than the old hangers, which should provide a smoother ride. Many passengers may not notice a difference. As with all lift maintenance, these upgrades will maintain the safety and reliability of the Aerial Tram rather than make substantial changes to the way it operates. Riders should expect a similar tram experience but with a freshly painted cabin interior and a new look hanger.
What happens if the Aerial Tram breaks down?
At Palisades Tahoe, rider safety is the top priority. Our engineering and maintenance teams conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance to help ensure the Aerial Tram operates safely and reliably. While a power loss or mechanical breakdown is extremely rare, the tram is equipped with backup systems designed to safely evacuate passengers if needed.
One of these systems is a diesel-powered hydrostatic evacuation drive, which operates independently of the tram’s primary electrical system. This backup system allows the riders to be brought safely back to the base, prioritizing the prompt and orderly evacuation of all passengers.
In the unlikely event that a situation requires additional assistance, Palisades Tahoe teams work alongside local emergency services, whose personnel are trained to respond to tram-related emergencies. If a mechanical issue requires intervention beyond the capabilities of the backup systems, a helicopter-assisted response may be used, weather and operational conditions permitting. In this scenario, a trained mechanic may be lowered onto the tram to assess and address the issue.
Although a tram breakdown is an uncommon occurrence, Palisades Tahoe has established emergency procedures, specialized equipment, and trained personnel ready to respond. Every response is guided by one priority: the safety and well-being of our guests.
A Special Thanks to the Lift Maintenance Team
The work of our lift maintenance team often goes unseen, but the experiences it makes possible are unforgettable. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, generations of guests have made the trip to High Camp, where some of the best experiences at Palisades Tahoe are waiting. We’re talking jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, a chance to explore Olympic history, lunch high above the valley, your very first turns on skis, or a lap through the legendary terrain of Silverado. Whether you’re skiing or just along for the ride, High Camp is a place you have to experience for yourself. And it all starts with the team that keeps the Tram running. See what awaits at the top in the video below.
