JHMR Aerial Tram: Book Scenic Rides to Rendezvous Mountain

The JHMR Aerial Tram (the iconic "Big Red") is the signature lift at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: a nine-minute, 4,139-vertical-foot ride from the Teton Village base to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The right fit is winter skiers chasing the famous expert terrain, summer travelers wanting effortless summit access, and anyone making one signature Jackson activity. The wrong fit is travelers with a fear of heights who haven't ridden similar tramways; the ride is exposed and the cabin is full at peak.

Inside the operation

A 100-passenger aerial tramway running from Teton Village base to Rendezvous Mountain summit. Winter operation supports skiing and snowboarding access to the steep expert terrain off the summit (Corbet's Couloir, Rendezvous Bowl, Cody Bowl traverses); summer operation supports sightseeing, summit dining at Corbet's Cabin (waffles, hot drinks), and hiking from the summit. Tickets required for all riders, summer and winter; ski-day tickets are bundled with the lift pass. Operates roughly early December to early April for ski, late May/June through early October for summer.

JHMR Aerial Tram: 4,000-Foot Scenic Ascent to Rendezvous Mountain

Three reasons. First, the vertical. 4,139 feet in nine minutes is one of the largest single-lift vertical gains in North America; the experience itself is part of the ski-trip. Second, the summit access. Without the tram, the upper terrain off Rendezvous is functionally inaccessible for most skiers; the tram makes the famous expert lines reachable. Third, summer summit access. A nine-minute ride to 10,450 feet for non-hikers is rare; the view from Rendezvous on a clear day covers Jackson Hole, the Tetons, and into Idaho.

How to plan a ride

Buy tickets online in advance for both winter ski-day and summer sightseeing visits; lines at the base ticket window are real at peak. Dress in layers; the summit runs significantly colder and windier than the base. Bring water for altitude (10,450 feet is a real elevation). For winter, expert ski experience matters; the off-summit terrain is unforgiving and avalanche-aware riding is essential. For summer, plan a waffle stop at Corbet's Cabin at the summit; this is a Jackson tradition.

Where this gets tricky

Three honest tradeoffs. First, peak-time lines at the tram in winter (especially powder mornings and weekends) can run 30-90 minutes. Locals have strategies for this; first-time visitors often wait. Second, weather closes the tram regularly in winter (high winds, low visibility); have a Plan B for those days. Third, summit altitude is real; first-day-from-sea-level visitors sometimes feel light-headed at 10,450 feet.

Before you go

For winter skiers, ride the tram first thing on the third day of a multi-day ski trip rather than day one. By day three, your legs are warmed up, the powder lines off the summit are still skiable if a storm came in, and you'll get more vertical with less wait time than fighting day-one tram crowds. For summer visitors, go up before noon for the best light and to skip afternoon thunderstorm risk.

Worth it?

For one of North America's most iconic single lifts, with 4,139 vertical feet from Teton Village to Rendezvous summit, the JHMR Aerial Tram is the right call for winter skiers and summer summit-seekers alike. Buy tickets ahead, dress for elevation, and time the ride right.

FAQ

How long is the ride?

About nine minutes one way.

Are tickets required for sightseers?

Yes, summer and winter alike.

What's at the summit?

360-degree views, Corbet's Cabin (summer waffles), and access to summit hiking or expert ski terrain.

What's the elevation?

Summit at 10,450 feet; vertical from base is 4,139 feet.