To get to the top of Jackson Hole, you’ll need to take a lift or the tram. The Aerial Tram is one of the coolest, and the most beautiful, way to ride up to the top. If you’ve never ridden on a tram before, you’re in for a treat. Get in early so that you’re not squished by the crammers, and you’ll be fine.
Where To Stay
If you’re going to see the Tetons, see if you can get a booking at a luxury hotel Jackson Hole resort. There are a lot of them in the area, and it’s really worth the stay, especially if you plan on going skiing or hiking.
But, don’t worry if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of options near ski resorts and the mountain.
How Many Passengers?
The tram takes you over 4,000 vertical feet into the air (4,139 feet, to be exact). From the base of Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, you’re riding in a closed and sealed carriage on steel cables to the summit. You can see 360 degrees in all directions.
Below, you see the Snake River Valley, Grand Teton National Park, and the Gros Ventre Range off into the distance. While you can’t always make out the hiking trails, they’re there. But, you will see wildflowers in the summer, and pine trees all year round. ( Image by jjjj56cp )
Daily weather reports show what it will be like on the way up and on the way back down. It’s not unusual for the weather to be different at the summit. So, for example, when you get up to the top, you may be facing fierce winds in the wintertime.
In the summer, the summit may not be as warm, even though it’s sunnier than at the bottom. You may also notice that weather patterns are notoriously difficult to predict – even for the people who work there year-round. Weather changes on a dime, and dramatically.
The View
The views are stunning. From the top, you can view the Tetons in all their glory. The ride is a long, slow, climb, but along the way, you watch the valley floor disappear beneath you. You look up, and see the mountains above you. The climb feels like you’re taking an epic journey into an unknown terrain. ( Image by mturnage )
In some respects, you are. When you reach the top, you can see all around you the valley, trees, and if it’s wintertime, the snow-covered mountains.
There’s a crispness in the air, and a fresh feeling stepping off the tram. The platform lowers to let you off. The door slides open, and you walk out.
When you’re ready to leave, make sure you’re one of the first ones on the tram, if you can. You’ll avoid people trying to crowd in at the last minute – there’s always a few who do that.
Getting in early also lets you lean up against the edge of the tram so you get a good view of the mountain and valley – it’s a sight you may only see a handful of times in your life.
About the Author
Debbie Huntsberry is a resort vacation fan who also loves to write. When she’s got the time, she likes to share her travel adventures with others on the web. You can read her illuminating articles mainly on travel and vacation websites.
