BIG SKY — In her quest to visit all 50 states, Texas resident Lynda Blackburn decided to aim high without an airplane in Montana. So she took a ride on the Lone Peak Tram to the top of the 11,166-foot mountain on July 5.
“I loved it,” said the 82-year-old after stepping out of the windowed cabin that hangs on a cable for the 4,600-foot journey. “It’s amazing.”
Using a cane for support, she got onto a four-wheel-drive pickup. The truck, equipped with bed seats, quickly transported Blackburn and the group a short distance, according to guide Tim Dietz. The shuttle stopped at the top of the Swift Current chairlift for the group to descend back to the ski area’s base.
New tram
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Although the Lone Peak Tram’s grand opening was during the ski season, some parts are still being worked on. Crews are assembling a geodesic dome near the tram base on weekdays, which limits tours like Blackburn’s to weekends.
Big Sky Resort has several ongoing projects this summer, including the construction of a new gondola from the base area to the tram. The resort’s ambitious Big Sky 2025 vision aims to enhance all aspects of their property.
“In a couple of years, with the new gondola, you’ll be able to ride from your hotel room to the peak in your slippers with your coffee in hand, no ski boots needed,” Dietz told the tour group.
The diversity of people taking the tour perfectly embodies Stacie Harris’s vision when Boyne Resorts USA announced the resumption of summer tours to Lone Mountain after a three-year break—making one of the most extreme environments accessible to anyone.
“In future summers, this tour could be self-guided, getting you to the top of Lone Peak in under 20 minutes,” said Harris, the resort’s PR manager.
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