The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram is the single most dramatic ride in the Greater Yellowstone region and the easiest way for a non-climber to stand at Teton altitude: a red 100-passenger cabin (locals call it Big Red) that lifts from the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Peak at 10,450 feet, gaining 4,139 vertical feet in roughly nine minutes. The current tram opened in December 2008, replacing the original 63-passenger cabin that ran for about four decades, and it remains the resort's spine: in winter it is the only lift to the upper mountain and to Corbet's Couloir, the famously steep chute skiers peer into from the summit ridge, and in summer it carries sightseers and hikers into alpine country that would otherwise take a full day of climbing to reach. At the top, the reward is a 360-degree panorama (the Grand Teton and its neighbors to the north, the Snake River valley spread below, ranges rolling into Idaho to the west) and Corbet's Cabin, the summit hut that has turned warm waffles with sweet and savory toppings into a Jackson ritual. Seasonal honesty matters here: the resort's 2026-27 winter season is scheduled to open on November 27, 2026, the tram runs into spring, then pauses for maintenance before its summer sightseeing season. In winter, non-skiers can buy a sightseeing ticket and ride up and down (dress for summit temperatures far colder than the village, and expect wind holds on stormy days). Fit: first-time visitors who want the Tetons from above, families with kids old enough to enjoy a big ride, and anyone pairing a Grand Teton day with one splurge.
The tram is also a piece of engineering history. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened in the mid-1960s around the original tram, and retiring it in 2006 forced the resort to choose between a cheaper replacement and a true successor; the 2008 cabin nearly doubled capacity and sped up the ride, but kept the single-span drama of a car swinging over cliff bands and gullies on its way to the peak. The cable runs close to five miles of rope across the line, and the operators run a remarkably tight schedule in good weather, but wind is the governing force at 10,000 feet: holds and closures happen, especially during winter storms, so build flexibility into the day and check the resort's lift status before driving out to Teton Village.
How to do it well
Go early on a clear day (the light is crisper and the cabins are less crowded), stand near the downhill-facing windows on the ride up for the widening valley view, and budget at least an hour at the top. Corbet's Cabin is the obvious first stop for waffles; then walk a little away from the dock for photographs of the Teton crest and, in winter, for the skier's-eye view down into Corbet's Couloir. In summer, the summit is a trailhead for alpine hikes, and many visitors ride up and hike part of the way down; in winter, non-skiers should stay in the summit area, which is managed terrain, and leave the backcountry gates to experienced, equipped skiers.
Practicals and fit
Teton Village is about 12 miles from the town of Jackson, with paid parking and the START bus for those who prefer not to drive. Sightseeing tickets are sold by the resort; prices vary by season and are higher than a typical gondola, so treat it as the trip's splurge.
Pair it with a Grand Teton morning along the highway turnouts or the Moose area, or with an afternoon at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Fit: first-timers, families, and winter travelers who want the most vertical drama in the region in a single ride.
What to expect
The experience
A roughly nine-minute aerial tram ride in a 100-passenger cabin from Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Peak, with a summit waffle hut, viewing areas and, in summer, alpine trails.
Best time
Clear mornings for visibility and shorter lines. Winter season is scheduled from late November 2026; summer sightseeing follows a spring maintenance pause.
How long
Two to three hours including the rides, waffles and time on top.
Tips
Check lift status before driving out, because wind holds are common at 10,000 feet. Dress for summit cold even on a warm valley day. Non-skiers stay within the summit area in winter. Ride the START bus from Jackson to avoid parking hassles.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing the Tetons from their own altitude without climbing a thing.
- Families
- A big, memorable ride for kids, with waffles as the reward; bring layers for little ones.
- Couples
- An early ride, the summit to yourselves, and the valley spread out below.
- Pair with
- National Museum of Wildlife Art and a Grand Teton turnout drive along the highway.
- Time needed
- Half a day from Jackson, including the drive to Teton Village.
Good questions
Can non-skiers ride the tram in winter?+
Yes. The resort sells sightseeing rides in winter as well as summer. Non-skiers ride up, enjoy the summit area and Corbet's Cabin, and ride back down; the terrain beyond the summit area is for equipped skiers only.
When does the tram open for the 2026-27 season?+
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort announced a November 27, 2026 opening day for the winter season, with the tram serving the upper mountain. Openings depend on snow and weather, so confirm on the resort's site close to your trip.
How high does it go?+
To the summit of Rendezvous Peak at 10,450 feet, a climb of 4,139 vertical feet from Teton Village in about nine minutes.
What is Corbet's Cabin?+
The small summit hut beside the tram dock, known across the ski world for its made-to-order waffles. It is the classic first stop at the top.
What if it is windy?+
Wind holds and closures are common in storms. Check the resort's lift status before heading out, and keep a backup plan in town, such as the wildlife art museum.
