Lone Peak Tram

The Lone Peak Tram carries passengers to the 11,166-foot summit of Lone Mountain at Big Sky Resort, which the resort calls the highest scenic overlook in Montana. The current tram opened on December 19, 2023, replacing the original tram of 1995. It has two cabins, each built to hold up to 75 passengers, and the ride to the summit takes just under four minutes. The cabins have glass floor panels, which you notice most on summer rides.

The first tram, built in 1995 with 15-passenger cabins, ran 2,828 feet up the final face. Its lower terminal stood on an active rock glacier that slowly moved it out of place, which was one reason for replacing it. Doppelmayr and Garaventa built the new system, the first new tram at a North American ski area in 15 years, and the resort called it its largest on-mountain infrastructure project. Since winter 2025/26 the tram's lower station has been linked to the base by the Explorer Gondola, so you can ride from the base to the summit in about 15 minutes. At the top, the Kircliff glass observatory opened that season, cantilevered off the edge of the peak.

From the summit the view takes in mountain ranges in three states and two national parks. In winter the tram serves the summit's expert-only terrain. The most famous line, the Big Couloir, has its own entry procedure: a partner, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and a check-in with ski patrol. Every Big Sky lift ticket now includes the tram and Kircliff; tram access was split from tickets in 2021-22 and returned in 2024-25.

Summer 2026 opened on June 13, with the gondola, Ramcharger 8 and the tram running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A scenic ticket covering all three plus Kircliff was $67 for adults aged 18 to 69. The summer season is now over. For winter 2026/27 the resort lists November 25 as opening day; whether the tram runs on a given day depends on conditions at the summit.

Practical tip: the summit is often far colder and windier than the base, even in July, so bring a warm layer, and check the tram's status on the resort's lift report before you buy.