PIPESTEM, W.Va. –The new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park is scheduled to officially open on Thursday.
West Virginia State Parks announced that a ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. to celebrate a major milestone in the park’s history. The event will include remarks from state and local leaders, followed by a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial first ride on the tram into Bluestone Gorge.
Once guests arrive at the gorge, they are invited to experience Mountain Creek Lodge, including sampling items from its new restaurant menu and visiting the lodge’s gift shop.
“The opening of this new tram is a major milestone for Pipestem Resort and a crowning achievement for West Virginia’s world-class state parks system,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in a release. “For decades, Pipestem’s tram served as a gateway to one our state’s most breathtaking landscapes. Now, with the first gondola in the world to feature Doppelmayr’s Next Generation control system, Pipestem is leading the way in innovation and accessibility. Thanks to the support from our partner’s, this upgrade ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy this world-class experience for decades to come.”
Work on replacing the tram began in December 2023 and was completed by Doppelmayr USA, a company based in Tucker County.
The opening of the new tram system is considered the capstone of more than $15 million in upgrades to the resort’s facilities and infrastructure. Within the new tram, it features a touchscreen monitor that controls operations, records system data and directly connects with the manufacturer to ensure easy troubleshooting and ensure the tram is performing optimally.
Along with advanced technology, the new tram can now safely operate in winds up to 54 mph, is ADA-accessible, can accommodate six passengers, and includes a freight car for bicycles, kayaks, and sporting gear.
The ceremony also coincides with the park’s 55th anniversary. In celebration, the park is offering $55 per-night stays at Mountain Creek Lodge on September 4-6 and September 11-13. On those same dates, tram tickers will be available for $5.55, and guests will be able to enjoy 55-cent ice cream scoops at the Canyon Rim Coffee and Creamery Company.
Visitors will be able to book those deals at WVstateparks.com using the code TRAM.