PIPESTEM, W.Va. –A brand-new aerial tram is now up and running at Pipestem Resort State Park, offering guests an exciting new way to take in the park’s scenic views.
Park officials hosted an opening ceremony for the new tram on Thursday, followed by a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial first ride.
Key features include seating for six passengers, ADA accessibility, and a maintenance/luggage car for bikes, kayaks, sporting gear, and other items
WV DNR Director Brett McMillion said the new luggage car makes the tram more accessible for everyone, giving visitors greater opportunity to use the park’s trails and other features more easily.
“It just really opens up a lot of different opportunities,” McMillion told MetroNews. “There’s a nine-mile trail between Mountain Creek Lodge and Bluestone State Park that a lot of guests may not realize we have available but now this would give a great opportunity to get those mountain bikes and kayaks down to utilize that section of the park also.”
McMillion said there are currently 11 cars operating on the tram, which replaces the original system that first opened in 1970.
Construction on the tram was started in December 2023 and completed by Dopplelmayr USA, a company based in Tucker County.
He said that the tram is one-of-a-kind because it uses Dopplemayr’s newest technology for the first time.
“So, it is state-of-the-art, we can run a lot more people up and down the mountain, from Canyon Rim Center at Pipestem down to Mountain Creek Lodge and dining room,” McMillion said.
He also said they are currently working on installing a new tram at Hawks Nest State Park, with plans to complete the project next year.
He said that while the resort has a lot of attractions, including two golf courses, zip lines, splash parks, disc golf, horseback riding, and more, the tram has always been a favorite attraction.
“The tram is always one that tends to lead its way to the top and gain a lot of attention and interest,” McMillion said.
U.S. Senator Jim Justice was governor at the time the project began.
He applauded the opening of the new tram in a statement Thursday.
“We as West Virginians pride ourselves on the beautiful nature of our state and our world class outdoor tourism, from hiking to fishing to everything in between. I am very excited to see the $12.4 million investment I made as Governor in the Pipestem Resort State Park and its tramway reopen just in time for the fall foliage season,” Justice said. “As Governor, I worked overtime to promote tourism in our state, and I’m proud to now see that work is paying off. Tourists are coming to the state in droves, people are recognizing West Virginia is the diamond in the rough, and we are ready to show them all the goodness West Virginia has to offer. This investment will not only carry its weight financially but will serve as a window for the world into the beauty of our state. Keep it going West Virginia.”
McMillion said he looks forward to guests having the opportunity to enjoy the tram during the fall season.
“I look forward to a lot of folks coming to see the new tram and see that leaf change on those gondolas, it’s quite an experience dropping down from Canyon Rim all the way down into Mountain Creek,” he said.