Aerial tramway
An aerial tramway is a type of aerial lift, sometimes called a cable car, and frequently incorrectly referred to as a gondola.
An aerial tramway consists of two or more loops of cable, and two passenger cabins. One of the cables is always fixed, and provides support for the cabins. The second cable is, by means of a grip, connected to the cabins. This second cable is driven by a usually electric motor, and being connected to the cabins, moves them up or down the mountain.
The two passenger cabins, which carry from 4 to over 100 people, are situated at opposite ends of the loops of cable. Thus, while one is coming up, the other is going down the mountain.
Similarly, some aerial trams have only one cabin.
The original version was originally called telpherage, and was invented by engineer Fleeming Jenkin. Smaller telpherage systems are sometimes used to transport objects (such as tools or mail) within a building or factory.
Aerial tramways around the world
Australia
Europe
France
- The Vanoise Express, opened in December 2003 at a cost of 15 million euro, is a double decker tramway for 200 passengers in each car. It spans the Ponturin gorge at a height of 380 metres (1250 feet) above the ground, linking the resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs in four minutes to form the Paradiski ski resort. Unusually its two cars run independently of each other on separate cables.
Italy
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
In Switzerland, many aerial tramways are in use, one of them (Adliswil-Felsenegg) even as part of Zürich's suburban public transport system.
Another well-known Swiss aerial tramway is the one to the Schilthorn mountain in the Bernese Oberland. It appeared in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. With a length of 6931 meters in four tracks, it is the world's longest aerial tramway system.
USA
- At Squaw Valley ski resort, California, USA, the 'cable car' (aerial tramway) system takes skiers from the base to the mountain top.
- The tram at Snowbird, Utah, another ski-and-summer resort near Salt Lake City.
- The Roosevelt Island Tramway, Manhattan, New York, USA, although also a tourist attraction, is claimed to be the only aerial tramway in North America directed mainly at commuters. This claim will have to be shared once Portland, Oregon completes the Portland Aerial Tram.
- The skylift at Stone Mountain, near Atlanta.
- The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs, California, which transports passengers to the top of Mount San Jacinto.
- The Cannon Mountain Tram in Franconia, New Hampshire.
- The Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- The tram at Jackson Hole, Wyoming has over 4000 feet of elevation gain.
Canada
See also:
