Olympic Valley, California — Palisades Tahoe (then often called Squaw Valley) was in a difficult spot within the early Nineteen Fifties. With harder-to-operate raise infrastructure, together with the chance of main avalanches (mitigation wasn’t as subtle as it’s now), the ski resort wanted so as to add a brand new raise that might be much less inclined to break from avalanches. Nonetheless, the Korean Warfare led to a ban on metal, main the California ski resort to make a daring resolution to outlive.
These components led to the creation of the Jig Again Tram, a picket raise supposed to final solely 5 years and be used solely for avalanches. Nonetheless, it finally operated for just a few many years and was even open to the general public for a part of its lifespan. Whereas it was seen by the ski resort as a dependable raise, it additionally handled derailments.
In AaronVentures’ newest video, he dives into the historical past of the Jig Again Tram. The video dives into why Palisades Tahoe constructed the raise, the development course of, its operational lifespan, and the tram’s legacy. He’s comparatively new to YouTube, however Aaron is among the greatest storytellers I’ve seen within the snowboarding sphere.
In the present day, this terrain is serviced by the Headwall Specific chairlift. Danger of avalanches from this terrain zone nonetheless exists, however extra fashionable strategies have helped mitigate the hazards that threatened Palisades Tahoe’s enterprise within the Nineteen Fifties and Nineteen Sixties.
Picture/Video Credit: Aaronventures, Palisades Tahoe, Skimap.org
Associated
Do not miss out!
Get the newest snow and mountain way of life information and leisure delivered to your inbox.