Words and Pictures by Lauren M. Whaley
While crews at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort dismantle, excavate, pour, pound, weld and wire, filmmaker Peter Pilafian shoots.
The man who brought us the hometown favorite, Someday Somebody Will Ski That, has been documenting construction of the new 100-person aerial tram since it started last season. His new movie, The Cable to the Sky, documents the history of the Jackson Hole icon and the making of a new one.
The dramatic trailer debuted at Teton Gravity Research’s Under the Influence premiere on Sept. 20.
Meanwhile at Teton Village, crews work at least six days a week to ensure that the new red box will be smooth and safe for its scheduled December 20 unveiling. Just yesterday, Swiss company Garaventa’s crews hoisted platforms into the air and attached them to the recently tensioned track ropes. Monday, they will stand on these suspended platforms, nicknamed “Stairway to Heaven,” to splice the new haul rope.
What will happen to the old red box? Will it stay at Jackson Hole on display?
Mike: I know one car is on tour with TGR. Not sure where the other one is now, though those of us who attended/worked the JH Ski Club ball last weekend got to tromp through it en route to the gondola. Maybe we should all submit ideas to JHMR - or better yet, to The Snaz - of what should be done with the old cars. Thoughts?