PIPESTEM, WV (LOOTPRESS) — West Virginia State Parks officials announced today that the new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park will officially open during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. The event will mark a major milestone in the park’s history and highlight the state’s continued investment in the West Virginia State Parks system.
The ceremony will include remarks by state and local leaders, followed by a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial first ride on the tram into the Bluestone Gorge. Guests will then be invited to experience the Mountain Creek Lodge, enjoy samples from its new restaurant menu and visit 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,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “For decades, Pipestem’s tram served as a gateway to one of 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 partners, this upgrade ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy this world-class experience for decades to come.”
The new tram system is the capstone of more than $15 million in facility and infrastructure upgrades at Pipestem Resort. Its state-of-the-art gondolas include cutting-edge technology featuring a touchscreen monitor that controls operations, records system data and directly interfaces with the manufacturer to support troubleshooting and ensure the gondolas perform optimally.
The new tram also represents a major advancement in efficiency and safety. Unlike the previous tram, which could not operate in winds over 24 mph, the new gondolas can safely operate in winds up to 54 mph. They are also ADA-accessible, can accommodate six passengers and the system features a dedicated freight car for bicycles, kayaks and sporting gear.
Work on replacing the tram, which had been in service for more than 60 years, began in December 2023 and was completed by Doppelmayr USA, which operates its eastern headquarters in Tucker County.
The opening coincides with Pipestem Resort State Park’s 55th anniversary. To celebrate, the park is offering $55 per-night stays at Mountain Creek Lodge on Sept. 4-6 and Sept. 11-13. Visitors can book this deal by using code TRAM at WVstateparks.com. On those same dates, tram tickets will be available for $5.55 and guests can enjoy 55-cent ice cream scoops at The Canyon Rim Coffee and Creamery Company. Prices do not include tax.
Located on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem Resort State Park has been West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort since 1970. In addition to the new tram and Mountain Creek Lodge, Pipestem features exhilarating zipline tours, a splash park and adventure lake, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions, a championship golf course, 82 campsites, 26 cabins and two lodges.
