Pursuit Submits Proposal to Develop Sightseeing Tram Near Glacier National Park
Aerial tramway would create a one-of-a-kind year-round mountain sightseeing experience offering accessible and iconic
Press Release Disclaimer: This is a press release distributed through the XPR Media network. It has not been independently verified by our newsroom.
Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE: PRSU) today announced that it has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Forest Service for a Special Use Permit for the development and operation of the Glacier View Tram, a sightseeing aerial tramway on the north slopes of Columbia Mountain in the Flathead National Forest near Hungry Horse, Montana and Glacier National Park.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261001953628/en/
A conceptual rendering of the proposed Glacier View Tram. Design details are subject to change.
The Glacier View Tram is being proposed as a year-round mountain sightseeing experience designed to connect people with the landscape, including visitors who cannot safely or practically reach higher elevations on foot. Consisting of two 100-passenger cabins, the tram would transport guests to a station just below the summit of Columbia Mountain, ascending more than 3,000 vertical feet in roughly six minutes. Accessible trails, walking paths, viewing areas and visitor facilities at both top and bottom stations would create new ways for visitors and residents to experience the surrounding landscape and take in iconic views of Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley and Hungry Horse Reservoir.
“We are excited to bring forward a proposal that would introduce a new and accessible way for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Glacier National Park and surrounding areas,” said David Barry, president and chief executive officer of Pursuit. “With a long history operating in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, we understand that proposing a new experience on national forest land carries a responsibility to the land, wildlife and the people who live and work here. We look forward to supporting the Forest Service’s review process as they evaluate our proposal.”
If authorized, the tram would operate under a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit and remain subject to federal oversight and permit requirements. The project would be financed by Pursuit and would not require taxpayer funding for construction or operation. The land would remain federally managed public land.
The proposed base facilities would occupy a Forest Service parcel on the south side of Highway 2. The final footprint would remain subject to design development and Forest Service review. Plans include guest service and recreation facilities, a network connecting existing walking and hiking trails, a full-service restaurant and retail space, day-use parking, and an information center. The upper station would include the tram terminal as well as a small cafe and viewing area – powered by renewable energy and located below the summit and designed to reduce visual impacts from the valley below.
According to an economic analysis prepared as part of the proposal, the Glacier View Tram is estimated to support approximately 230 jobs through construction and ongoing operations, along with additional employment across the region. The analysis considers activity related to maintenance, transportation, guest services and other local spending.
“Tourism in the Flathead Valley is a key economic driver for the region; however, this important sector remains highly seasonal,” said Gary Rodgers, COO, Pursuit Pacific Northwest. “If approved, the year-round experience provided by the proposed Glacier View Tram could help extend economic activity beyond the peak summer season. We also recognize that any potential benefits must be considered alongside questions about community fit, land use and environmental stewardship, and those are exactly the issues the Forest Service review process is designed to evaluate.”
In addition to supporting the Forest Service’s review process, Pursuit is inviting residents to submit questions, concerns and feedback through www.glacierviewtram.com. Community feedback received by the company is separate from any formal public participation process that may be established by the Forest Service. The website includes project information, conceptual renderings and a summary of the proposal submitted to the Forest Service.
Pursuit, which previously operated as Glacier Park, Inc., has operated in northwest Montana for more than six decades and employs over 1,000 people across the region.
Conceptual renderings of the proposed Glacier View Tram can be found here. Design details are subject to change.
About Pursuit
Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE: PRSU) is an attractions and hospitality company that owns and operates a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences in iconic destinations in the United States, Canada, Iceland and Costa Rica. Pursuit’s elevated hospitality experiences include world-class attractions and distinctive lodges, along with integrated restaurants, retail and transportation that enable visitors to discover and connect with renowned travel locations. www.pursuit.com
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261001953628/en/
Media gallery
