After years of planning and phased construction, Big Sky Resort’s latest project has reached the finish line – with Encore Electric playing a crucial role in bringing it to life. As part of the resort’s Big Sky 2025 initiative, Encore Electric helped introduced the Kircliff observation deck, in addition to the work the team completed in 2024 on the Lone Peak Tram. Encore Electric powered the spectacular two-story glass Kircliff platform, which includes a viewing box that extends dramatically over a cliff’s edge, making the scenic overlook fully operational for guests.
The new Lone Peak Tram climbs more than 2,000 vertical feet in just four minutes to reach the top of Lone Mountain, where the Kircliff observation deck sits. As the highest scenic overlook in Montana, the platform offers views of more than 10 mountain ranges, two national parks and three states. Most importantly for the resort, with the new tram and the Explorer Gondola, walking guests can now access the top of the mountain.
The work on the Lone Peak Tram and Kircliff observation deck was completed in three phases to accommodate the resort’s ski seasons, beginning with foundation grounding for the tram’s new bottom station. From there, Encore Electric completed full electrical work for the tram and the Kircliff observation deck, bringing power and lighting to the infrastructure.
From the start of the project, planning and coordination were essential. “From day one, we dove into the schedule and helped the general contractor fully understand the durations and requirements of our scope,” said Justin Patterson, assistant project manager for Encore Electric. Virtual design and construction (VDC) modeling was not originally part of the plan, but as the team evaluated the tight summer construction timeline – so as not to impact the winter ski season – Encore Electric recommended and executed a coordinated 3D model to ensure the work was buildable before crews set foot on the mountain.
Working at the summit brought extraordinary challenges. Early in construction, the existing tram remained in use, allowing Encore Electric to transport materials and team members in temporary baskets while old tram cables were removed. After the old tram was decommissioned but before the new tram became operational, the team and materials were moved via helicopter. When blizzards, high winds, rain, and hail prevented the helicopters from running, employees had to either hike down the mountain or stay overnight. While the weather often tested schedules and endurance, the Encore Electric team adapted, pushing the project forward.
With short construction windows, long work weeks, and unpredictable weather, the team never backed down. Their dedication helped bring a modern, elevated tram and observation experience to life – one that will serve the resort and its guests for years to come.
“I am extremely proud of our field team,” Patterson said. “The grit and determination it took to work at the summit through extreme weather was extraordinary. The team’s commitment to delivering high-quality work, even knowing they might have to spend the night on the mountain instead of going home to their families, impressed me beyond measure.”
Encore Electric has been involved with multiple Big Sky 2025 projects since 2022, including electrical work for the tram’s bottom and top stations, the mid-mountain and top gondola stations, the Swift Current high-speed lift and other resort upgrades at restaurants such as Peaks Chophouse & Wine Lounge and the Umbrella Bar.
Want to learn more about Encore Electric in Montana and our full range of electrical construction services? Contact us at 406-995-2849 or click here: www.encoreelectric.com/montana-electrical-contractor/