The Mt. Hood Skiway Tram: The City Bus Tramway to Timberline Lodge
A Vision Before Its Time
In 1947, with World War II over, a new era of recreation began. Skiing had been gaining popularity before the war, and now that peace had returned, people were eager to hit the slopes once again. Mount Hood’s ski scene was entering a golden age, and a group of visionaries saw an opportunity to revolutionize access to Timberline Lodge. The Mt Hood Skiway Tram
That year, the Mount Hood Aerial Transportation Company was formed with an ambitious plan—an aerial tramway connecting Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. The project was named The Skiway (pronounced “Skyway”). If successful, it would provide a convenient alternative to the old Timberline Road, making the mountain more accessible to skiers.
The Need for a Tramway
At the time, transportation to Timberline Lodge was limited. Options included:
- Driving the old road (often rough and challenging)
- Paying 50 cents for the Timberline bus
- Hitchhiking (a common but unreliable choice)
If a skier drove, they typically carpooled with others, skied the Glade or Alpine Trails back to Government Camp, and then had to return for the car at the end of the day. The tramway offered a new solution—a skier could ride the tram up, ski all day, and then either take the tram back down or ski back to town.
An Engineering Feat
Construction began in 1948, and the project’s design was truly innovative. The plan called for a city bus to function as a tram car, suspended by cables and propelled using a pulley system. Inspired by loggers’ sky hook yarding mechanisms, the bus would be self-propelled, gripping the cable with wheels that guided it up or down the slope.
A lodge at the lower terminal in Government Camp would serve as the passenger station. It featured:
- A loading platform on the upper level
- A restaurant, restrooms, and waiting lounge
- A gift shop
The upper terminal was located at the west end of Timberline Lodge, where passengers could quickly access the ski runs.
Challenges and Delays
By 1949, the lodge and tramway towers were completed. However, that same year, a new Timberline Road was opened, providing a shorter, smoother, and safer drive. This easier road access made the tramway seem less necessary.
The winters of 1950 and 1951 brought heavy snowfall, further delaying the project. Originally scheduled to open in early 1950, the Skiway’s first official run was postponed until January 3, 1951. Despite initial excitement, the novelty quickly wore off.
Mt Hood Skiway Tram Downfall
Several factors contributed to the Skiway’s struggles:
- Competition with the new road – Driving to Timberline became easier and more convenient.
- Cost concerns – The tram fare was 75 cents, while the Timberline bus only cost 50 cents.
- Profitability issues – Mt Hood Skiway Tram failed to generate enough revenue to sustain operations.
Despite the enthusiasm of early skiers, the financial strain proved too much. After years of struggling, Mt Hood Skiway Tram closed in 1956.
A Forgotten Piece of Mount Hood History
Although short-lived, the Mt. Hood Skiway remains a fascinating chapter in the region’s ski history. It was a bold experiment, one that showcased the ambition of those eager to bring innovative transportation solutions to Mount Hood.
Today, few traces of the Skiway remain, but its story lives on as a reminder of a time when skiing was still finding its place in the Pacific Northwest.
