The number of tourists at Mount Hood National Park increased after the end of World War II. Otto George came up with the idea of building a tram connecting two famous ski resorts. He founded a corporation called Mt. Hood Aerial Transportation and began looking for investors. In 1948, when he finally raised enough money to begin work and received a building permit, the clearing and felling of a five-kilometer stretch of forest began. After the road was cleared, concrete was poured, 38 steel towers were installed and 40 km of cables with a diameter of 3.8 cm were laid.
The tram was originally called "Skyway", but copyright issues arose and the name was changed to "Skiway". The streetcars are actually converted city buses, with each vehicle seating 36 people and a further 14 standing.
It was planned to launch the cable car in April 1950, but it was only ready early the following year. On the eve of the opening ceremony on January 3, 1951, journalists and cameramen climbed the mountain. A January 4, 1951 newspaper reported the trip as lasting 20 minutes. Although the interior of the tram is nearly identical to a city bus, the article says, “the tram produces significantly more noise than a wheeled bus. The jingling and rubbing of the cables made conversation on the train impossible.”
Finally, after more than three and a half years, the press on February 2 reported that the tram would start operating the next day. Fares are 75 cents one-way and $1.50 round-trip. There is a restaurant and snack bar at the lower station. The station also includes a gift shop, a ski shop and a guest lounge. The tram enters the station on the third floor of the building, where the loading and unloading platform is located.
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
Photos of the unusual Skyway Skybus used on Mount Hood, Oregon in the 1950s
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