Skiing Magazine made its own contribution to the cable car conversation in 2003, when it organized the Jackson-Snowbird Tram Off and pitted teams of four at the two resorts against each other to see who could ski the most vertical in one day. The winner was determined by cumulative vertical feet covered by all team members, and Snowbird claimed the title with a total of 348,000 feet after riding 30 trams. It was a close race, with Jackson Hole’s team covering 347,676 feet. The Snowbird team reportedly received massages during the tram rides and skied a groomed run, while the Jackson terrain was mostly off-piste. Rematch, anyone?

For the purists, a sequel to the Tram Off could be the best way for skiers to use the tram as more than just a means of transport. But if stunts, shocks, and adrenaline seem more entertaining, check out the footage of James Bond battling the assassin Jaws in “Moonraker”—a chance for the cable car a chance to shine in all its action-packed glory.—Olivia Dwyer