Tram Info

      Capacity
      • Number of Cabins = 6 (Max = 12)
      • Persons per Cabin = 8 (Max = 12)
      • Persons per Hours = 360 (Max = 540)

      Rope Specs - Right Hand Lay
        Elevation
        • Bottom Station = 47’ a.s.l.
        • Top Station = 709’ a.s.l.
        Dimensions
        • Diameter = 1.61 in.
        • Core = Polypropylene
        • Strands = 6 x 36 = 216 galv. steel
        • Length = 4430 ft.
        • Tensile Strength = 247, 206 lb.
        • Highest Point = 110 ft.

      Timing
      • Speed = 590 ft/min. (3 m/s)
      • Duration = 5 min/trip

      Tensioning - Top Station
      • Remote Counterweight = 106,000 lbs
      • Hydraulic Cylinders = 2
      • Carriage Throw = 3 - 4 ft.
      Support Structure
      • Towers = 8
      • Highest Tower = 60 ft.
      • Longest Span = 920 ft.
      • Num. of Sheaves = 138
      • Vertical Bullwheels = 2 - 11.8 ft. dia
      • Horizontal Bullwheels = 2 - 15.8 ft. dia

      Drive Equipment
      • Main Drive = ABB DC 480v - 500 Hp
      • Standby Drive = ABB DC 480v - 500 Hp
      • Gearbox = Lohmann
      • Horsepower = 380 HP cont. - 422 HP start

      Safety Equipment
      • Auxiliary Drive = Deutz Diesel
      • Generator = Caterpillar 500 Kw
      • Evac = Teflon Bike, Harness & Descender

      Unique Feature
      • Hurricane clips for haul rope on towers
      •  



Company Info

Despite numerous set backs, hard work and determination led to the creation of this premier attraction in the Virgin Islands. Here are just a few of the highlights during this process.

  • 1985 - Ron Turner & Rusty Gibson form Tramway Properties. They purchase 33 acres on Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark.
  • 1987 - Flag Hill project approved. Remainder of hillside subdivided and sold as per conditions of the EDC.
  • 1989 - Roadway cleared and building of Paradise Point begins. Hurricane Hugo strikes and destroys project. Turner asked for help from Governor and project is postponed due to S&L collapse in US.
  • 1990 - Paradise Point road is completed and Paradise Point building “C” is erected with financing from Banco Popular.
  • 1993 - Arthur Doppelmayr and a group of Austrian investors agree to build Paradise Point Gondola. St. Thomas Tramway-Joint Venture was formed between Tramway Properties and Tramcon. Inc.
  • 1994 - Under the keen eyes of John West and Sepp Gmuender, the tram was built in just 6 months by local tradesmen. Opening Day was Aug. 4, 1994 and the price was $10.
  • 1995 - Hurricane Marilyn strikes and destroys the island including the Paradise Point building. Tramway survives with little damage.
  • 1996 - Hurricane Bertha takes roof off of the Paradise Point building again.
  • 1997 - Tramcon. Inc. leases all facilites from Tramway Properties and takes responsibility for complete development of property. Price now $12.
  • 2000 - Tramcon. Inc. sold to Canadian businessman Peter G. White. Extensive maintenance & area improvements begin. Contract for daily bird shows signed.
  • 2002 - Name changed from Paradise Point Tramway to St. Thomas Skyride. Price now $15
  • 2005 - Paradise Point now offers three bird shows daily, record daily skyride attendance set at 1443 people.
  • 2006 - Local artists demonstrate on site.  New daily skyride attendance record climbs to 1682 visits.  Price now $18.
  • 2009 - 1 Millionth Baileys™ Bushwacker Sold.

Harbour View



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