Hillside trams for steep lake lots.
A tram turns a long, tiring climb to the dock into an easy ride. We install and service hillside trams for lake homes and steep lots across North Idaho and Northwest Montana.
- Built to your slope and length
- Carries people and gear
- Seasonal service and start-up
Lake country is steep country.
Around Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, Flathead Lake and Whitefish Lake, many of the best lots sit high above the water. That's great for the view and hard on the knees, especially when you're carrying coolers, life jackets, kids and groceries down a long set of stairs.
A hillside tram, sometimes called an inclined elevator or lake lift, rides on a track that follows the grade from the house to the shoreline. You load up at the top, press a button and ride down. It makes the whole property usable for everyone, from grandkids to grandparents.
Tram options and configurations
Every hillside is different. We'll design the right setup after we survey your lot.
Open passenger car
A seated car with railings for riding down to the water and back while taking in the view.
Enclosed cab
Walls, a roof and a door for more protection from wind and weather on longer or steeper runs.
Cargo carrier
Built to haul coolers, firewood, building materials and gear with no heavy lifting.
Custom length and stops
Engineered to your grade and distance, with stops at the house, a deck, the beach or the dock.
From first call to finished install
Site visit
We walk the hill with you, look at slope, soil, trees and access, and talk about where you want to stop.
Design & quote
We lay out the track, car and stations and give you a written quote and timeline.
Build & install
Footings, track, drive and car go in, then we test the system and train you on it.
Seasonal service
Spring start-up, fall shutdown and repairs from our local technicians.
What goes into a tram project
A tram is part elevator and part construction project. Here's what we plan for.
The survey
Slope, length, soil, rock, trees and where the stations go. This decides the track design and footings.
Shoreline and steep-slope rules
Counties set their own rules for building near the water and on steep ground. In Flathead County, any work within 20 feet of the lake's high-water line needs a lakeshore permit. In Idaho, structures that extend onto a navigable lake need a state encroachment permit. We'll help you figure out what applies.
Power and controls
The drive is usually at the top station. Call-send stations at each stop let you bring the car to you.
Winter
Snow and ice are part of life here. Many owners shut the tram down for winter, and we handle fall shutdown and spring start-up.
Tram or outdoor stairlift? It depends on the hill.
If you have a short run of steps along a path to a deck or beach, an outdoor stairlift may be all you need, and it costs less. If the slope is long and steep, or you need to move gear as well as people, a tram is the better fit. We'll tell you honestly which one makes sense.
- Outdoor stairlift: short runs of steps, one rider
- Tram: long or steep slopes, several riders
- Tram: hauls coolers, gear and materials
- Both: weather covers and winter care
Based in Coeur d'Alene. Serving Idaho & Montana.
We also serve Eastern Washington. Don't see your town? Ask us.
Related services
Stairlifts
Straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts from an authorized Stannah dealer in Coeur d'Alene.
Learn moreHome Elevators
Home elevators sold, installed and serviced by a Coeur d'Alene team.
Learn moreElevator & Stairlift Repair
Local technicians for home elevator, stairlift, platform lift and tram repair and maintenance, including brands we didn't install.
Learn moreFrom our blog
Hillside Trams on North Idaho Lakes: Before You Build
Planning a tram to the dock on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, Pend Oreille or Priest Lake? Slope, access, permits, power and winter: what to plan for.
Read more
Winterizing Outdoor Lifts & Trams in Idaho and Montana
Snow, ice and freeze-thaw are hard on outdoor stairlifts, porch lifts and hillside trams. A season-by-season care plan for North Idaho and the Flathead.
Read moreCommon questions
How steep a slope can a tram handle?
Much steeper than you'd want to walk. Trams are built for grades where stairs and ramps aren't practical. The right design depends on the slope and length of your lot, so we'll survey it before we quote.
How many people can ride?
It depends on the car. Options range from small cars for two riders to larger cars for a family and gear. We'll size it to how you use the property.
Can a tram run in the winter?
Some owners run their trams year-round. Many shut them down for the snow season. Either way, we'll set it up for how you plan to use it and handle the fall shutdown and spring start-up.
Do I need a permit?
Usually, yes. Expect county building and electrical permits, and if the work is near the shoreline, a lakeshore or shoreline permit. Rules vary by county and lake, so we'll help you work out what applies to your lot.
How long does a tram take to build?
Plan on several months from first visit to first ride, depending on design, permits and site work. Many lake owners start in fall or winter so the tram is ready by summer.
Do you service existing trams?
Yes. We inspect, repair and do seasonal service on hillside trams, including systems we didn't install. Call with what you have and we'll take a look.
Have a steep lot?
Tell us about your property. We'll set up a site visit and show you what a tram could look like on your hill.