Bozeman, Montana

National Coatings –  “Due to the high elevation, altitude sickness was a constant risk.”

Working at altitude can beat down even the hardiest of souls.

Once you get above 8,000 feet, you’re at risk for altitude sickness, which manifests as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

That’s what National Coatings faced when it took on the job of painting the Tram Top Station for The Big Sky Resort in southwestern Montana.

The Lone Peak Tram transports skiers and snowboarders to the summit, which stands at an elevation of 11,166 feet.

“Every crew member had to be properly trained in fall protection and working at extreme heights,” said National Coatings. “Due to the high elevation, altitude sickness was a constant risk, and the team had to stay hydrated, acclimated, and well-rested to maintain productivity.”

Getting to the job site was itself a challenge. Each day the crew had to navigate fire service roads and ski trails in their trucks just to reach the bottom tram station. From there, workers loaded materials and supplies into the tram and took it to the top. 

Fighting through the elements, the team completed the project within five months. 

“Weather conditions at this altitude played a significant role in scheduling, requiring flexible workdays based on wind speeds, visibility and tram accessibility,” National Coatings said. “Every application step had to be timed carefully to accommodate temperature fluctuations and rapid weather changes.”

Still, you couldn’t beat the view.

Behind every step forward was a carefully orchestrated plan

“The crew experienced some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable, overlooking the entire Big Sky Resort and the surrounding Montana wilderness,” National Coatings said. “Despite the challenges, having the opportunity to work in such a stunning location was an unforgettable experience.”

Materials

• High-performance coatings for exterior metals, ensuring resistance to extreme UV exposure, wind, ice, and snow.
• Water-based coatings for interior applications, selected for durability and environmental safety.