|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
INDUSTRY EVENTS 2006 RMLA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW More than 400 ski area personnel, exhibitors, and regulators attended the 2006 RMLA Spring Conference and Trade Show in Grand Junction, Colo., May 1-4. In addition to the usual Leitner-Poma and Dopplemayr tech sessions and the electrical and mechanical workshops, this year’s show included new sessions on controlling workers’ compensation costs and employee relations, particularly motivating employees and conflict resolution. In workshops, hallways and the lunchroom, training and retention of new employees was a frequent theme. Safety issues, from snowmobile use to investigating incidents in the workplace, were once again a priority. Also new this year were basic “101” courses on electricity and lift design, in recognition of the industry’s need for entry-level education. Both these were well-attended.In his annual review of lift incidents, Maynard Russell of Acordia pointed out that many lifts currently in use were installed in the 1960s, and that these are nearing the end of their life expectancy. He encouraged areas to watch for signs that these may be ready for retirement. Among the incidents he noted was a bullwheel with cracked spokes. Other common themes: failing to follow operating procedures, especially for stops and restarts, and wind—which was especially problematic in the East last season. Poor communication between top and bottom terminal staff was another trend. Not that anyone needs reminding of the impact of government regulation, but the long arm of the bureaucracy is smacking wireless radio users. One workshop reviewed the FCC’s “refarming” of the radio airwaves, the process of slicing bandwidths more thinly, which is intended to create more bandwidths for wireless technologies. This creates overlap between old and new equipment and can seriously affect radio communications. The new standards began to take effect in 2005, including lower antenna heights and lower power for new systems, so the conversion and increasing crosstalk are already underway. By 2008, manufacturers will cease production of older-generation handsets, making it difficult to replaced wornout units. And while new radios have greater capabilities—integration with snowmaking systems and wireless Internet, for example—it takes more effort to make sure you get the functionality you want, without paying for features you’ll never use. RMLA also took time to recognize top performers. Among them: Alicia French of Park City, Lift Op of the Year; Mike Green, Pajarito Mountain, N.M., Lift Mechanic of the Year; and C.T. “Hoot” Gibson of Vail, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dave Kelly, whose Magic Carpet essentially invented the conveyor lift, was cited for his company’s Contribution to the Industry: from a single lift at Breckenridge 16 years ago, there are now 2,400 conveyors worldwide.
|
EVENTS WRAPUP  |