Chairlifts are the answer
Mr. Jump’s sentence, “Chairlifts are becoming passé in the modern European scene,” suggests that he was not in Switzerland long enough when he was here for the OITAF Congress. The situation is exactly the opposite from what you say, especially in Switzerland. There is no question that single chairlifts have become passé. Double chairlifts, however, are becoming even more popular and important. This is partly so because of the scarcity of personnel we have in Europe compared with you in the United States (we must calculate carefully the costs of personnel and the effect these have on the cost of running the lifts).
When I began exporting lifts to the United States, I could not understand why the Americans so often wanted chairlifts instead of surface lifts. I see now that they had many good arguments.
As you know, I manufacture chairlifts and surface lifts and I like to sell both of them. Personally, however, if I had an area, I would prefer to have chairlifts. I do agree that the prime costs of chairs are 20 to 30 per cent higher than for T-Bars, but there is no question that this extra expense is compensated for during the first years of service.
We have already gone to capacities of 1,000 to 1,100 persons per hour for surface lifts, and it is technically possible to accommodate up to 1,200 persons per hour. Increased capacity, however, means more maintenance of the lift line (one or two men must prepare the line every day), and this is not necessary for a chairlift. Other drawbacks of the T-Bar are the necessary maintenance of the spring boxes and the fact that the passengers influence the cable which increases the risk of accidents.
These problems do not exist with a chairlift. Chairs are also more comfortable than T-Bars. Beginners can sit and therefore do not get tired before they start skiing.
I also disagree with you in your argument of gondolas versus chairlifts. We all know that a gondola has less capacity in practice and offers the wind a broader surface of attack. With regard to the comfort of a gondola, it is true that protection against the wind and weather is there, but this is a comfort two to three times more expensive than a chairlift. We are also constantly developing new possibilities to afford this comfort to a chairlift also.
Finally, I can only say again that chairlifts are the answer. I think you will be convinced of this, too.
Walter Stadeli
Stadeli-Lift AG
Zurich, Switzerland
On the environment
I want to commend you and your staff for the thought provoking and timely messages in the Fall issue of SKI AREA MANAGEMENT.
Your editorial as well as the articles by Messrs Berry and Kinney very clearly point out the importance of including ecological thinking in the development and maintenance of any ski area.
As you point out we all have a stake in the environment, whether it be the land-developer, conservationist, user, or sightseer.
H. Ames Harrison
District Forest Ranger
Wasatch National Forest
Salt Lake City, Utah
Congratulations in order
It sure was a pleasure to read your Fall 1970 issue of SKI AREA MANAGEMENT. The ecology theme was well presented and honest.
Thank God, that ski resorts, who just happened to have some of the most beautiful environmental surroundings in the world, are now becoming aware that they are destroying the very things that their existence depends upon. Yes, gentlemen, I can assure you that the alpine and sub-alpine environments are some of the most fragile of all ecosystems.
I am presently giving a series of public lectures on pollution, particularly pertaining to our mountain regions and resources, and I will let the public know that the ski resorts are now becoming concerned and involved with their area’s ecology.
Many of us not only come to your resorts to ski—but to escape our urban mess. Please take care of our escape spots, we need them!
I wish you all a white winter (and a greener next summer).
Robert J. Sager
Assistant Professor
Geography Department
California State College
Fullerton, Calif.
Info on wire
I read with interest the article on proper splicing as a means of maintaining longer lasting wire rope. Could you advise me on any publication dealing with ski lift cables and the characteristics and differences of cable?
G. J. Haley
Ski & Ski Field Equipment
Box 2259U, Melbourne
Victoria, Australia
Several of the larger wire rope companies publish handbooks with information on splicing. Usually there is a charge for them, $25-50, and the companies are often hesitant to give them to their smaller customers. In any case they should contain some of the information you want, but it is important to remember that splicing is a highly technical craft and reading the handbooks is not necessarily going to equip you to do the work yourself.
Rope manufacturers also publish catalogues with rope specifications and characteristics. One that I find particularly useful can be obtained through Macwhyte’s Wire Rope Co., Kenosa, Wis. R.K.
Beech Mountain revisited
We were amused by the headline “Condominiums Northwest acquires Beech Mountain” in your Fall issue.
We would, however, like to assure our stockholders and land owners that Carolina Caribbean Corporation has not sold its 9,000 acres of Beech. We are, in fact, developing those acres faster than ever.
As for the rest of your story, alas, we have not sold more than 6,000 lots. We are, however, pushing the 4,000 mark, and we do look forward to reaching 6,000.
Thomas R. Sieg
Director of Advertising
and Sales Promotion
Carolina Caribbean Corp.
Banner Elk, N.C.
