Editor’s note: this is another edition of Nils Ericksen’s Idea File. Its success depends on you, our readers, sharing your ideas with us. Just drop us a line at SAM, Box 242, North Salem, N.Y. 10560. Make it a brief description plus snapshot or very rough sketch if needed. We’ll do the rest. You and your area get recognized, and you get $10 for your interest if we use your idea. All ‘ideas’ involve custom fabrication for each situation, and no liability can be assumed by contributors, the editor or this magazine.
Rope Guides
This application has been seen at several areas, the first one being Bristol Mt., N.Y., past residence of Corky and Colleen Cayton, Installation is simple and fast. The straps are normally rust-proof, and can be purchased at most hardware stores. You’ll find they come in several varieties, any of which should do the job.
Snow Collectors
Thanks to Herm Weillstein, of Ontario, Canada, for this time-proven idea. At Alice Hill Park these “snow collectors” have been “used very successfully for two seasons on a section of our hill where high winds prevail. . .” They are easy to move, and should solve snow erosion problems at many locations (see Spring ’75 SAM for another method).
Portable Lift Houses
Here are some good projects for the summer and fall. Hickory Hill in New York teamed up with their local high school to construct portable lift houses. The only cost was for materials. Besides the obvious monetary benefits, there are several others. 1) The buildings can be brought to the base area each year for maintenance. 2) Vandalism is less likely to occur in the maintenance area. 3) The students get constructively involved with the local ski area.
