“Break-A-Way” Slalom Poles
Among the advantages cited are the reduced need for gatekeepers, durability and safety. For racer training, broken and knocked down gates can become a problem, but Reliable’s Break-A-Way poles, according to college ski coach, Mike Schoenfeld, “not only stay in place but they remain steady even after the most aggressive gate crashing.”
Boot Warmer
Sunshine Recreation, Inc., 22713 Ventura Blvd., Suite A, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, reports brisk business for its coin-operated “hot-foot” boot and glove warmers.
The unit plugs into any 110-volt outlet, has a guaranteed 5,000 hour blower assembly and is “practically indestructible,” according to the supplier.
Sunshine also supplies other coin-operated equipment: Ski Banks for ski security and Sunshine Lockers for indoor parcel and boot storage.
Skier Transportation
Ski areas wanting to dress up their acts a little can do so with a new Skier Transport Vehicle (STV) conversion marketed by Gregg Sowder of Spokane, Washington. Sowder is the Cost Accountant at the Riblet Tramway Company and also runs his own company, Gregg Sowder Skier Transport Vehicles Co.
The conversion was designed by T.R. Sowder, P.E., President of Riblet Tramway Company. It consists of ten double chairseats, just like the ones on the chairlifts, in sloping, theatre-like seating. Providing a capacity of 20 people, it mounts easily to the frame of a flatbed truck. For short hauls, such as parking lot to lodge, it is extremely efficient because its loading and unloading time is about one-fourth that of a conventional bus. The skiers keep their equipment with them at all times, thus eliminating storage problems, as well as equipment identification hassles.
The prototype vehicle was put into use on Mt. Spokane this January and has been a success with both skiers and management. Sam Wormington, General Manager of Mt. Spokane, says the new vehicle has really helped with their parking situation. “People just don’t like to walk, and this is understandable considering they are wearing ski boots and carrying skis, poles and bags with them. Sure we’ve tried buses, but they’re too bulky and slow. Our skiers just don’t like them. We are still using one of our buses, but only until our other STV arrives… We can hardly wait!”
For more information contact Gregg Sowder Skier Transport Vehicles Co., Box 5220, Spokane, Washington 99205.
