Superior devices
Backstop — A differential band backstop has been recently developed for both 8-1/4″ and 12″ drums. The backstop offers finite adjustment, and all components are available for visual inspection.
Plate Clamps— Recently revised Plate Clamps are now available that are lighter in weight and offer better durability than previous models. Units are adaptable to ropes from 3/4″ to 1-3/4″ with interchangeable jaws. V-jaws offer a wide range of adaptability and come in two ranges: 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ and 1-3/8″ to 1-5/8″.
For more information, contact Superior Tramway Co. Inc., P.O. Box 18545, Spokane, Wash. 99208, or call (509) 483-6181.
Signage log
From Mountain Management Services comes a convenient way to keep track of all the signs an area has installed — the Mountain Signs Logbook. It not only protects what for most areas is a considerable investment in time and money, but it also provides the vital documentation you may need in a risk management situation to demonstrate the use of appropriate signage.
The logbook, a record-keeping system designed specifically for ski area use, costs $79 plus $5 shipping and handling.
For information, or to place an order, contact Mountain Management Services, 1313 Karth Lake Circle, Arden Hills, Minn. 55112-5759.
High traffic ski surfaces
From Tenax, prominent suppliers of snow fencing for the ski industry, comes Skirun™ — a polyethylene mat for use in high traffic areas such as loading and unloading ramps. According to the manufacturer, Skirun™ can stand up to continuous compression and friction, will not deteriorate in harsh weather conditions and is easy to install.
For more information on Skirun™, and on the entire Tenax “Snow and Ski” line, call 800-356-8495.
Snow quality analysis
From Snow Sensors Unlimited comes a product called “Snow-Checker,” which is designed to “read” and display in a hand-held, battery-operated device, the snow quality of freshly fallen, non-compacted snow merely by being placed on the surface of that snow.
According to its inventor, Edmund J. Kraus, it makes its analysis by looking at the surface of the snow and translating the snow quality into an electrical output that in turn is translated into a numerical value proportional to the quality of snow at the point being checked. This permits prompt hydrant readjustment, and the information can be included in the parameters used in any snowmaking system that is computer-interfaced.
The basis on which the device “reads” the snow is its density. The moisture content of freshly fallen, non-compacted snow may be directly interpreted into density, expressed in pounds-per-cubic-foot.
For more information on Snow-Checker and on the technology involved, contact Edmund J. Kraus, Snow Sensors Unlimited, 1636 E. Edinger, Suite T, Santa Ana, Calif., 92705.
Erosion blanket option
A new method for applying seed, mulch and erosion protection in one step has been introduced by North American Green. Called Cell-O-Speed, the product is a recycled cellulose fiber growth medium incorporated with standard or customer-specified seed mixes. It is available on most North American Green erosion control blanket types.
For more information, contact Tim Lancaster of North American Green, Inc., 14649 Highway 41 North, Evansville, Ind., 47711.
Free ski surface
Snow from the sky is free, but so is a ski surface product available from Reliable Racing Supply.
This environmentally friendly, water-permeable, recycled industrial product can be used as a ski surface in any difficult situation—loading and unloading ramps, water bars, road crossings, etc., and is available free from Reliable in conjunction with an order for any of their fencing, slalom poles, hill sticks or other ski area products.
The product comes in 8×10′ pieces. For more information, contact Reliable Racing Supply, 630 Glen St., Queensbury, N.Y. 12804.
