On the Mark
A good thermometer is a vital instrument at ski areas, especially for snowmakers. However, there is no need to spend an arm and a leg to get one that is accurate. A standard hardware store outdoor thermometer will do. The trick is to calibrate it so that when the scale reads 32 degrees it actually is 32 degrees. A neat way to do this is to use this clever idea from John Holland, ranch foreman at Rocking Horse Ranch, N.Y., an equestrian resort that offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Holland’s calibration instrument consists of a bucket filled with a mix of ice and water. In order for the solution to work properly, the mix should not be exposed to direct sunlight and be allowed to sit for 30 minutes in order to reach that point where ice at 32.0 degrees equals water at 32.0 degrees, only in different physical states. The glass tube with the temperature gauging liquid (mercury in years past) can be manipulated up or down until the level reads 32 degrees.
Fit For a King
Most old chairlift seats certainly do not look as nice as this one, but upgrading old slats is not difficult to do.
Mark Barthel, Mountain Manager at Grand Geneva, Wisc., wanted to treat his classy guests to an equally classy ski experience but was stuck with old, worn chairlift seats. His solution was to replace the old wooden slats with new oak ones to the lift manufacturer’s original specifications. The new slats were finished with clear urethane and attached to the chair frames with stainless steel hardware. According to Mark, the time and money required to clear-coat the slats is about the same as painting them, and the natural finish is far more appealing to the eye. To keep the finish looking this beautiful year after year, the wood is lightly sanded and a new coat of clear urethane applied annually.
A New Life
When it comes to recycling old equipment, ski areas have a knack for the creative. After years of faithful employment, this 6 X 25 FW haul rope has found a new job as railing for the chairlift motor room.
The lift maintenance department at Mt. Brighton, Mich., came up with this rope railing idea. It is a great idea, indeed, and aesthetically very pleasing. The old haul rope at Mt. Brighton is a 1 inch 6 X 25 FW IP wire rope welded to one-inch square steel tubing. The rope was cut into sections to make the top and middle railing parts. When doing such a project, be sure to check with local building codes for proper specifications. The railing height is code specified, as is the requirement for the middle rail.
