Idea #1: Bullwheel Lift
At Shawnee Mountain Resort, Pa., two-by-four wood supports were used to hold up the flying return bullwheel of its handletow. This had to be rebuilt each time the wire rope was slackened for repair or adjustments. The problem with this was that the slightest movement would knock the supports loose, sending the bullwheel crashing to the ground. After a few close calls, the innovative crew at Shawnee came up with a great fix that uses a 4-inch snowmaking pipe to grab the bullwheel hub, a 2 by 3-inch box channel with a 1-3/4 by 4-inch slot for the bullwheel catcher and a 6-foot-long by 1-1/2-inch black pipe support. The support unit holds the bullwheel safely and securely, even if it rotates a little. An added benefit: all of the components were made from recycled materials.
Idea #2: Parking Lot Steps
Mike Bandelin, mountain operations manager at Diamond Peak Ski Area, Nev., noticed that many skiers were trying to access the lifts from the parking lot by climbing up a three-foot-high snow bank. Some skiers made it, while others found themselves sliding backwards down to the parking lot and getting stuck under the parked cars with their skis. Bandelin got the notion to cut some crude steps in the snow to aid the uphill climb. This worked so well that smooth, semi-permanent steps were cut. The step measurements average 6 inches in height by 14 inches in depth and are about 6 feet wide.
Idea #3: Safety Monitor
Mid-ski season found Timberline Four Seasons Resort, W. V., with a crack in the foundation of the top terminal to the main chairlift. Adding to the problem was the fact that the crack had developed in a critical location and appeared to be growing. With two months still remaining in the ski season, consulting engineer Frank Neeld, PE, got the bright idea to monitor the crack using a micro switch. The switch was anchored to one side of the crack with the toggle arm connected to the other side so if the crack opened wider, the micro switch would trip the lift-safety circuit, stopping the lift. Just a few days before temporary repairs had been scheduled, the switch tripped and stopped the lift: Neeld’s idea worked. The lift remained out of service until the temporary repairs could be made and the following summer the foundation was replaced.
