Lock it Up
American Locker’s Electronic Locker (SEL 1.0) offers electronic lock capability that accepts cash or credit cards. Customers follow on-screen directions to retrieve a PIN code to access their locker. The system allows multiple re-entry access. Customized pricing is available for different compartment sizes and local needs. The system also produces audit and usage reports. SEL is used in conjunction with the Statesman and Ambassador Locker lines.
For more information, contact American Locker at 1-800-828-9118 or check out their website at www.americanlocker.com.
What’s That Smell?
For eliminating odors in your rental equipment and throughout your resort operation comes AtmosKlear Odor Eliminator. According to manufacturers, AtmosKlear Odor Eliminator eliminates smells from smoke, pets, mold, mildew, cooking, and most other odors that can plague a resort. The product has no odor of its own (odorless), is non-toxic, biodegradable and non-masking.
AtmosKlear is available in different sized liquid pump sprays and may also be applied using a hand held fogger.
For more information, contact Twin Star Industries at 1-800-977-4145 or check out their website at www.atmosklear.net.
Melting Away
Orbit Manufacturing introduces a new electric radiant heating cable that eliminates snow and ice build-up along the roof edge called the Nexans TXLP. The cable system consists of nickel chrome wire with a cross-link polyethylene insulating cover and a continuous copper-grounding conductor. The cable is constructed with three protective, waterproof coverings: PVC on the outside; an insulation layer; and a metallic sheath. The system is available in voltages from 120 V to 480 V and the commercial version comes with a NEMA 1 surface-mounted control panel. Controls within the system include line and load terminal blocks, operating contactors, fuses, a GFI circuit breaker and a transformer, with an optional automatic ice controller. The gutters are sectioned into zones, with a 600-foot maximum span per section, each served by a remote barrel-type temperature and moisture sensor.
For more information, contact Orbit Manufacturing Company at (215) 453-9228 or check out their website at www.orbitmfg.com.
Get a Grip
Wooster Products introduces Flex-Tred, a self-adhesive, anti-slip surface. The pressure-sensitive adhesive was formulated to stick to any clean, dry, smooth surface. Flex-Tred comes in a variety of colors and standard rolls are 60 feet long and come in widths from 3/4 inch to 24 inches, and custom sizes are available.
For more information, contact Wooster Products at 1-800-321-4936 or check out their website at www.wooster-products.com.
Better Balance
For better balanced guests, the Foot Foundation has come up with the Shim Balance System (SBS) system, shims designed to fit under the footbed in boots. The system measures movement within a boot and uses muscle tension to indicate where support is needed, thus positioning the foot optimally in the boot, according to manufacturers. There are 12 different balance shim angles to choose from and sizes are available in degrees from -1.5 through 4.5.
SBS costs $20 for stores which can retail the shims for between $50 and $100. The process takes 15 minutes and training is included with a minimum order of 100 pairs.
For more information, contact The Foot Foundation at (970) 544-4984 or check out their website at www.thefootfoundation.com.
Gear Holders
MountainSmith introduces the Highline double ski bag, the Headwall snowboard bag and the Express boot bag. Each are made from 420-denier, high-density nylon with heavy-duty ballistic nylon on key panels and stress points. The bags are fully padded. The ski bag ($70 MSRP) is sized to fit two pairs of 195cm-length skis and poles with room for bindings and comes with an internal divider. The snowboard bag ($80 MSRP) handles up to 170 cm and has extra interior organizer pockets. The boot bag ($30 MSRP) features a top opening to a central compartment and a front pocket for accessories.
All bags include exterior compression straps, adjustable shoulder straps with sliding foam shoulder pad and hypalon nylon reinforced carry handles.
For more information, contact MountainSmith at 1-800-551-5889 or check out their website at www.mountainsmith.com.
The Latest Lids
The V helmet is the latest Ovo offering. The lightweight V comes with 12 passive air vents, a free visor and removable ear flaps. The V is also adaptable to Ovo’s new Stereotypes—sound infused earpads that plug into most music players and handheld communication devices. Stereotypes are available to replace the original set of earpads that come with every V, Awol or Bomber helmet. Each Stereotypes package comes with a free carry case.
The V helmet with free visor is priced at $124 and the Stereotypes cost $30.
For more information, contact Ovo Helmets at 1-877-686-8725 or check out their website at www.ovousa.com.
Head Protection
The latest in Leedom’s offerings in the helmet category is the Prophet, which features in-mold technology and lightweight protection with 15 total vents, 8 adjustable intake vents and 7 exhaust vents with a mesh overlay. Other features include a breathable fleece liner with comfort padding, a secondary micro-shell capping the edge of the helmet and a removable neck curtain. The Prophet comes with an MSRP of $139.99.
At a lower price point (MSRP of $69.99) is the Vandal, which features a low profile, 11 total vents, a plug-activated venting system and patented airflow and crush zones.
For more information, contact Leedom at 1-800-536-6695.
Go Small
ABB introduces a new compact regenerative drive which, according to manufacturers, eliminates harmonic distortion, utilizes electricity efficiently and has the ability to run at full power in 80 percent brownout conditions. The ACS Low Voltage 800-17 regenerative, four-quadrant drives are up to 80 percent smaller than alternative units and range from 75 to 1,250 hp, though custom drives can be built up to 4,000 hp.
For more information, check out ABB’s website at www.abb-drives.com.
Resting Up
SnoRhino has redesigned its snowboard footrest, which accommodates any chairlift that already has a ski footrest. Made from UV-protected UHMW, the SnoRhino is designed for weather and user abuse and is small enough to be out of the way of skiers; 8 inches by 4 inches and just about 4 ounces. The device will also help reduce any banging of skis and boards by keeping the boards on a separate plane from the skis.
For more information, contact SnoRhino (856) 442-0448 or check out their website at www.snorhino.com.
Stick it Up
Universal Export announces a new line of eurostyle bumper stickers for ski resorts. The stickers are printed in weatherproof black ink on white adhesive-backed vinyl and measure approximately 3 inches by 5 inches. The company offers custom design for ski areas using their own or the customer’s art. Price is $.90 each with a 500 piece minimum. There is no setup charge.
For more information, contact Universal Export Ltd at 1-877-284-6884 or e-mail [email protected].
Time is Money
Using “time metric tracking,” Pace Productivity’s TimeCorder tackles worker productivity. The TimeCorder is a handheld device that consists of a series of electronic stopwatches, only one of which is activated at any one time. The device is programmed with pre-coded activities and each time an employee presses a new button, time accumulates on that activity. After a sample period, Pace Productivity analyzes the results and compares them to a database of information to show clients where the most productive time is being spent and where time is being wasted. The system is operated by the employees themselves.
For more information, contact Pace Productivity at (416) 762-3453 or check out their website at www.getmoredone.com.
On the Ball
CR-TEC Engineering introduces a new line of ball valves designed for handling water and air for snowmaking. The ball valves are made in sizes from 3/8 inches to six inches and are available with pneumatic actuators, electric motor operators or manual control with levers and hand wheel gearboxes. Both 2-way and 3-way models are made with operating pressures from zero to 3,000 psig (210 bar). The valves come in stainless steel, nickel-plated brass, carbon steel or PVC for body materials and from PTFE, UHMWPE or several other elastomers for sealing materials. Connections are either NPT pipe threads, welded or flanges to ANSI specifications.
For more information, contact CR-TEC Engineering at (203) 318-9500 or check out their website at www.crtec.com.
Blowing Snow
Ratnik Industries announces some changes to its line-up, including the introduction of the Sky Giant IV, low-energy gun. To operate the new Sky Giants, system requirements include high-capacity water hydrants and hoses.
Also new, the Sky Giant III is now available with an onboard air compressor.
For more information, contact Ratnik Industries at (585) 924-9111 or check out their website at www.ratnik.com.
Downsizing
TechnoAlpin is launching a small energy-efficient fan gun integrated on a small tower. The gun is designed to be an alternative to air/water tower guns. The fully automatic gun sits on a small tower which can be tilted for service purposes (no tower climbing). It is engineered with its pivot point so that one man can lay it down if needed. According to manufacturers, the gun can be operated as a fully automatic air/water gun (individually) because all the control and valving is above ground inside the tower. The system can be retrofitted to an older air/water installation. The power consumption is 13 Amps at 480 Volt and the cost is $15,000.
For more information, contact TechnoAlpin North America at (435) 649-6610 or (435) 731-9224 (cell).
New Partner
Turbocristal, with its new partnership with Snowstar, brings several new products into the market this year. Starting with Snowstar software, which was created to centrally operate high and low pressure snowmaking systems in full or partially-automatic mode. Local and distant control of the pumping station and guns is standard.
Next, the Pegasus, Pegas and Phoenix air-water guns were added to the line-up. The Pegasus is a high-pressure technology, which features a V-disposition of the nozzles (2 fixed and 3 controlled by electric valves). The Pegasus is the lowest air consuming tower at 21 cfm. The Phoenix is recommended for low water pressure and Pegas uses no electricity to operate.
The Supercool Light is a lighter version of the Supercool Plus, by 500 pounds. The new Vega is a mono-fluid, multi-nozzle fan (280 nozzles each) with flow regulation and is designed for low or medium water pressure.
Finally, Turbocristal introduces Ecosnow, a snowmaking additive, to its offerings.
For more information, contact Turbocristal at 1-800-613-4546 or check out their website at www.turbocristal.com.
Making Reservations
Magic Software has released Magic Hotel Reservation, a Windows application that accepts and manages reservations and guests for bed-and-breakfast, small hotel, motel or guest house properties.
Magic Hotel Reservation gives instant access to room bookings—according to manufacturers, the program’s intuitive interface and dual calendaring system make it impossible to double-book rooms.
Each time a reservation is made, the room status is updated and the customer details are added to the hotel database. The system allows for booking over the Internet.
Magic Hotel Reservation’s reporting system analyzes bookings and provides long-term marketing analysis. The software can track guests, identify peak times, measure popularity, and keep track of referrals. Custom reports can also be created.
Magic Hotel Reservation runs under Windows 95/98/Me/ NT4/2000/XP and prices begin at $199.
For more information, contact Magic Software at [email protected] or check out their website at www.imagicsoftware.biz.
Jump Into It
Eurobungy introduces a 4-in-1 trampoline that comes with a trailer for transport to different locations. The unit accommodates 4 users at a time and can host 60 to 80 customers an hour. The unit measures 21 feet high and weighs 1,900 pounds during operation. According to manufacturers, one person can set the trampoline up in approximately 50 minutes. The 4-in-1 is made from stainless steel and also comes in a smaller, “baby” version for kids. Other options include a jump counter, a special design for stationary use and a trailer. Prices start at $23,900.
For more information, contact Eurobungy USA Corp. at (305) 252-1422, or check out their website at www.eurobungy.com.
Paint Wars
Reliable Racing Supply, Inc. announces the addition of paintball netting to their line of fencing. Paintball netting is specifically constructed to surround both paintball and speedball playing venues. The polyethylene mesh fabric comes in two heights: 13 feet and 17 feet and is available in either 150-foot or 300-foot rolls. Prices per roll range from $215 to $425, depending on height and length. The fabric is black and complies with the current ASTM criteria, as well as satisfies insurance company requirements for the activity.
For more information, contact Reliable Racing Supply at 1-800-274-6815 or check out their website at www.reliableracing.com.
Moving Around
For moving rails around on the slopes, Terry Goodman has come up with a forklift attachment with a 12-way moving mast. Items can be lifted 13 feet in the air and the device has a load capacity of 3,100 pounds.
Building maintenance can also use it to clean and repair roof structures by using a 10-foot by 5-foot work platform that is attached to the forklift. Lift maintenance can move propane tanks and work around loading and unloading stations.
For more information, contact Terry Goodman at (360) 733-3533 or (360) 739-4513 cell. Or e-mail Goodman at [email protected].
What’s Your Sign?
Urban Wilderness Design offers an online terrain park reporting tool that allows ski areas to show what features are open in the park and their locations. The resort can edit and update as needed. The report also features park rules and the approximate size and name of the features.
The company creates a background of the park and the area uses a library of features and drags and drops them onto the background. Urban Wilderness can create custom rail icons, if needed.
For more information, contact Urban Wilderness Design at (513) 941-4281 or check out their website at www.urbanwildernessdesign.com.
Keeping it Together
ColorID announces the introduction of the SkiBook Cardholder, which doubles as a season pass or resort ID holder. The cardholder fits ina pocket or wallet and can be customized for each ski area. Other information can include a trail map, coupons, general information book, rules and regulation book, and the unit can also store other resort items such as room keys or calendars of events.
With a coupon program, resorts can raise revenue by offering custom coupons and advertising for local shops and restaurants.
For more information, contact ColorID at 1-888-682-6567 or check out their website at www.colorid.com.
Help Yourself
So clients can buy their own lift tickets, Winstanley Associates introduces The Whole Solution Kiosk, a touch-screen purchasing system. The kiosk is made of stainless steel and is mounted through the wall in a 20-inch x 20-inch frame. Each resort can add their own graphics to the program. The units can be engineered to incorporate the following: Kiosk printers, computers, credit card readers, bar code readers, currency collectors, telephones, speakers and other devices.
For more information, contact Winstanley Associates, LLC at (231) 946-3552 or e-mail [email protected]. Check out their website at www.kbw.net.
A Smoother Ride
For snow tubing comfort, Tube Pro has come out with foam insert pads, which are designed to cushion the snow tubers while sliding. The pads are cut from closed-cell marine foam, and sewn within a durable polyester canvas cover. The pads are water resistant and can be inserted and removed before or after inflation of the snow tube. The pads are available in red and blue and cost $9.50 each.
For more information, contact Tube Pro Inc. at 1-866-882-3776, or email [email protected]. Check out their website at www.tubeproinc.com.
Soft Shell
New from Spyder for 2004 is the Spyder Core Soft Shell jacket. Soft shell fabric offers stretch comfort in a non-traditional outerwear material by using a XT.L 10,000mm membrane and a Spylon water repellent finish, making it waterproof and breathable, according to the manufacturers.
For more information, contact Spyder Active Sports at 1-800-333-0302 or check out their website at www.spyder.com.
Working Fashion
Ski Area Supplies introduces three new products to its workwear line. The first is a new style in heavy duty work bibs, which features a full length front zipper in addition to the fully separating zippers on the side seams. There are stretch panels along the mid back and hips. The upper front includes a gusseted vertical pocket and a flat zippered pocket. The lower legs have the standard snowcuff and scuff guards. The pants are sized S-XXL and long lengths are also available.
In the vest department, the new Deluxe vest includes interior pockets, remote mike holders on both shoulders, and an extra piece of webbing on the lower right front for attaching gear. The back features a double entry flat pocket that covers the entire lower back. A ski patrol version in red and black is also available.
Finally, the Tool Roll, a pouch made of 19-ounce ballistics nylon with reinforced edges. The regular size includes ten pockets of graduated heights and fits tools up to 10 inches long The long size has six wide pockets to hold tools up to 18 inches long. The pouch can be rolled up and secured with a quick release plastic buckle.
For more information, contact Ski Area Supplies at 1-800-727-1980 or check out their website at www.skiareasupplies.com.
