Skilifts.org / SORT Forum

Just a quick question for any of those in the know, what does a typical resort typically budget as the operating cost per hour for a HSQ? I know this is complex as some costs are based on hours run (e-) and others on age (grip NDT) but overall what would be a reasonable figure?

TME

ps. USD or CAD or ?????

In 2004, the average monthly cost to operate a high-speed quad was $10,000, but I'm not sure if that included labor or not. More than likely, it was just top level direct costs (electricity, wear and tear, etc.)

Thanks Cameron,

I was estimating per hour in my mind:

- 4 staff at $30 an hour (benefits and all) = 120

- a 6 million lift that lasts 100k hours = 60

- based on cars, maintenance = cost of car over lifetime so = 60

- say 50 for everything else from electricity to snow shovels = 50

The estimate I get is $290/h

Just read Peter's blog and the estimate for Breck to run a gondola is $800-1000 / h so that seems in line.

Does that seem right to others?

TME

teachme, on 30 March 2017 - 08:36 AM, said:

Thanks Cameron,

I was estimating per hour in my mind:

- 4 staff at $30 an hour (benefits and all) = 120

- a 6 million lift that lasts 100k hours = 60

- based on cars, maintenance = cost of car over lifetime so = 60

- say 50 for everything else from electricity to snow shovels = 50

The estimate I get is $290/h

Just read Peter's blog and the estimate for Breck to run a gondola is $800-1000 / h so that seems in line.

Does that seem right to others?

TME

It all depends on what you are looking for- $10,000 a month looks like a maintenance budget.
Your estimate ($290) doesn't include "non revenue" personnel involved who's salaries would be divided by the number of lifts- Lift Maintenance Manager, Supervisor and mechanics; Operations Manager and supervisors, etc. I think is would be more like $450 for a like running 1100-1200 hours per year.
The Breck Gondola number comes from the higher than normal number of hours it will operate- double what a ski lift runs. MHO
Dino