Don. I just have to congratulate you on your wonderful project (or is it a folly?)
If you didn't live on the other side of the world, I'd volunteer a few days work to help you clear that scrub.
Please keep us updated on your progress.
I and some friends have started to record the stories of clubs and individuals who built their own ski lifts here in Australia, including those high above the tree line in the mountains, or just on a hill not far from where they live.
Most of them did it is a hobby with little hope of making a profit and many of them have been thrown off government land, especially in the higher mountains, although a few remain. Details:
http://wikiski.com/w...esort_rope_tows

This is a shot of the Mt Northcote tow in the state of New South Wales which survived being hit by an avalanche, but blew up three weeks later when the explosives that were stored on site to blow up the avalanching cornices caught fire.

This is a pic of the tiny Mt Mawson "club field" in the state of Tasmania.

(Yes, they do have wild devils down there.) They have 3 Nutcracker lifts (which are very rare in North America) and run them on weekends and school holidays. It's autumn in Australia at the moment so there isn't much snow yet. But wait 2 months and there will be lots.
Webcam:
This post has been edited by Bogong: 23 April 2009 - 11:38 PM