42 replies to this topic

[liftmech]

I can't speak for Winter Park about whether their runs are more or less crowded than their lifts will allow, but I think Copper has all the uphill capacity we need except for the H/K pod. There is definitely room for improvement over there, especially if H were to be upgraded to an 1800-capacity detachable quad. That wouldn't put as many people on the slopes as the Eagle or Flyer do, but would be an improvement over the current 1200 slow double. I think H runs closer to 1000 PPH given that it stops all the time and only runs at 85% on weekends (the operators have found that they stop the lift less at that speed and the ride is actually shorter than if they ran it at 100%). Quashing rumours before they start- the Flyer is not going to be replaced for another 10-15 years. We just upgraded all the electronics, both drive and control, and spend a gread deal of money rebuilding the gearbox and output shaft. Hopefully we'll upgrade it to tyre turnarounds soon, and it will be good to go for a long time. Same with the Eagle; it gets a new drive and control system this summer.

[Kicking Horse]

:(

[liftmech]

Why the sad face? Both the Eagle and the Flyer are mechanically sound- electronics become obsolete much faster anyway. I don't think our trail layout could handle any more traffic on the busy days, and upgrading those two lifts to sixpacks will overload the hill. I don't think anyone really wants a crowded experience at the prices places charge these days.

[Kicking Horse]

@ least replace the chairs on the flyer.... Just something about both of thoses lifts i don't like. oh well. I might be up there on the 27th and 28th of feb helping out with the Special Olympics stuff.

This post has been edited by Kicking Horse: 25 January 2005 - 10:24 PM

[liftmech]

I'm currently rebuilding the carriers on the Flyer so you won't be seeing any new ones. I think once I'm done with them the originals will ride smoother anyway (new seat pads=comfier ride, new hanger hardware=less bounce and vibration).
Rumour time! Summit Express may be replaced by a sixpack in the near future- we were told we could go over and grab what parts we need off the lift, so I assume there's some truth to it. They didn't mention names but it's a left-side-up lift with a cadence chain- that eliminates every other lift there...

[Kicking Horse]

summit express @ WP? they need to replace zep.......

This post has been edited by Kicking Horse: 30 January 2005 - 08:07 PM

[liftmech]

Summit is much older and probably more worn-out. It looks to be in worse shape than other lifts of its vintage and certainly the Zephyr. Unless WP wants to undertake a remodel on it as we've done with the Flyer and will with the Eagle, it probably needs to be replaced. I imagine its grips are getting down to minimum tolerances after 20 years.

[Kicking Horse]

I can't picture a sixpack going in on mary jane

[liftmech]

Just telling you what I heard. I did say it was a rumour, but with the facts I have, it's the only lift that fits. We will see.

[SkiBachelor]

I presume that if a six-pack were to go in, some of those old Heron-Poma's would be removed.

[liftmech]

Maybe- last time I was there, Summit went down and Iron Horse opened up to keep uphill traffic going. The only lift on that side I can see going away would be Pony Express since it doesn't go all the way to the top.

[highspeedquad]

The Summit is the only HSQ accessing MJ, except for High Lonesome, but it doesn't count because you cant ski down MJ and take it up. I agree, the Zephyr is quite crowded.

[Kicking Horse]

Zep should be upgraded before summit...... Even if summit is older. mean hell they could put a new lift in where zep is and move zep over to summit.....

[NoPainNoJane]

Summit Express needs to be replaced asap, it should have been replaced before the current season started but the resort opted to build the new beginner area on the park side instead.

Summit had malfunctions on both Monday and Wednesday this week that required shutting down the lift for an extended period of time. To make the situation worse, Iron Horse was started but it takes a while for it to get ready for guests.

The malfunctions are starting to turn into a weekly event for Summit, just hope that it doesn't break down on a Saturday.

[Kicking Horse]

What problems is summit having?

[NoPainNoJane]

Your guess is as good as mine. I was up there Tuesday & Wednesday enjoying some time off and rather than taking corridor back down to Zephyr I hiked up to Challenger since it was running.

[highspeedquad]

Wow, the Summit does need some work, being one of WP oldest HSQ, the Pioneer the only one with the same design. BTW, it'll be nice to have the Flyer for a while, it is very smooth and comfy. I would also be nice to see an upgrade in the union creek area.

[liftmech]

WP guys- isn't Summit the oldest detachable you have? Pioneer is the same age as the Flyer- I saw the grip numbers written on the grip bodies last time I rode it.
I talked to one of the operators that same day and he mentioned that the problems Summit has are mostly electical. We bought all new drive and controls for the Flyer in the last few years, and it has made a world of difference. I suppose Summit being that year or two older isn't worth it, mechanically, to keep around.

[highspeedquad]

Yeah, I didn't know whether that Pioneer or the Summit was the oldest. I wouldn't be suprised if the Summit would be the oldest, and probably needs the upgrade the most regardless.

[SkiBachelor]

The Summit Express was installed in 1985.