13 replies to this topic

[Snoqualmie guy]

Why are trams worth the price? They don't seem to have a high PPH rating, compared to a gondola or a chairlift. I know that they are for long steep places, but why can't they put in a gondola?

[SkiBachelor]

Trams are able to operate in conditions that would normally shut down a gondola or chairlift.

Trams are more expensive because they are custom built, complex and have a lot of haul rope. A tram is also able to span large gaps which normally isn't possible with other types of lifts.

[liftmech]

You nailed it in your question, snoqualmie guy. Trams are for long, steep places, many of which are unsuitable for a more 'traditional' lift. A grip, either fixed or detachable, can only hold its carrier on until a certain steepeness (varies with grip type). The haul rope on a tram is permanently clamed on with much more force than a fixed or detachable grip. There's also a lot more steel in a tram. Check this one out- the top of the Snowbird tram.

Attached File(s)

•  Lizz___n___John__s_random_photos_007.jpg (179.78K)
  Number of downloads: 107

[ccslider]

The other option for long spans is a funitel type installation - this allows for more capacity than a tram. Is it worth the $$? Ask Squaw Valley. I'm sure there's some marketing value beyond the capital $/capacity issue.

[EagleAce]

What is a funitel? I've seen 'em mentioned a lot.

[floridaskier]

It's a continuous loop gondola (not like a tram, the cabins keep moving around like a regular gondola) but the cabins are suspended between two haul ropes for better wind stability and longer spans. Squaw Valley has the only one in North America, but there are more in Europe

http://www.skilifts.org/images/resort_imag...tel/funitel.htm

[Lift Kid]

Snoqualmie guy, on Apr 29 2007, 07:17 PM, said:

Why are trams worth the price? They don't seem to have a high PPH rating, compared to a gondola or a chairlift. I know that they are for long steep places, but why can't they put in a gondola?

In some cases, trams are a good choice because the ground underneath them is too unstable or too steep for chairlift or gondola tower foundations to remain in place. Trams only have several towers and can sometimes span a couple of miles between towers.

[dh_lift_op]

floridaskier, on May 4 2007, 02:52 AM, said:

It's a continuous loop gondola (not like a tram, the cabins keep moving around like a regular gondola) but the cabins are suspended between two haul ropes for better wind stability and longer spans. Squaw Valley has the only one in North America, but there are more in Europe

http://www.skilifts.org/images/resort_imag...tel/funitel.htm

Is that what the peak-to-peak at WB is gonna be?

[Peter]

No. The funitel has 2 cables spaced apart on each side of the cabins, the peak to peak has 3 cables in a cluster above the enter of the cabin.

[Carl]

Yup, Trams are cool....
JH Tram Construction image from the mid '60's


This image is most likely from the first winter's operation; '66-'67


I skied there that first season. I was awe struck!

Carl

[Snoqualmie guy]

I've been up that one in early july and there was still plenty of snow up there. It was one of the better tram rides I've been on.

[mikest2]

Carl, on Jul 8 2007, 08:12 AM, said:

Yup, Trams are cool....
JH Tram Construction image from the mid '60's


This image is most likely from the first winter's operation; '66-'67


I skied there that first season. I was awe struck!

Carl

I would not want to be the guy in the toboggan being loaded onto the cabin roof !

[Snoqualmie guy]

He was most likely out of it. What if he was to wake up and try to get up.

[EagleAce]

Snoqualmie guy, on Jul 10 2007, 11:03 AM, said:

He was most likely out of it. What if he was to wake up and try to get up.

"Watch that first step--it's a whopper!"