The 2007 AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge: Sugarbush's Win Smith Joins Us AGAIN!!

[Mike_451]

Are there any plans for any future snowmaking upgrades?

 

[thetrailboss]

Going to end this later today....

 

[MikeTrainor]

The Castlerock double seems to move at a good speed. Why is it other fixed grips on the mountain do not run at the same speed, particularly Heavens Gate and Inverness?

 

[BushMogulMaster]

The Castlerock double seems to move at a good speed. Why is it other fixed grips on the mountain do not run at the same speed, particularly Heavens Gate and Inverness?

I don't believe that C-Rock actually runs any faster than the other FGs. In fact, I believe it may run a little slower, so that--combined with the wide chair spacing--the original uphill capacity can be maintained.

Now, let me repeat myself from an earlier post :wink:

Inverness is actually running 440fpm, a respectable speed for a fixed-grip quad. It feels slow because of the ridiculous chair spacing, the fact that it is a long ride to begin with, and because you're used to GMX, North Ridge, Gate House, Bravo, and Slide Brook!

The Poma Alpha series FG lifts (Inverness, Heaven's Gate) are rated at up to 550fpm. However, at 550, many many injuries would result. Years ago, Killington used to run one of their FG quads (I don't remember which) at 500, and they were constantly having problems with people being knocked over when loading, and being hit in the back/head while unloading. Maybe you and I (and most everyone on this board) could load at 500+ just fine, but consider the general customer who is loading. Also, the faster the chairs are flying around the bullwheel, the more strenuous it is on the lifties (especially with a quad). It would require more frequent rotations of lifties, and likely a few extra hands.

I can't quote any facts on this, but from my experience and knowledge, 400-450fpm is pretty much the industry standard for FG lifts. Beginner FGs will run in the 300-400 range.

BTW, most HSQs load at 150fpm or slower, just for reference.

So... yeah... I'd love to get up there faster too. But it's not really a reasonable move to crank it up much higher than it already is. Just take breakfast and a cup of coffee, and maybe a newspaper, and you'll be content!

 

[thetrailboss]

...or I can let this run for one more day because of interest.

 

[mattlucas]

I would never speed up castlrock or increase Uphill Capacity in any way, but the Summit Quad at Ellen is truly painful. I believe it was on that lift where I decided skinning wouldn't be so bad.

 

[madskier6]

I would never speed up castlrock or increase Uphill Capacity in any way, but the Summit Quad at Ellen is truly painful. I believe it was on that lift where I decided skinning wouldn't be so bad.

I also would be interested in having the Heaven's Gate chair sped up somewhat. Not a high speed quad, mind you, but speeding up the existing lift moderately. That chair is one of the slowest, especially on a cold, windy day, but it accesses some of the best terrain on the mountain.

Win: Please comment on the feasibility of speeding up the existing Heaven's Gate chair. Thanks.

 

[MikeTrainor]

I wasn't suggesting speeding up Castlerock. I was saying that it seems to move faster than say Heavens Gate. So I guess that is my question to, is it possible to run Heavens gate any quicker? I to would never want to see it replaced with a high speed.

 

[thetrailboss]

All done. Thanks.