Valley House Chair construction on Sugarbush webcams

[ManyTurns]

Sugarbush has redirected two of their live webcams this summer. One is showing the Mall and the construction of the new chair. The other is showing the construction of the new Gadd Brook condominiums.

I'm not sure about this, but I think that up until today, the image on the Valley House chair was reversed, so that Steins was to the left of Steins. It's correct now.

[Benski]

I just looked at the webcam and now i am trying to figure out what this is.

[Hawk]

That is the formwork for the base structures at the lift. I am sure it will house the lift control shack. They already poured the footings for the drive a couple of week ago.

[HowieT2]

Somebody's ready for a bull wheel

[Benski]

The foundation next to the valley house double looks huge for a list shack. Maybe there will be some mountain ops stuff in there too.

[ThinkSno]

Somebody's ready for a bull wheel

Excellent pics!

[Treeskier]

Nice pictures. The lift will be a good disperse-r. Slide looks interesting also.

[cdskier]

Once you see it in person it seems like they did a great job with the flow and design. There now some pretty big rock and stone piles in front of the lift that weren't there in Howie's pictures.

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[cdskier]

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[gostan]

Great pictures. I particularly enjoyed the last one looking down at the new base.

[HowieT2]

Good pics.

[Dblshot]

Thanks for pics! Wonder what the new building is going to be used for? That would be quite the lift shack, maybe for lift ops?

[HowieT2]

Thanks for pics! Wonder what the new building is going to be used for? That would be quite the lift shack, maybe for lift ops?

Dunno, but when I saw it a few weeks ago there were two tanks on the ground level of that building. I thought maybe they are for diesel fuel for the backup generators, but I really dont know.

[cdskier]

Dunno, but when I saw it a few weeks ago there were two tanks on the ground level of that building. I thought maybe they are for diesel fuel for the backup generators, but I really dont know.

I believe it is some kind of surface water treatment building for the Mountain Water Company. The ACT 250 permit listed a 299 square foot building for that purpose as part of the plan, so I'm assuming this is it.

[HowieT2]

I believe it is some kind of surface water treatment building for the Mountain Water Company. The ACT 250 permit listed a 299 square foot building for that purpose as part of the plan, so I'm assuming this is it.

That makes more sense.

[jwt]

anyone able to take a picture of the base from the stairs where Granite Man sits? Interested in how the grading from the new VH lift will affect the skiers coming from under SB and from base of Fling.

No matter what it is, gonna be better than it was.

[cdskier]

anyone able to take a picture of the base from the stairs where Granite Man sits? Interested in how the grading from the new VH lift will affect the skiers coming from under SB and from base of Fling.

No matter what it is, gonna be better than it was.

Not exactly what you asked for, but this first pic was taken from the entrance to the patio outside the lodge. The 2nd pic shows a bit of what you're looking for as well from uphill by the VH lodge.
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[sglatham]

Nice shots. That's a lot easier access than the hike to the old double! Gonna make a huge difference. Can't wait to try it out!

[Hawk]

They are going to wait until the last minute to re-grade the slope. With all the weddings and Summer activities, they really can't tear up that area and make a big mess.

[Hawk]

With the two lines down there, it is safe to say that ripping through the area to get to Gate house is going to be frown upon a lot more.

[jwt]

That is ( getting to GH) always a problem in crowds - tell the kids, get up some speed ( otherwise you end up hauling the littlest ones) but I don't see anyway around that - going around coral slows one down and that is probably designed that way - imagine full on speed like the old days? always thought the GHL was too close to that hill. All skiing isn't down hill but we've become a lazy, I shouldn't-have-to-work-at-all-to-get-to-lift bunch. I don't speak for all, and the new lift takes away 90% of the complaining about walking uphill to lifts. Face it, we'll always find something to complain about.

[Hawk]

Yup, some people it's lifts, others is the CRP, mine is snowmaking.

[jwt]

That might get a little better this year with all guns ( at least most) the newer low energy dry snow guns. All about placement, power consumption and water access. In other words: $$.


Lets hope we have another cold and constant weather pattern like last year. Not a ton o snow, but not much in the way of thawing mid-season either.

Of course, for many of us, all of the above mentioned areas of complaints can be avoided with skins and natural snow. BYOB, climb up, pick your own fresh line. Doesn't even require a lift ticket.

[BarkingDog]

Of course, for many of us, all of the above mentioned areas of complaints can be avoided with skins and natural snow. BYOB, climb up, pick your own fresh line. Doesn't even require a lift ticket.

Except doesn't the skinning policy (that everyone asked for) require skiing groomers?

[jwt]

and of course we're all going to follow policy because that is just who we are, why we retreat to the woods, and why we always vote for more regs. and higher fees. Just like the city. Plenty o' lines where the sun don't shine . . . . .

[Orca]

Anyone have a date for when the towers are going to be installed? Doubt I'll be in the area, but I'd love to see them airlifted into place.

[cdskier]

A few weeks ago Win said it would be the week of Oct 5, but then the last Stoke Exchange blog said the week of Oct 12th. I should be up the weekend of October 17th, so can take pics from the base area of the progress at that point which should hopefully include towers by then.

[ManyTurns]

A really cool thing to see would be the splicing of the cable. I'm aware of only one video on youtube that shows a chairlift cable being spliced. I hope someone will video the process.

[HowieT2]

A really cool thing to see would be the splicing of the cable. I'm aware of only one video on youtube that shows a chairlift cable being spliced. I hope someone will video the process.

Agreed. I want to be there for that.

[Benski]

A few weeks ago Win said it would be the week of Oct 5, but then the last Stoke Exchange blog said the week of Oct 12th. I should be up the weekend of October 17th, so can take pics from the base area of the progress at that point which should hopefully include towers by then.

I guess they are a week behind. They can finish a month late for all I care. last I heard they were supposed to finish it by opening day so that gives them a month before they would normally open the lift.

[Dblshot]

Two towers are up at the bottom, they must have used an excavator. Wonder if they will paint them or leave them the galvanized metal?

[winjr]

Two towers are up at the bottom, they must have used an excavator. Wonder if they will paint them or leave them the galvanized metal?

I am just returning to the SKIMRV after the summer off, so I will catch everyone up on this stream of posts. Dopplemayr's contract with us is to turn the lift over by November 11th and while there is still a lot to do, they say that will happen. Of course, weather and other things could cause that not to happen but we are planning on it now.

The big building to the right of the new lift looking up hill is for Mountain Water and Lift Maintenance. The bottom floor contains two sand filters where water from Clay Brook flows to be filtered and fed into the overall water system in the winter. Only our wells are needed in the summer. These filters were in the old building basement which was torn down. The second and third floors of the new building with be for lift maintenance. They will have their lockers there, storage for parts and a work area for repairs. They were in the Vehicle Maintenance building previously but this is better space for them and Snowmakers will now use their space which is better for them.

The bottom terminal is supposed to arrive today and then a crane is scheduled to install it tomorrow. The towers are waiting for the ladders to get delivered and attached. The helicopter is now scheduled to fly next Tuesday, October 13th. It is a one or two day job. The bottom lift shaft is water tight so the electrical work can now begin by Dopplemayr. The Drive is assembled offsite and brought in for installation.

Much of the work on the Valley Traverse has been completed including the new snowmaking pipe and new 18' retaining wall in front of the top terminal. Once the bull wheel and top lift shack are in, the final grading will be completed.

Yes, we would expect that skiers and riders traversing over to The Gatehouse lift would be doing so safely. I think you will find that shorter lines because of the two lifts may actually make that easier.

With respect to snowmaking, a few major investments have been made this summer We replaced the pipe on Straight Shot at ME. This not only insures the integrity of the line but allows more water through it up the mountain. We purchased two new 3,000 CFM compressors at ME. With the new Low Energy guns, we will not need more than one much of the time to maximize the water going up the mountain. We are buying 75 new low energy land guns (HKDs and Snowlogics) for trails like Upper Jester, Upper Rim Run, Hot Shot, Birdland, Lower Downspout where towers do not work. And repairs to valves and pump at Lincoln Peak will increase our GPM by around 10%. These were all planned CAPEX items, but we are also replacing the snowmaking pipe that runs from the Pond to the Sugarbush Access Road. This was planned in a couple of years, but a break this summer showed us the walls were dangerously corroded and thin and having it break in the middle of winter was not a risk we wanted to take. Fortunately, we are in a position to take on this extra chore without stopping other projects.

In temperatures permit, we are planning as in the past to start snowmaking on both mountains around the first of November.

[Benski]

Does winjr=Win?

Glad to seen some more improvements. Will the low e guns replace the old ground guns. I find those thing especially irritating and would be glad to see them gone. When will we expect to seen the valley house open?

[Benski]

I just looked at the webcam. I think the second tower obstructs that jump on skiers right of coffee run, right before it merges with the mall.

[winjr]

Yes, they replace those ratnick land guns. As I said we are buying 75 this year. Probably need 25-50 more to totally replace all of the ratnicks.We will see whether Snowlogic or HKD works best.

VH lift opening depends on two factors. 1). Turnover from Dopplemayr which also means State load test exam and 2). When temps allow us to make snow on Snowball and Spring Fling. The HKD towers can get those trails open in three days or less on snowmaking. We would love that to be opening day but we will see.

I had to register again so added the Jr. to win.

[HowieT2]

Yes, they replace those ratnick land guns. As I said we are buying 75 this year. Probably need 25-50 more to totally replace all of the ratnicks.We will see whether Snowlogic or HKD works best.

VH lift opening depends on two factors. 1). Turnover from Dopplemayr which also means State load test exam and 2). When temps allow us to make snow on Snowball and Spring Fling. The HKD towers can get those trails open in three days or less on snowmaking. We would love that to be opening day but we will see.

I had to register again so added the Jr. to win.

Welcome back, Boss. Hope you had a good summer.

My curiosities. How did things work out with the skinny pancake last season and will they be back? My family were big fans.

What's the deal with the cable splicing and would it be possible to watch it?

Were you satisfied with the efficiency of the low e guns installed last season? How did they do in marginal temperatures? Did the real world performance match the specifications? Was there a learning curve to using the low eguns such that you anticipate better performance now that the crews know how to use them?

[Benski]

Will opening spring fling and snowball take priority over Jester this year?

[Benski]

tower 1 appears to be finished! How did the crossbar get up there without a helicopter?

[HowieT2]

tower 1 appears to be finished! How did the crossbar get up there without a helicopter?

Crane

[cdskier]

I see 2 towers on the webcam with the tops on them! And now Win is back posting updates. Ski season is coming! :D

[bill-now]

A lot of progress this morning

[winjr]

Skinny Pancake will be back. It worked our well for both of us and the guests liked them a lot. I am also really pleased they are in two spots in the Burlington Airport. It makes flight delays go better.

The cable is due to be spliced on October 28th. One can watch it from Coffee Run behind the Valley House Lodge.

Yes, all the guns we bought performed well. The first series of SnowLogics took a while to understand how to best use, but each year has gotten better, so the snowmaking team in now a real fan. They operate at a consistent 5 CFM where the HKDs are variable. There are advantages to both, and we like the combination and where they are located.

If we get temperatures at mid-mountain down we will prioritize Snowball and Spring Fling over Upper Jester, but we will be ready to go wherever in order to open by November 21st. The past few years we have been top to bottom and the goal is not to have to down load if at all possible. Being able to get all 4,000+ GPM in early season because of the new guns makes this much more likely.

I hope many of you are up here this weekend. Today was needed rain, but the next three days look great.

[HowieT2]

Skinny Pancake will be back. It worked our well for both of us and the guests liked them a lot. I am also really pleased they are in two spots in the Burlington Airport. It makes flight delays go better.

The cable is due to be spliced on October 28th. One can watch it from Coffee Run behind the Valley House Lodge.

Yes, all the guns we bought performed well. The first series of SnowLogics took a while to understand how to best use, but each year has gotten better, so the snowmaking team in now a real fan. They operate at a consistent 5 CFM where the HKDs are variable. There are advantages to both, and we like the combination and where they are located.

If we get temperatures at mid-mountain down we will prioritize Snowball and Spring Fling over Upper Jester, but we will be ready to go wherever in order to open by November 21st. The past few years we have been top to bottom and the goal is not to have to down load if at all possible. Being able to get all 4,000+ GPM in early season because of the new guns makes this much more likely.

I hope many of you are up here this weekend. Today was needed rain, but the next three days look great.

The 28th is a wednesday. Midweek is a killer for us working stiffs. I assume that it's weather permitting so hopefully it gets pushed over to a friday.

[Ride Delaware ?]

Yes, they replace those ratnick land guns. As I said we are buying 75 this year. Probably need 25-50 more to totally replace all of the ratnicks.We will see whether Snowlogic or HKD works best.

VH lift opening depends on two factors. 1). Turnover from Dopplemayr which also means State load test exam and 2). When temps allow us to make snow on Snowball and Spring Fling. The HKD towers can get those trails open in three days or less on snowmaking. We would love that to be opening day but we will see.

I had to register again so added the Jr. to win.
Will there still be SR-7's on the hill? I know they aren't the most efficient, but those things can really put out and throw some snow...

[winjr]

There will some left this year but our intent is to replace them all. You can run 50 of the Snowlogic with same air as one of them.

[Dblshot]

I'm not a lift expert but it seems like the new towers heads are really narrow for a quad chair. Just looking at them compared to Bravo and the other quads.

[HowieT2]

I'm not a lift expert but it seems like the new towers heads are really narrow for a quad chair. Just looking at them compared to Bravo and the other quads.

I'm sure they know what they're doing.

[Benski]

If it is on the webcam it could be out of proportion.

[Dblshot]

I'm sure they do know what they are doing just keeping the chatter going. I looked at them in person this weekend. The 2nd tower that is up is TALL. No more ducking when you go under the chair on Coffee Run.....

[Benski]

I'm sure they do know what they are doing just keeping the chatter going. I looked at them in person this weekend. The 2nd tower that is up is TALL. No more ducking when you go under the chair on Coffee Run.....

In order to open coffee run there needs to be sufficient clearance that you will not need to duck so It must have been playing tricks on you to make it look shorter. That tower seems very tall though I hope its just to avoid having a tower in that intersection as opposed to all the way up. Supposedly the chair is going to stay low like north lynx to reduce wind holds. I think that tower is where that little jump used to be so that might be no more.

[Dblshot]

From the webcam it looks like they are flying towers. See the top bullwheel and towers.

[cdskier]

From the webcam it looks like they are flying towers. See the top bullwheel and towers.

Awesome stuff. Was on a conference call and decided to pull up the webcam just in time to see a top of one of the towers being flown into place and then another tower. Can't believe how quickly they put a tower in. Under 5 minutes to fly it into place and for the chopper to fly away to pick up more parts.

Looked like they were dealing with a decent breeze too with the way the trees on the cam were moving.

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[Benski]

Is it just me or does the forth tower from the top look lopsided.

[william]

good job , thanks for the pictures

[HowieT2]

Question. How many towers are there for the new lift and how many were there for the old one? Looks like there are less now, no?

[winjr]

14 towers and none are lopsided

[sbskier]

7 or 8 less towers

[jwt]

took a walk up to the base of new lift - looks to be 10-20' above SB entrance - easy walk or skate.

Should be plenty of room for incoming skiers/riders. Less traffic on crossover/less traffic in tree routes entering from those trails.

GG and CT routes will be the go to early on powder days.

HG open early spreads people out quicker - all good.

70% increase in BP balances out too - less of them around on weekends maybe?

[cdskier]

7 or 8 less towers

Are you sure about that? If the new lift has 14 towers, then I think it is almost the same number as the old (but perhaps spaced out more since this lift drops lower down the mountain). I really thought the old lift had only 14 or 15 towers.

[Benski]

There were 15 on the old lift. So technically only one fewer tower. I can only see 10 on the webcam.

[winjr]

Actually 16 on the former one.

[Benski]

SNOW!!!!! Thats sorta how the lift should look.

[cdskier]

This morning...

Perhaps a good sign of things to come this winter?

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[HowieT2]

This morning...

Perhaps a good sign of things to come this winter?

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Nice shots!
That retaining wall looks good. I'm psyched we just got a snow shower down here in ny.

[Benski]

This morning...

Perhaps a good sign of things to come this winter?

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Skiers right might make an interesting entrance to the Mall.

[cdskier]

Nice shots!
That retaining wall looks good. I'm psyched we just got a snow shower down here in ny.

Thanks...wish I was able to get closer but the parking lot was as far as I made it due to a lack of time this morning before having to leave. I didn't even realize how well you could see the retaining wall until I looked at the pics on my computer when I got back home this afternoon.

[skimore]

Top of new lift

[Dblshot]

All good pics, thanks for sharing. Unfortunately the new towers look much taller than the old ones, it will be interesting to see how the wind affects operations and comfort. The weight of the quad chairs will help with the swing but hopefully still low enough that the wind goes over the chair like it used to. The top was usually the place that caused the wind holds where it funnels down the traverse. Those last three are sticking up pretty good but they probably needed to be that high based on the new finish grade elevation. Still can't wait to use it though!

[Ride Delaware ?]

I like the wider trail leading over to the Valley House side...

[Fourwide]

Does the rock pile in the center of the photo split the traverse, with Steins and Mall traffic bearing left?

[winjr]

A response to a couple of the questions. The wind exposure for the former lift was at the very top. The new lift unloads lower and a quad chair is heavier than a double, so we believe it will be less susceptible to wind. The other towers down the mall will have the same protection and the former lift. The top trails are not finally graded yet. Skiers coming across the Traverse will bear right if they are going to Snowball and bear left to enter Steins and The Mall. But there will be a barrier that will prevent them from interfering with the unloading of the VH chair. Coming off the chair you can go right to Stein's and Reverse Traverse and left to Snowball but at a lower level. Dopplemayr hung the Comm (Communications) Line on Sunday so that is one more step completed. Now that the bottom lift shack is water light, they will be delivering the drive and completing the electronics there.

[pinnoke]

Great progress...all leading up to an exciting season, I'm certain. As far as the comment about towers being higher, remember that you'll soon be looking at them with several feet!!! of snow taking away that perceived height :-)

[Njski]

Is it just me, or does it seem like every new lift installation goes right down to the wire as far as timing goes. All summer and spring seems quiet, then a rush to get things done by opening day.

I don't just mean at SB, but everywhere, and I realize the VH might be an exception due to the regarding and prep work at the base.

[Benski]

Is it just me, or does it seem like every new lift installation goes right down to the wire as far as timing goes. All summer and spring seems quiet, then a rush to get things done by opening day.

I don't just mean at SB, but everywhere, and I realize the VH might be an exception due to the regarding and prep work at the base.

The lift is supposed to be finished by 11/11. That gives them a week and a half before opening day to correct any mistakes or delays. Normally the valley house does not run the first month of the season and all of the trails off that lift are closed for the first couple of weeks anyway. I would say that is very proactive compared to most college students.

[djd66]

Is it just me, or does it seem like every new lift installation goes right down to the wire as far as timing goes. All summer and spring seems quiet, then a rush to get things done by opening day.

I don't just mean at SB, but everywhere, and I realize the VH might be an exception due to the regarding and prep work at the base.

I have no idea of what is actually going on, but I have to agree - seems like not much was going on all summer and not you have all kinds of activity,.... lets wait so we can hurry up? I am guessing this may have something to do with Dopplemayr's schedule,... but I dont know shit from shinola. I am looking forward to riding that lift!

[ManyTurns]

My guess is that much of the work isn't very visible. Putting the towers in is visible, but it has to go quickly because helicopter time is both limited and expensive. It's so expensive that a lot of prep work is done in advance and behind the scenes to make the final installation as smooth as possible.

[ThinkSno]

I have no idea of what is actually going on, but I have to agree

Really?

[Hawk]

I think it is a true statement that a lot has to do with the lift manufacturer. They are a very specialized company and crews go from one job to another. Also almost every piece is custom built. Sugarbush did the demo, prepped the site and probably were waiting for parts to get built and delivered. I mean the whole thing was not entirely approved by the governing bodies until the end of spring so I would imagine the order was not finalized until then. That is when fabrication probably started. In reality the crowds do not show up intil after Christmas so what is the rush. As long as Bravo does not go on the fritz we should be good. OOOO did I just say that. LOL Jinx.

[winjr]

Hawk has it correct. These are customized for each installation. Also Dopplemayr has a number of other lifts being installed so the parts manufacturing occurs according to the schedule that works for all. That was the same for the helicopter,r so they had it flying at three different sites in the Northeast sequentially. We also have employees of Dopplemayr dedicated to this project and living here. And, yes we are doing much of the site work, the shack construction and helping with some of the heavy lifting all as part of a detailed construction plan. It does seem like a lot of stop and go, but that is the nature of these things. Items like the drive are manufactured and assembled offsite and brought it to install in the lift shack. Like most construction projects it is interesting to see what comes together in the final days. We wanted the date of November 11th because if the lift is ready and we get three days of the right temperatures we would like to open Snowball and Spring Fling first on November 21st rather than Jester/Downspout first. But we will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature delivers. The new low energy land guns we bought will be great on trails like Jester and Downspout where towers don't work so we can get more water up there early in the season. Snowmaking orientation is today and tomorrow and we are well staffed to begin around the first of November. It is nice to see so many returning veterans as well as new additions to the team.

[HowieT2]

Hawk has it correct. These are customized for each installation. Also Dopplemayr has a number of other lifts being installed so the parts manufacturing occurs according to the schedule that works for all. That was the same for the helicopter,r so they had it flying at three different sites in the Northeast sequentially. We also have employees of Dopplemayr dedicated to this project and living here. And, yes we are doing much of the site work, the shack construction and helping with some of the heavy lifting all as part of a detailed construction plan. It does seem like a lot of stop and go, but that is the nature of these things. Items like the drive are manufactured and assembled offsite and brought it to install in the lift shack. Like most construction projects it is interesting to see what comes together in the final days. We wanted the date of November 11th because if the lift is ready and we get three days of the right temperatures we would like to open Snowball and Spring Fling first on November 21st rather than Jester/Downspout first. But we will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature delivers. The new low energy land guns we bought will be great on trails like Jester and Downspout where towers don't work so we can get more water up there early in the season. Snowmaking orientation is today and tomorrow and we are well staffed to begin around the first of November. It is nice to see so many returning veterans as well as new additions to the team.

I assume once the lift is operational, the state has to come and do load testing.

[winjr]

I assume once the lift is operational, the state has to come and do load testing.

They are responsible for completing the load test and then turn it over to us. This is built into the schedule.

[HowieT2]

They are responsible for completing the load test and then turn it over to us. This is built into the schedule.

on track for splicing the cable on wednesday?
How many people are working that?

[ManyTurns]

I'm hoping that someone will photograph/video the cable splicing on Wednesday. It would make a great youtube video. There aren't many videos of this.

[winjr]

Right now the cable splicing is planned for next Monday and will get some photos up,

[ManyTurns]

Right now the cable splicing is planned for next Monday and will get some photos up,

Glad to hear that. I think there might be a small marketing opportunity here. If you google "ski lift cable splice", the first few results will be youtube videos that show cable splicing. When I did this search, the first result was about "Lift towers and splicing the haul rope," about a lift installation at Vail. The splicing of the cable is very cool... something few people know anything about.

[HowieT2]

Glad to hear that. I think there might be a small marketing opportunity here. If you google "ski lift cable splice", the first few results will be youtube videos that show cable splicing. When I did this search, the first result was about "Lift towers and splicing the haul rope," about a lift installation at Vail. The splicing of the cable is very cool... something few people know anything about.

Totally agree. this should be videotaped and streamed live. marketing opportunity.

[Benski]

Totally agree. this should be videotaped and streamed live. marketing opportunity.

Use the webcam.

[Hawk]

LOL What is your deal with this cable splicing? it is actually pretty boring to watch.

Totally agree. this should be videotaped and streamed live. marketing opportunity.

[ThinkSno]

Maybe for those who have seen it before.

[ManyTurns]

LOL What is your deal with this cable splicing? it is actually pretty boring to watch.

Ha ha, guilty as charged. In the summer I sail, so I am aware of knots and splicing more than most people. I often notice the cable spice on chair lifts.

Wire cable splices are interesting because they're different from typical synthetic (or natural) rope splices. Wire splices are always "long" splices, where rope splices are usually "short" splices. That's because 1) wire needs to go over a sheave and 2) it's too stiff to weave in a short splice.

To take this obsession another step, I've noticed that the cable splices for detachable lifts are much cleaner and much harder to see than for fixed grip lifts. I assume that's because on a detachable, chairs must be able to attach anywhere on the cable.

[HowieT2]

LOL What is your deal with this cable splicing? it is actually pretty boring to watch.

What can I say, I'm intrigued.

[Hawk]

I watched it done at Sunday River years ago when they put in the White Heat lift and also the Aurora lift. They used a contraption that gripped the cable ends and pulled them close together and then did their thing. The techs told us it was a slow process that took all day. We left after about 5 minutes. :-)

[djd66]

Discovery Science has made a whole show (how its made) on stuff like this,... If they had an episode on ski lifts - i would be dvr'ing

[Dblshot]

I think it is a pretty specialized thing with not a lot of people doing it. I wouldn't be surprised if they did not want it recorded to protect their craft. Pictures yes, video no.

[MEtoVTskier]

Tenney has a few pictures of their having the Eclispe chair haul rope shortened and re-spliced.

https://www.facebook.com/skiTENNEY/photos/pcb.406218722909912/406217806243337/?type=3

[winjr]

The splicer had pushed this back until Tuesday. Mild weather forecast is good for him but not snowmakers.

[Ride Delaware ?]

The splicer had pushed this back until Tuesday. Mild weather forecast is good for him but not snowmakers.

It's so far out that you can't rely on it, but things start looking more promising the first week of November, especially at elevation.

[sglatham]

It will be interesting to see if elevation can offset what is looking to be a very mild November. Forecast better for December, and many El Niño's with warm Novembers turned out to be cold winters. If it's gonna be warm, rather now......

[HowieT2]

It will be interesting to see if elevation can offset what is looking to be a very mild November. Forecast better for December, and many El Niño's with warm Novembers turned out to be cold winters. If it's gonna be warm, rather now......

Nino shmino. We are due for a big snow winter. We haven't been above average in I think, 4-5 seasons. Don't think we see sustained cold like last winter, but active precipitation wise. Up and down.

[Tin Woodsman]

Nino shmino. We are due for a big snow winter. We haven't been above average in I think, 4-5 seasons. Don't think we see sustained cold like last winter, but active precipitation wise. Up and down.

I'd actually take last season avg snowfall but well above avg snow retention any time as compared to an above avg. snow year with variable temps/snow retention as you might expect in an El Nino year. Keystone and Aspen do just fine with 250" annual snowfalls b/c they don't get any thaws/washouts. In terms of what matters for increasing the quantity and quality of wood skiing days (my personal barometer), it's all about the retention.

[djd66]

I'd actually take last season avg snowfall but well above avg snow retention any time as compared to an above avg. snow year with variable temps/snow retention as you might expect in an El Nino year. Keystone and Aspen do just fine with 250" annual snowfalls b/c they don't get any thaws/washouts. In terms of what matters for increasing the quantity and quality of wood skiing days (my personal barometer), it's all about the retention.

+1. I will take a cold winter like last year over a winter more snow,... Remember - we did not have any r#%n after that last thaw in December.

[HowieT2]

I'd actually take last season avg snowfall but well above avg snow retention any time as compared to an above avg. snow year with variable temps/snow retention as you might expect in an El Nino year. Keystone and Aspen do just fine with 250" annual snowfalls b/c they don't get any thaws/washouts. In terms of what matters for increasing the quantity and quality of wood skiing days (my personal barometer), it's all about the retention.

Oh I totally agree. But last season was highly anomalous. This isn't Colorado. And with the Nino, we are likely to have above normal temps overall. Unfortunately, there will be thaws. Hopefully they're short lived and we get big snows after.

And fwiw-last season was below average snowfall.

[Ride Delaware ?]

I'll take 300" with a couple of thaws. If we get snowfall in December, it will make up for a warm November. We will be skiing and riding at the Bush Thanksgiving.

[gostan]

Predicting snowfall totals, when and how much, is like predicting the scores to football games. I do not believe in the later (or Draft Kings & FanDuel) so I will just have to wait for Mother Nature to get her act together as to the former. The cold will come, the snow making machines will blow and the natural snow will pile up. I will be there when it all comes to fruition.

And anybody who can predict this should own a Ski Area, or Not.

[Dblshot]

I recall it being pretty friggin cold last winter, like too cold on a lot of the weekends. Single digits and windy. Preserved snowpack was nice for later in the year but there was no real spring skiing. Now if we could get the heavy cement dump like last December again...that was great!!

[HowieT2]

I recall it being pretty friggin cold last winter, like too cold on a lot of the weekends. Single digits and windy. Preserved snowpack was nice for later in the year but there was no real spring skiing. Now if we could get the heavy cement dump like last December again...that was great!!

I hear ya, but I never complain about cold. now r$%^&n on the other hand....

[Hawk]

I really do not mind the cold that much. Cold means skiing bumps, woods and making more turns to stay warm which is what I like to do anyway. That was all last year for me. But I am definitely not in the camp that last year was a really good year. My favorite years are big snow years with lots of big midweek storms and up slope snows. Last year we did not have that many good sized storms. Ya the snow stuck around but it was kind of boring. This is totally my opinion and the cause of much debate between friends. I will take any warm ups as long as they are followed by snow storms.

[Dblshot]

Haul rope going up now on the webcam

[Hawk]

The cable is now done. Chairs must be coming soon. Looking good.

[angler]

Spoke to the workers doing the cable they said they would have the chairs done by the end of the week. Told me the electrician has a lot of work to do yet but thought they would make it even though they were cutting it close! Now we need mother nature to help.........

[winjr]

The bull wheel turned on diesel for the first time. Should get a video up on FB today. Load test is scheduled for 11/12.

[angler]

That's great to hear. Can you make it snow now?

[southvillager]

Just checked the webcam this morning and I see a few chairs on the new lift. Looks promising.

[Benski]

Just looked and saw the lift moving, must be working weekends to reach a deadline.

[winjr]

About 75% of the chairs are hung. They did work over the weekend and got a lot done.

[southvillager]

Cool. I just checked the webcam, and it looks like all the chairs are on, and it is slowly turning.

[Hawk]

That is a nice looking chair!

[Benski]

With foot rests too!!! It appears to have a very short chair spacing. My understanding is it was supposed to be have the capacity of a triple so I was expecting the chair spacing to be similar to summit.

[sglatham]

I would presume closer spacing and more capacity, hence the conveyor to safely and quickly load people. Otherwise you wouldn't need it.

[ThinkSno]

Will load testing still happen on the 12th if it's raining?

[shadyjay]

We assisted with the cable splicing last week... got my photo taken and posted all over SB.com. When I was leaving work this morning, Doppelmayr was installing more chairs.

[Benski]

Will load testing still happen on the 12th if it's r@#$ing?

Would you want to ride a lift that is unsafe if it rains r@#$s?

[winjr]

Will load testing still happen on the 12th if it's raining?

All 12 chairs are on and load test is still scheduled for Thursday. Electricians are finishing up and testing.

[Dblshot]

Lookin' sweet!! Nothing like a shiny new toy, congrats! Hopefully there is enough unloading room up top when the chairs are full...lots of capacity...should really help with the Bravo line.

[ThinkSno]

All 12 chairs are on and load test is still scheduled for Thursday. Electricians are finishing up and testing. Thanks Win! Hope to see you there!

[ThinkSno]

Earlier today- start of downloading lift test

[ThinkSno]

A few more...

[ThinkSno]

Loading area and new (high) retaining wall

[ThinkSno]

Loading conveyor

[Benski]

"Check out the latest Stoke - Snow Start, with almost loaded lifts, fun gun shows and seasonal celebrations."-Sugarbush Facebook page
New lift looks nice. I hope it passed inspection.

[teleo]

Chair is loaded with barrels now on the web cam.

[shadyjay]

It's spinning right now on the web cam, at 4:34pm.

[winjr]

A bit more work today to finalize the load test.

[Dblshot]

I assume it passed inspection? Good to go?

[winjr]

It mostly passed but the encoder on the motor was not allowing it to get to full speed so a new one was installed yesterday and another load test is scheduled for today.

[skimore]

What will be the lay out of the corals for the new chair & Brovo be?

[Hawk]

Bravo unchanged. New chair similar to Bravo only higher up the hill.

[Ride Delaware ?]

I'm guessing the lines will be situated "uphill" towards spring fling and snowball so the exit from Gondolier isn't blocked on the Valley House side.

[winjr]

That is correct. Pararrell to Bravo corral. With snow and grooming it will be more of a plateau

[ReefBum]

In case folks haven't seen these, here are some pictures I took of the top of the lift this past week.

[ReefBum]

A couple of more....

[Benski]

Why is there a 1' gap on the ramp. Looks like its incomplete or is going to need a lot of snow to fill in.

[ReefBum]

Why is there a 1' gap on the ramp. Looks like its incomplete or is going to need a lot of snow to fill in.Agree. It didn't look complete.

[Hawk]

Either way I am sure it will be ready. Snow or wood. By the time they open that thing the snowmaking will be 3'deep.

[Benski]

Just saw the Valley House spinning. Are they still inspecting it? Sad sugarbush got zip today. Snow in binghamton got my hopes up.

[winjr]

Yes, the final state inspection is today. Load test was completed last week, so this should do it. We have been running it
To work out any bugs.