I'm curious as to what you all think of the lift system at the Bush. Satisfied or not? Why?
-ME lift layout is great for keeping lines down, with all of the mid-to-base and summit-to-mid and top of Northridge-bottom of Northridge options. Rarely more than 5-10 minute lines at any of the main lifts.
-5 detachable quads for speedy travel (but remember, a high speed detachable quad does not put any more people on the mountain than a fixed grip quad. A quad is a quad, and puts 2400 people per hour up the hill no matter whether it's fixed grip or detach. No one seems to understand that. The chair spacing on a detachable chairlift is about twice that of a fixed grip quad, and therefore the uphill capacity is equal.).
-Northridge Express. That is quite possibly the best chairlift in the east. A quick ride with easy access to some of the best terrain at the Bush.
-Relatively wide chair spacing on the Summit quad which helps to keep the crowds down at the unload on the summit.
-Castlerock double, Sunny D, and Valley House double have character and are neat lifts.
-Slidebrook is a unique ride, and the longest chairlift in the world.
Things I don't like:
-LP lift layout is illogical and difficult to get to the summit. No matter how you look at it, you have to ski a trail or two to get to Heaven's Gate. Not a big deal, but it would be nice if it were a little easier.
-No top to bottom lift. C'mon... the liftline is already there (Organgrinder). Even though lines at T2B lifts are usually longer, one T2B option at the Bush would certainly be nice.
-No gondola. If we want to rank among the best, we need a gondola. Even a four person would suffice.
-Slidebrook express can be a very cold and windy ride (on the 1 or 2 days it actually runs
). Why not alternate every third chair with gondola cabins? The terminals, towers, and sheave trains were originally designed to gondola specs. Just grab a few gondola cabins and you've solved the cold/wind issues. It would be much more comfortable and much safer in the event of a breakdown.
-Lack of real surface lifts. I'm a huge proponent of the old detachable Poma F-12 platters. They would pick you right up off the ground and provide quick access to great terrain. They're cheaper than dirt to buy and install (comparatively speaking) and could open up some great intermediate/expert areas. Also, when installed properly, they are completely unaffected by wind. Say goodbye to windhold and hello to fast access to great terrain.
-Inverness. I hate it. Slow...slow...slow...slow. 'Nuff said. Those fixed grip quads can spin up to 550-600 ft/min. I would guess that chair spins a max of 350-400 ft/min. 10+ minutes to go 1250' vertical. That's pretty rough.
-Summit could spin a bit faster too.
I'm sure I'll think of more later, but that's enough to get started
.
What do you guys think about it?
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