20K per lift - actually does not seem that bad to me. - It would pay for itself in less than 3 seasons. Figure you currently have 2 scanner guys at the base of each lift, 2 guys costs appox. $20/hr - 8 hrs/day, 56 hours per week = $1120/week The season is 20 weeks x $1120 = $22,400

Now I figure you will still have 1 employee at each lift to monitor the system + any other misc expenses - thing pays for itself in 3 years with money left over for a few fire pits!

Also, I have to figure Sugarbush is currently replacing the scanners every year as they must break all the time.

To me - the new technology makes sense - unless there are other factors that I do not know about.