Poster: A snowHead
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Might not be the correct place to post this query but just wondering if anyone knows why lift companies in various resorts start the lifts running empty say up to half an hour before the actual lift in question are open to the public ...?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Move supplies & to get staff into position?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Gondolas and big 8-seater chairs are often 'garaged' overnight and have to be loaded before the lifts are opened.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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The above.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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The above.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Also they have to check all systems before loading any passengers. It all takes some time.
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Put the seats down and if it's been snowing overnight, knock the snow off. Allow staff to get up the mountain and then down to their lifts which are further away.
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Test emergency brake, normal brake, speed control, and emergency stop. Test remote controllers where used etc etc .
Where engines are used to run them and the hydraulic pumps etc up to operating temperature,
and to get the staff coffee machine switched on
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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And to get the pisteurs up so they can rapidly check all runs - make sure piste markers are in place (they get knocked down sometimes, unsurprisingly), check for any unacceptably dangerous steps, holes, mark patches of ice.
In Les Saisies they offer skiers the chance, once a week, to go up early with one of the pisteurs and see what happens - and have coffee and cake in their hut afterwards. I did it - great fun - on empty, freshly groomed, pistes! Interesting to hear how it all works - and only one person with each pisteur, so plenty of opportunity to chat.
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In Snowbird access is mostly through the one "tram" (cable car). The first one is an hour before tourists are allowed up. It's usually got the ski patrol plus workers for the mountain restaurants and the odd avalanche dog in it. The "Seven Summits" pass allows a people to ride on that tram and get a couple of top-to-bottom (supervised) laps before the first public tram. If I remember correctly the 1st public tram is reserved for season ticket holders, or they have priority - it's at least usually full of locals on a powder day. I suppose other places have similar systems.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Another benefit is to allow eager skiers to encourage their truculent friends (read teenage children and weary partners) to get out of bed, have breakfast, and get to the slopes sooner!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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+ de-icing cable, chair run very slowly
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