Detachable vs Fixed Grip Lifts

[Brownski]

Dude, I'm sorry to hear that. I remember you being jazzed about that new lift when it first went in. I was afraid it would be too much

 

[Andy_ROC]

How much more are you willing to pay for having a bunch of detachable lifts? My sense is that the starting price is at least $1 million and is more likely to be $2-3 million. A fixed-grip quad is a few hundred thousand. Can save even more by moving an existing quad that is still an upgrade to an existing double or triple. That's the approach Boyne has taken in more than one resort over the years.

I fully appreciate having a detachable combined with fixed-grip lifts. Grand Targhee, Waterville Valley, Jiminy Peak, Timberline in WV, and Sugar in NC have taken that approach. I'm sure there are others as well.

Wachusett took the long view and invested in three detachable years ago, including one that only serves two long green trails. But that's essentially an "urban" ski area that has a lot of volume from Boston (under an hour's drive for many people). There are seniors and other who can ski midweek in the mornings, lots of school kids in the afternoons, and all ages at night including the race leagues.

I get that they are expensive but when used properly they can replace a couple fixed grip. Where I've seen them used is at locations that serve a large number of trails, not just a few. They can dramatically reduce long lift lines. Waiting in long lines is one way to ruin a good ski day and feel like you wasted your money and time.

Example at Bristol the Comet Express (detached) serves virtually the same terrain as the Rocket Triple (fixed). They both serve a significant amount of terrain. The Fixed is a 10 min ride and the detached is 4.5 mins. The loading areas are within 250 feet of each other. You're better off waiting a few minutes in what appears to be a "big line" at the detached than a small line at the fixed.

Holimont is another great example of smart use of a centrally located detached and then they have a bunch of fixed that serve smaller areas fanned out across the mountain.

Agreed Grand Targhee is another good example that has a central high speed then uses a series of fixed. This appears to be an effective model of reducing lift lines and allowing people to quickly disperse across the mountain.

So yes I strongly support the investment and costs passed on to tickets for a high speed when they are used properly. Obviously not every lift should be a highspeed but when used properly to alleviate choke points it's well worth the investment.

 

[raisingarizona]

Dude, I'm sorry to hear that. I remember you being jazzed about that new lift when it first went in. I was afraid it would be too much

Thanks. The local crowd isn’t stoked. Last year was too much.

It’s great midweek during a big snow year once the Phoenix crowd has gone back to golfing.

I do love being able to go up and get a bunch of laps in a couple hours on the right days but when it’s bad, like most of last year it’s real bad.

It’s fine imo, I can use my Snowbowl season pass cash to go spend 4 to 6 weeks in Taos or going wherever. I’m a few years out from making that happen but that’s the plan. If I can take two months off every winter to travel I think I’d be satisfied.

 

[Harvey]

Thanks. The local crowd isn’t stoked. Last year was too much.

Any chance last year was a covid thing and things might calm down a bit?

 

[raisingarizona]

Any chance last year was a covid thing and things might calm down a bit?

I think so. I hope so anyways.

The ski area here is a unique case study. Its the only ski area within a two hour drive of a massive population center. The improvements have made it very popular. It’s a great success and Coleman’s main money maker. The covid thing last year definitely made things suck more then the normal but overall it’s going to always be different and in some aspects negatively.

Like I’ve said before, I’m ok with that and it’s a motivator to spend time elsewhere. I’ve been skiing here for almost twenty years, honestly, I’m ready for something new.

 

[raisingarizona]

Personally I feel that the mountains design/layout is all wonky. That happens with really old ski areas. It wasn’t planned for where we are now. The place was first established in the 30’s so I’m not picking on the management in any way. It’s unfortunate though and those shortcomings become very apparent with the crowds we have today.

 

[MarzNC]

I get that they are expensive but when used properly they can replace a couple fixed grip. Where I've seen them used is at locations that serve a large number of trails, not just a few. They can dramatically reduce long lift lines. Waiting in long lines is one way to ruin a good ski day and feel like you wasted your money and time.

Example at Bristol the Comet Express (detached) serves virtually the same terrain as the Rocket Triple (fixed). They both serve a significant amount of terrain. The Fixed is a 10 min ride and the detached is 4.5 mins. The loading areas are within 250 feet of each other. You're better off waiting a few minutes in what appears to be a "big line" at the detached than a small line at the fixed.

Holimont is another great example of smart use of a centrally located detached and then they have a bunch of fixed that serve smaller areas fanned out across the mountain.

Agreed Grand Targhee is another good example that has a central high speed then uses a series of fixed. This appears to be an effective model of reducing lift lines and allowing people to quickly disperse across the mountain.

So yes I strongly support the investment and costs passed on to tickets for a high speed when they are used properly. Obviously not every lift should be a highspeed but when used properly to alleviate choke points it's well worth the investment.

Good to know other examples where one detachable makes a noticeable difference.

Taos is a bit unusual as a destination resort because at this point there is only one lift out of the main base. While there it's possible to drive up to a second base, there is very little parking and that road requires AWD essentially all season. There used to be two lifts, both fairly old fixed grip lifts, called Lift 1 and Lift 5. Lift 1 was a fixed quad that was replaced with a detachable quad. Lift 5 was an old double that was removed completely. I think the space was needed. The downside is that if Lift 1 is down for any reason, there is no way out of the main base.

Spending less time riding up Lift 1 is definitely an improvement.

 

[raisingarizona]

Good to know other examples where one detachable makes a noticeable difference.

Taos is a bit unusual as a destination resort because at this point there is only one lift out of the main base. While there it's possible to drive up to a second base, there is very little parking and that road requires AWD essentially all season. There used to be two lifts, both fairly old fixed grip lifts, called Lift 1 and Lift 5. Lift 1 was a fixed quad that was replaced with a detachable quad. Lift 5 was an old double that was removed completely. I think the space was needed. The downside is that if Lift 1 is down for any reason, there is no way out of the main base.

Spending less time riding up Lift 1 is definitely an improvement.

Hot laps off that chair are super fun.

 

[tirolski]

My money’s on RA or Rip in the open division.
And Camp in the geezer grouping if he’s back in training.
.

Everything is training for something.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1466753955837485057

 

[Woodski12]

Makes it easier to board so the lift is not stopped as often, less likely there will be injuries and lawsuits and people getting carried up the hill while hanging, less pain when the liftie is looking the other way as you are loading. Lots of marketing too. I just heard some great comments from the Smugglers' Notch owner who said that they have no real interest in upgrades but have actually considered a detachable double to replace the Madonna lift. For those who don't know, Smuggs has the oldest lifts around, no detachables... fewer crowds on the way down as a result.