Stowe

The other day the class visited Stowe Mountain resort to check out the new high speed detachable lift being installed at the resort. This new lift replaced the old quad which was installed in the 80s. Stowe feels that the new lift will reduce the time guests have to wait in line and will also increase the interest in more trails viewed, "most popular" by guests. Our class was fortunate enough to be able to visit the new lift site and check out the inner workings of a very impressive machine. From there, we hopped back in the vans and took a drive to the top of the lift, where we checked out the terminal, drive motor, and new construction that has taken place on top of Stowe.

After looking at the new lift, the class went down to the base area to help disassemble the tower assemblies of the old quad lift that was replaced. We were responsible for loostening the shiv assemblies, taking off cross support beams, and working baskets and rails. I have never worked on a chair lift before, and I had a great time. The stowe trip was an awesome experience!

Outing Club Last Class

I am a little behind with posts but I wanted to talk about the last class we had at the outing club regarding the roap splice and event preparations inside. I feel that this class was a perfect example of effective decision making. The man responsible of the cable splice could not work in the conditions provided to him at the time of service, so he made all of the necessary preparations to splice a haul rope.  The splice was completed the next morning.
    Later on in the afternoon the class met up back inside the base lode of the LOC. There, we sat and discussed the current status of each group's project for the upcoming event. I am extremely excited for the chilli cook off and for a formal rail jam at the new skate park at the LOC.

Sunday River

I wanted to share a few thoughts about thursdays trip to Sunday River. I thought the trip to Sunday was awesome. Being a senior I'm faced with the challenge of finding a salary job after I graduate this may at age 21. I really enjoyed being able to meet with vendors of the many different products and brands used in the Ski Resort Industry.

I met with Mike Kichenstein, President of Ramp skis and snowboards. Ramp is based out of the west coast. There business message is simple, provide recreational skiers and snowboarders with consumer direct products. All Ramp products are sold through it's website. I thought the skis and boards that Mike and his assistant brought were pretty cool. I really enjoyed the base graphics, which sported an all natural look and feel. As far as board specs goes, I wasn't able to find out a lot of technology that was used in each model snowboard. I have been riding Burton boards for quite sometime now solely for the reason that I can buy new models for very cheap being  a level II instructor, but I haven't been impressed with the structural quality of their equipment since the company began to outsource it's entire board line to over seas. I plan on keeping in contact with Ramp to try and acquire a pro-form for one of their park boards.

Sunday River was an awesome trip! I can't wait to meet even more venders throughout my career in the ski resort industry. I will put up more posts about other venders I met at the expo tomorrow.

Goodnight all!  

New LOC!

Everyone had great ideas about what improvements can be made at the Lyndon Outing Club at yesterday's class! It will be awesome to see these ideas being executed, especially some fun events to bring in more guests to the hill.