Ski-doos speed up lift care

Ruapehu Bulletin, 3 August 1993, Page 7 (Supplement)

Ski-doos speed up lift care

It looks like great fun and the lads who get to ride them around the slopes probably wouldn't deny it, but Ruapehu's ski-doos are for serious stuff. "They've made a huge difference to the speed that Turoa's maintenance crew can work at now," says assistant mountain manager Rob Finlayson. "We can now get men to the top of the field in as little as two minutes, whereas before it would take about half an hour on the lifts or 45 minutes to an hour by snow groomer." It means the maintenance crew can be working on breakdowns "virtually instantaneously" which means they are fixed faster - which means people can

be skiing again sooner. Regular maintenance is also speeded up, with the machines able to be used to dispatch lift-de-icing crews, for instance, much quicker. Previously the lifties would be driven up on the back of a snow groomer, ride the lifts, or walk. All three modes were slow whereas now they can be ferried around the mountain quickly, which means the lifts can be up and running earlier. They can operate in most conditions, but not on ice. When the ski field has major ice coverage the ski doos are grounded. The machines are also used for emergency work for ski patrol, and the cafes have one for servicing Turoa's three cafeterias. There are strict guide-

lines on use of the machines to ensure safety, said Rob, with a 50kph speed limit, reduced to walking speed through

congested skier areas. Riders have to take a practical test and know the operations manual for the 550cc "Bombardier" Ski

Doo fully. Use of the snow bikes is being watched closely. "They are not toys," said Rob. * s ^ : - ' -