BY DAVE MEEKER, EDITOR, SAM
Photo credit: Andrew Lanoue/ Jay Peak, Vt.
Aerial lifts are susceptible to wind, but experience, technology, and teamwork help manage the risks. WIND HOLD One of the most confounding realities of the uphill transportation business is that successful operations depend largely on managing variables that are out of your control. That’s why an acute understanding of your ski area’s unique microclimate—and how the weather, especially wind, affects each of your aerial lifts—is key to in- forming decisions about safe lift oper- ations. And while technology is there to assist, to spin a lift or not in windy conditions is ultimately a human de- cision—and a critical one to get right. Ski area operators tend to be good about having processes and people in place to ensure the right decisions are made. After all, wind at ski areas is inev- itable, but wind-related incidents are exceedingly rare. There are various resources to help you know your weather (and other would-be resources that aren’t as help- ful). Proper training, good communica- tion, and a culture of trust also make a difference on windy days. WIND IS WEATHER Get your weather forecasts from a reli- able source that takes your specific loca- tion and elevation into account. Don’t use the weather app on your phone or that commercial weather site on your computer. “Most apps are fairly useless, especially when it comes to elevation,” says certified consulting meteorologist and owner of Nor’easter Weather Con- sulting Mallory Brooke. “Be cautious of any national or glob- al weather forecast outlets that are not geared specifically for mountain weath- er, as they often miss the local influences that mountain ranges and higher alti- tudes have on weather conditions,” advis- es OpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith. Accurate forecasts. Brooke, who has 30 ski area clients that she provides site-specific forecasts for, says that if you
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