Love the carpet that puts you onto the chair nice and gentle. So the question is, was this the answer to a speed lift? And if so, why not speed up the lifts that use this! I can't imagine that they couldn't speed this thing up a bit. Quite often though, I've been there when this carpet has broken down; however, would it be a big ordeal to speed this up or slow this down ad hoc?

Sorry I know nothign about lift tech, find it interesting though.

There are many factors why you could and cannot speed up a lift. At the same time, the belt system can only go so fast since you move onto it. A regular belt system speed goes to 118 ft/min infinitely adjustable or 236 ft/min possible in consultation with the authorities. Many chair lifts in the East have a speed between 350 - 1,000 fpm. I believe they have a fix grip chair and run it at around 425 (if that). The belt system makes sense for different reasons. Again, the application of such a belt will reduce the capacity on Fix grip. On the other hand the safety to get to the loading area has its benefits.

To speed up a fix grip you will have to space out the chairs to give the guest the time to load safely (6-8sec). If the carpet goes on a speed of 120fpm you almost need 10-13 sec spacing. Again, there are many factors what influence the speed of a lift.
There are also limitation depending on the age of a lift. Newer lifts have a higher speed then older once. Anytime you change the speed on a chair you need to reinspect the chair with the state. HV inspection on that lift may give them only a max speed of ? fpm (Manufacture) even if the lift could go to a higher speed with the current set up they could not run it on that speed. Well at least you load safely ...:-)

Really I hate to say it, but besides getting the terrain expanded, the lifts, IMO, are the #2 ski-related item that needs addressed.

I know it's a family resort, but the frequency with which the lifts stop is maddening and results in longer lift rides and lines than there would otherwise be. Speeding either of the quads up (without going detachable) would only make this problem worse.

Even though 2/3rds of the N.F. is a run out, the length of that lift necessitates a detachable high speed quad, which generally would be easier for beginners to load and unload. Or, they could throw a faster double lift at the bottom of the real pitch that is there instead. But seeing as how they never run Thunder lift (which would let me ski laps on Thunderbird and Cabe's on powder weekends like we just had), I doubt that is a direction they would head.

The two main triple lifts should also be replaced with one detachable 4 or 6 pack.

I realize these are pie in the sky type requests, but once (or if) they expand the terrain the lifts are really the next ski-related issue that needs tackled. If anyone is out there listening.

The North Face lift is my biggest complaint. Those hard plastic seats are cold and uncomfortable. On top of that, the lift has broken down numerous times this year during busy periods. It is almost 1/2 mile long, certainly long enough for an express quad. I say, move this lift(refurbish when moved) to the new terrain and replace this lift with a more modern(preferably express) lift.

I think the double triples are fine. The new quad serving Imperial/Cobra works fine. Most of the stop/starts are the result of parents who aren't paying attention to what their small kids are doing. This is a family resort which results in the many kids that are skiing.
The conditions this weekend were supherb. Rare powder skiing here in the Mid-Atlantic. Glaciers was quite busy this weekend and they returned the great paninni sandwhichs to the menu. The entertainment, Jackson Monsiour, was very good.
My friend spoke with Scott Bender who indicated that they are basically on track with last years' skier visits, so they are having a good year. And they continue to make snow. I would also like to mention that they have sold half of the new North Summit condos. Things are looking up.

yea I went solo this weekend, Sunday. Was already tracked out in many spots by 10:30 but as long as you ride the sides you could find fresh to blow into your face. Good times. Much of the tops were windblown and icey-ish. Not frozen granular but almost there.

As for the lifts. It felt like every ride I took to the top was stopped for some reason or another. The north summit lift stopped a couple times that I could see because of the belt system.

As for how busy they are. I bought a season pass there because it's close and had no crowds. And I can walk to my car to get a sandwich/take a break even when they are busy. This year, I can still walk to my car, but I have to avoid 2342342 pairs of skis laying on the ground and a football game sized crowd. I refuse to believe they are not doing double as well as last year base on that crowd.

I hope they open new terrain but so far I've asked 3 or 4? Ski patrol, maybe they dont' know but they said HAHAH no each time. Reality?

I don't think I have waited more than a minute in a lift line all year. If you want to see what crowded means, go to Whitetail on a Saturday. Or go across the valley to 7Springs...that is crowded. We're spoiled at HV.
Hey, I hope they get enough folks to get the Outback slopes open. I have walked those slopes and they will be comparitble to 7Springs North Face Slopes.
You got a couple million $$$ you want to throw in?

The lines at HV arent bad usually ever, but Ive waited a few minutes here and there on the weekends. I'm more interested in speed to get more runs in They are so short!

I think my biggest issue is with the crowds on the slopes. At all places really. It's one of the reasons why I accept the very very short runs at HV vs the crowds at springs. At least at springs though I can hang on the advanced slopes all day and not run into so many people to get away from the crowds a bit, although they would do well to get another speed lift in.