Skilifts.org / SORT Forum

I am looking for information and resources on purchasing and installing a used lift. Preliminary information is needed on cost estimates and installation timeline. I am the president of a non-profit group working with county government on the possible acquisition of a small northern Minnesota ski area formerly operated as Detroit Mountain. The entire ski area is aproximately 200 acres and the lift would need to service only a few hundred verticle feet. If anyone can provide me with resources or contacts that would be great. Please respond to this post or email directly. jeffs@lakeshirts

Jeff,

I know of a couple lifts that might fit your needs that could be had for relative low cost...

If your hill is small like that while you would have to have someone do the engineering, I'm sure you could probably, with supervision, do the lift install yourself. This would greatly lower the cost. Also with this short of lift the installation could be easily done in a summer. If you were able to get your permits and engineering done this winter for example, and locate a proper candidate for your used lift you could easily be running the season after...

Without knowing more about what you're thinking about it's hard to tell exactly what you are going to be looking at via cost and what not. If you have any other questions, comments etc don't hesitate to post again, email me at iceberg210@hotmail.com or call me at 801 809 3752.

Hope this information helps.

Jeff,
is that the hill Bob was snotubing on?? I might be mistaken though....,
From looking at a 1978 'skiing the midwest' book, it states 235' vertical, and it having 2 tbars and a chairlift...then. Is there really demand up there?
Lift
Try to buy used, less than 20 y/o, recently in service, well maintained, plan to replace the drive, some or all low voltage circuit, and do as much 'rebuilding' as possible on the ground.... and good luck finding. Also Check on your lift engineers past follys and success...my .02

iceberg210, on 01 September 2010 - 06:45 PM, said:

Thanks for the info/advice. I would like to give you a call to discuss.

skier691, on 01 September 2010 - 08:02 PM, said:

All that sounds correct. The t-bars are still there but the chairlift was removed/sold off about 5 plus years ago. Used would be our only option with us being a start-up non-profit. Demand? We think so. 45 minute drive from Fargo/Moorhead area with population of >150k.

Check out detroitmountain.com to see what we are trying to accomplish.

Jeff,

Contact SERENO.IT Ski Resort Solutions,
We are based in Italy but familiar with the mid west.
we probably can help you out
Samuele Piana
samuele@sereno.it

Jeff Staley, on 02 September 2010 - 08:02 AM, said:

Call anytime, I'm currently in Montana and am driving south to Utah today so I might be out of range at various times but I'll give you a call back if you catch me between towers if you call today...

I know that Buck Hill in Burnsville, MN removed a 1965 Hall Double with about 225 vert. ft. The lift was removed and stored in the boneyard. I'm not sure if they still have it or not. It would be worth calling their maintenance manager. The lift, though old, had relatively new (2003 I think) drive and electrical systems from Garaventa CTEC. They ran it all the way until its removal, because it was no longer needed once the new quad chair was installed.

Also, I know Afton Alps has been known to have lifts and parts laying around. Almost everything they have is Hall from the early 70s. I believe all of their lifts (if sold used) would need a fair amount of investment to bring them up to a good condition. They are running original or minimally modified electricals on all of their lifts.

Best of luck in finding a lift that will fit your profile.

Erik, would you be able to provide a rough estimate for the purchase and installation of a used lift? I will be meeting with some county representatives and I would like to have a good ballpark number for them. Very rough is fine. Am I looking at 100 to 150K or 200 to 250K. As this is completely new to me I really have no idea. I know there are things to consider like transportation, site prep, engineering fees, etc., but I'm sure you can get me within 50K.
Thanks, Jeff

iceberg210, on 03 September 2010 - 08:00 AM, said:

I don't think you can do it for much under 250K

Peter Pitcher, on 15 September 2010 - 11:12 AM, said:

I'd take Peter's word as fact if I were you - he is a veteran of the "transplant wars".

Thanks for the info Peter. Erik had suggested I contact you. I am assuming 250K is all in. Any idea on breakout costs like take down, transport, engineering fees, prep work, install? I am trying to collect as accurate information as I can for the grant process we are pursuing. I know every area and install is unique but I'm hoping I can get a realistic picture.
Thanks, Jeff

Peter Pitcher, on 15 September 2010 - 11:12 AM, said:

Well Jeff, you are going to have to do the work. You know what concrete costs and rebar etc. You could easily spend over a million if you just turned it over to someone else. Find you lift, hire your engineer, your electrician and your welder. If you are going to use a contractor, get his estimates. You are not going to be able to relocate a chairlift by getting advice from the forum.

I agree, try to look for a company that can find the lift, reposition it and garantee the start up.

If you need help give us a call

SERENO.IT Ski Resort solutions

samuele@sereno.it