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Modern lift control systems are highly sophisticated. What used to be a few switches, some relay logic and a simple motor control scheme have evolved into complex, micro-processor-based drive and control systems. Keeping up with the evolution of lift control technology can be daunting, and as a result, qualified lift maintenance personnel are in high demand, and command commensurately high salaries.

If these two conditions make on-site lift control expertise a poor option, resorts must rely on outside help when a problem arises and goes beyond the capabilities of maintenance staff. In such cases, a specialist often has intimate knowledge of the equipment, the right tools, and can correct the problem more quickly. On the downside, this expertise comes at a cost, and it isn’t always immediately available.

The more sophisticated your lift equipment, the more likely outside help will be necessary. However, with appropriate training for the lift maintenance staff already on the payroll, ski area owners and operators can minimize their reliance on outside help. The right training can improve reliability, minimize down time and, most importantly, maintain lift safety.

Training raises the competence and confidence levels of lift maintenance staff, and thereby makes the lifts more reliable and safe. Training also empowers employees in making decisions related to equipment maintenance and operation, while also improving job satisfaction, which can lead to better employee retention.

Training of this sort is commonplace for many resorts, and may even be performed on an annual basis as part of an overall preventive maintenance program. There is great peace-of-mind going into a new season in knowing that the lifts have been thoroughly calibrated and tested and a more qualified staff is at the ready.

On-site training is especially beneficial to resorts in isolated locations. A recent drive retrofit project in Alaska, for example, included on-site training to ensure that the area maintenance staff could be as self-sufficient as possible. The area understood that its location made it difficult to acquire parts and service within a reasonable timeframe, and therefore, a do-it-ourselves approach was critical. As a result, minor system issues have been quickly handled via telephone or e-mail consultation for two years running.


Local Knowledge

Lift maintenance training comes in many varieties. Exposure to technical reference books and materials and attending off-site, manufacturers’ classes and industry seminars provide useful information. However, books and classes may not be specific enough for a particular application or piece of equipment—particularly aging equipment or machinery that has been modified from the manufacturer’s original specifications.

A hands-on approach is generally the best means of establishing and reinforcing technical knowledge. When the training session is held in the very motor room, on the very equipment the staff is expected to maintain and troubleshoot, the knowledge gained is specific to the application. The information can be immediately applied, and that boosts retention through doing.

In addition, training should incorporate instruction on the proper use and reading of test equipment. This helps ensure that measurements taken are correct, and allows the staff to better evaluate the results they’re receiving.

For lift maintenance staff to efficiently troubleshoot operational issues and leverage phone support in the field, they need the following equipment:

• digital multimeters

• oscilloscope

• clamp-on ammeter

• megohmmeter

• laptop computer

In the event of a system problem or failure, phone support—from both equipment manufacturers and operating system specialists—may be all that’s needed to get lifts quickly back on line. Keep in mind, however, that equipment manufacturers may only be familiar with their specific piece of equipment, and may not have an understanding of the overall system or how their equipment is applied within it.

This is where the capabilities of the individual on-site are absolutely critical. If the lift maintenance personnel cannot relay basic test results or describe the problem part’s function within the context of the system, phone support will be ineffective, or worse, unsafe.

Full system documentation is a must. Without proper paperwork, troubleshooting time for the maintenance staff and any hired specialist—as well as lift downtime—can dramatically increase. Documentation should include:

• user manuals

• system schematics

• programming/parameter settings

• field modifications

Trained lift maintenance staff, with access to an inventory of spare parts, can also prepare the area to make quick fixes on busy weekends, when the equipment is under maximum stress and downtime is most devastating. Spare parts should include:

• a full set of all fusing

• calibrated and tested drive and PLC boards

• major power components—SCRs and diodes

• feedback devices—tachometer or encoder

• software, programs and related communication cables and accessories

• any other operation-critical device

Many spare parts are custom-order items with lengthy lead times. Trying to obtain replacement parts quickly may not be an option, especially on weekends and holidays when most manufactures are closed. In addition, parts like drive boards may not be “plug and play“ and may require programming, calibration and testing prior to operation—preparations that a properly trained staff member or specialist can accomplish prior to the start of the season if these parts are already on hand.

On-site training has several advantages.

• It eliminates the time and expense involved in sending personnel to another part of the country for instruction.

• It may be scheduled at a time that is convenient to maximize staff attendance, or as the area is gearing up for the season, ensuring the information is fresh and immediately applied.

• It incorporates elements of lift maintenance that can prolong the equipment lifespan.

• As an added bonus of the instructional process, the drive system and any spare boards get properly calibrated and tested, and any existing problems can be addressed during training rather than operation.

• Taking the time for on-site training can help identify missing documentation and facilitate the compilation of more comprehensive equipment and spare part lists.

In tough economic times, it’s important to utilize existing resources to their fullest, retain good employees, prevent equipment failures and avoid unneeded expense. Proper training has the potential to limit down time and save money by facilitating quick and, more critically, safe “fixes” while the snow’s flying.


Michael J. Stuart has more than 20 years’ experience in the ski industry. He is president of Amptech (amptech@comcast. net), a drive design, sales and service consultancy specializing in ski lifts.