Large gaps in reasoning - very funny. The sun ages equipment faster than nearly anything. Though humidity and temperature extremes are equally damaging. Also, the two differences on this lift are covers and seat heating equipment. I find it hard to believe that those two modifications would make such a difference that the manufacturer has to make such demands on how the lift should operate to be in compliance. Doppelmayr is one of the two big manufacturers of ski lifts and their products are not exactly flying off the shelf these days. I find it hard to believe that in a highly competitive market with little demand that a manufacturer would not stand behind their equipment. If the warranty (skeptical) caused the bubble chair delay, then what was the story with the gondola. Different manufacturer, different type of work and yet it too was late and completed at the last possible minute.
On a side note- heated seats are a joke. The seats are not heated for the duration of the ride, they only warm up while the carrier is in contact with the electric rail in the station(s). Also, from my experience on snowy days when they make the most sense what you end up with is wet seats. While the covers are supposed to prevent this, the riders carry on board a considerable amount of snow with their clothing and that melts on the seat.
Bubble chairs are also prone to wind problems and people dislike them on spring days. Where they make the most sense is at ski areas with low elevations where rain can be a regular event like Whistler/Blackcomb.
On the chair I rode the cover was automatically lowered into position. I'm curious if this automatically happens on this lift and if the riders have the option to raise the cover or raise the bubble and leave the footrest in the lowered position.
On a side note- heated seats are a joke. The seats are not heated for the duration of the ride, they only warm up while the carrier is in contact with the electric rail in the station(s). Also, from my experience on snowy days when they make the most sense what you end up with is wet seats. While the covers are supposed to prevent this, the riders carry on board a considerable amount of snow with their clothing and that melts on the seat.
Bubble chairs are also prone to wind problems and people dislike them on spring days. Where they make the most sense is at ski areas with low elevations where rain can be a regular event like Whistler/Blackcomb.
On the chair I rode the cover was automatically lowered into position. I'm curious if this automatically happens on this lift and if the riders have the option to raise the cover or raise the bubble and leave the footrest in the lowered position.
