SKI NY Lift Training Maintenance Program Classes 2026 Edition

In 2011 we launched a multi session lift maintenance program that was geared to primarily to fixed grip chairlifts.  In 2018, we retooled the program to include advancements in lift technology.  Now we are including surface lifts, conveyors, detachable chairs, detachable gondolas, grouped gondolas, aerial trams, advanced electrical, advanced mechanical as well as the continuation of basic fixed grip training.  We are also continuing to use NSAA’s Lift Maintenance Resource Guide to help guide classes, so you send the appropriate maintenance employees

This program is not membership exclusive; we are extending an invitation to the entire New York State Ski Resort Community and neighboring states to participate. We want all to join us in sharing the knowledge and expertise of our instructors and attendees.  There is no cost to attend, and we encourage you to bring as many personnel as you like.

Resorts hosting classes this summer are Bristol Mountain, Gore Mountain, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Holimont, McCauley Mountain and Woods Valley Ski Area.

During the class sessions this summer, we want to bring you up to date on the status of NY State Code Rule 32, ANSI-B77.1, and the NSAA Lift Maintenance Resource Guide.

The following are the classes and locations and dates for 2026:

Class 1: Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Virgil NY – June 9, 2026
Title: Electrical Basic Lift Circuit with Andy Pierce
Instructor: Andy Pierce of AP Electrical Services
Description:
This class will cover Low Voltage controls and troubleshooting with examples on two different lifts set up including a Doppelmayr and Hall for a variable speed drive upgrade. They will be going over control diagrams for each as well.

Reservation Contact: Toby Bonham – tbonham@greekpeakmtnresort.com.

Map:

Class 2: McCauley Mountain, Old Forge NY – June 23, 2026
Title: Work Carrier Safety and Operating Practices  NSAA Training Resource Guide Level 1, 2
Instructor: Tony Kowalski, Chad Jacoby and crew
Description:
This session will discuss Fall Protection, PPE, Harness and other PPE Inspection.  Other topics discussed will include proper radio etiquette, Suspension Trauma, types of rescue equipment and how to write a Rescue Plan. We will also demonstrate rescue from a work carrier.

This class will be presented outdoors.  Bring your own Fall Protection/Rescue equipment for inspection/discussion.

Reservation Contact: Kevin Kress – kkress@townofwebbny.gov.

Map:

Class 3: Bristol Mountain, Canandaigua NY – July 14, 2026
Title: Terminal Cable Alignment on Fixed Grip and Detach Lifts
Instructor: Bill Bowe
Description:
Fixed grip lifts(we have 1965 relocated 1993 Borvig/CTEC double, 1985 relocated 2000 CTEC triple and 2000 Garaventa CTEC quad for hands on) go over step by step process for fixed grip terminal cable alignment and go over some common problems from improper alignment. Detachable Lifts(we have 1999 Garaventa CTEC stealth 2000 quad with AK4.1 grips and 2009 Doppelmayr CLD-4 UNI GS quad with A104C grips for hands on) go over fine tuning the cable alignment in terminals and safety switch adjustment.

Reservation Contact: Bill Bowe – bbowe@bristolmt.com or Sarah DiCesare – sdicesare@bristolmt.com.

Map:

Class 4: Holimont/Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville NY – July 21, 2026
Title: Carpet Maintenance and Safety Class NSAA Training Resource Guide Level 1, 2
Instructors: Tony Kowalski, Chad Jacoby of Holimont and Jim Curtis of Holiday Valley
Description:
Carpet maintenance will be discussed including splice inspection, alignment, lubrication, safety lock-outs, pit issues, ANSI B77.1 Section 7 and anything else the group wants to talk about.

Sunkid and Magic Carpet conveyors will be the focus.

Reservation Contact: Tony Kowalski – tony@holimont.com.

Map:

Class 5: Gore Mountain, North Creek NY – August 18, 2026
Title: Brakes and Tension
Instructors: Michael Allen, Thomas Monohan and Dave Waite of Gore Mountain
Description:
Join Michael, Thomas and Dave as they host a class on Lift 12 at the North Creek Ski Bowl focusing on service brake and emergency break tear downs. Also, they will cover hydraulic tension and Hydac programming. There will also be class time and breakout groups.

Reservation Contact: Derek Goodspeed – dgoodspeed@goremountain.com.

Map:

Class 6: Woods Valley Ski Area, Westernville NY – August 25, 2026

Title: Sheaves and Towers
Instructors: Tim Woods of Woods Valley and Jason Blenis
Description:
Buying a used chairlift is only the beginning. This session covers what it really takes to bring a secondhand lift back to life—from initial evaluation and disassembly to refurbishment, reinstallation, and final inspection. Learn where projects succeed, where they go sideways, and how to manage cost, timeline, and compliance.

Reservation Contact: Tim Woods – tim@woodsvalleyskiarea.com.

Map:

Please RSVP the ski area reservation contact person with the names of your attendees that plan to participate at least one week in advance of the class, two weeks is preferable.  The areas need to prepare for the numbers of individuals eating lunch.

Classes are expected to begin with coffee and snacks at 8:00 AM and introductions for the class at approximately 8:30 AM.  The class will end when all questions have been answered.

The typical program will be an all-day session lead by the host ski area lift maintenance department and others.  Lunch will be provided and there will be no cost to you no matter how many people you send!


This program will provide training and networking for your lift maintenance staff and ultimately all classes combined will cover all the material in the Peter Wood Ski Lift Functions, Maintenance and Regulations Manual.

This manual is our resource document for the program, and we encourage every lift department to own a copy.

The success of this program will be measured by the participation of our members. Of this I have no doubt that you will support this effort and send as many staff members as possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to refer them to the Lift Maintenance committee: