Exciting times at Montana’s Big Sky Ski Resort as they close in completing the world’s longest 8-seat chairlift. Earlier this month teams compete intricate the process of rope pulling and splicing with the innovative Fatzer Performa-DT haul rope system which reduces strand-induced vibration and sheave wear by utilizing plastic profiles which are stranded between the strands.
The installation process began with threading haul the rope through the lift’s tower assemblies while maintain precise tension across the 8,700-foot span using specialized cable-pulling equipment. Next the came the rope splicing to make a continuous loop from the rope ends:
“The rope consists of six metal strands separated by plastic profiles that significantly reduce strand-induced vibrations. To create the splice, technicians unraveled three strands from each rope end, working with 120 feet in both directions. Using the “three-on-three” method, the crew joined the rope by wrapping one strand from each end around its corresponding partner, repeating this process for all three pairs. They used copper hammers to compress and shape the joined strands, ensuring the splice matched the original rope’s tension and diameter.”
This precision splicing operation required 35 specialists a full day to complete. After joining the main strands, the loose ends were carefully tucked away inside the rope’s core. This tucking process is critical to ensure no loose ends can work their way out over time, maintaining smooth uniform diameter of the haul rope.
With the haul rope installation completed, Madison 8 moves into its final phases of load testing and certification before it opens to the public this winter. Big Sky opening day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27th.
“Madison 8, a new eight-place, state-of-the-art D-line chairlift will replace the existing Six Shooter lift on Big Sky Resort’s north side. With the installation of the new lift, Big Sky Resort will be in a class of its own as the only North American ski resort with three bubble D-line lifts, and the only North American ski resort with two eight-place lifts.
The new eight-place lift will effectively double the uphill capacity while reducing ride time, offering guests swift and comfortable access to Big Sky Resort’s north side terrain from the Madison Base Area. Madison 8 will also set a new record globally as the longest eight-place installation in the world.”
