Ski hill to reopen tomorrow

Jack Pine Hill will reopen to skiers this week.

A malfunction in the ski lift last week stranded 50 people in the air, triggering a rescue operation to bring them down.

The lift has now been fixed and details are available in the following news release issued by the hill today at 3 p.m.:

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Ski Hill Back to Business Thanks to Local Help

Jack Pine Hill will resume operations Tuesday night thanks to the tireless efforts of a number of local firms that have leant their support and expertise.

The hill’s main quad chair lift stopped on Saturday afternoon due to a mechanical failure the extent of which, at the time, was unknown.

Without the specialized equipment or the parts necessary to make the repairs, Jack Pine Hill’s ski operation was put on hold indefinitely.

Kelly McCarthy, Branch Manager for Motion Canada came forward immediately with the materials and support necessary to get started.

The upper bull wheel which guides the chairs was dismantled to reveal a cracked pin as well as two bearings in need of replacement.

A crew of volunteers worked tirelessly with Jack Pine Hill staff throughout the weekend to do the necessary repairs. An engineer from the lift manufacturer, Leitner-Poma was on site throughout the period to ensure the safety of all procedures.

An engineer’s stamp of certification is required by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) before any lift is approved for use.

The lift satisfied all requirements of TSSA and approval to resume lift operation has been granted. The ski industry has also banded together in support of Jack Pine Hill.

A certified lift mechanic from Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area has been on site since Friday to assist with repairs.

Jack Pine Hill wishes to acknowledge the work of the following volunteers:

Kelly McCarthy, Motion Canada, was the lead person coordinating the volunteers and donated in excess of 48 hours of his own time;

Kent McCarthy, Motion Canada, volunteered over 48 hours;

Kerry McCarthy, Motion Canada, volunteered over 48 hours;

Chad Molnar, Motion Canada, volunteered over 20 hours;

Tim Robb and Brandon Robb, Can-Blast Inc, volunteered over 48 hours each of their own time;

Gord Barber, Ron’s Welding, volunteered over 12 hours;

Randy Bursey, Castle Metals donated materials.Pierre Lafreniere, Can-Sling, donated cable;

Rob Godbout volunteered 48 hours;

Rob Cantin, United Rentals, donated two chain pulls;

George Cook, Cooper Cranes, donated a crane and worked in excess of 48 hours;

Doug Newell, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, provided the service of a lift mechanic over the past three days; Radu, Leitner-Poma Lifts provided engineer services.

An estimated $40,000 of time and materials has been donated.

Without this support, Jack Pine Hill would not be in a position to resume operations at his time.