Hardware and software improvements aim to increase reliability and reduce downtime
By Jack Reaney STAFF WRITER
12/26 update: the Thunderwolf chairlift opened for the winter season on 12/24.
Now the only Big Sky Resort chairlift yet to open besides the classic Headwaters double, many locals have gathered that the 30-year-old Thunderwolf lift is undergoing some sort of maintenance.
According to resort officials, the high-speed quad has been undergoing a “significant upgrade and modernization” which began in March 2022. Both hardware and software have been under reconstruction in order to increase reliability and decrease downtime due to outdated components and technology. The lift will open as soon as all testing is complete.
“Because of the major rebuild, Thunderwolf has undergone rigorous testing before reopening to the public, including a load and brake test, which the lift recently passed,” resort officials say. “The team is currently testing and tuning software with the intention of opening the lift to the public as soon as possible.”
The lift was constructed by Doppelmayr in 1993, then Big Sky Resort’s second high-speed lift following the now-retired Ramcharger quad and preceding the now-retired Swift Current quad.
Even with Thunderwolf closed, skiers have access to the terrain on the Thunderwolf side of Andesite Mountain. EBS field reports indicate above average access to untracked snow, but the descent comes at a price: A ride up the Lone Moose Triple and a transfer to the Southern Comfort quad are necessary to return to the top of Andesite.
Tech specs
According to mechanically adept resort officials, specific upgrades include replacing high voltage motor controls for the main motor drive, spacing motor and hydraulic tension unit; replacing low voltage controls in drive and return terminals to improve main motor control, auxiliary drive control, hydraulic brake unit controls, anti-collision, spacing control, tension monitoring, rope position monitoring, brittle bar monitoring and emergency shutdown system; upgrading to a cycle spacer system, adding a fiber line and adding rope position detection system to significantly reduce the risk of deropement.
In other words, the new parts should make Thunderwolf safer and more reliable when it opens for the winter season of 2022-23.
Thunderwolf runs on slow during testing on Dec. 18. VIDEO BY JACK REANEY
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019:4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep inward journey and peak state experience. This experience can activate and clear the chakras, release trauma, reset the nervous system, connect us with higher consciousness, and help us achieve self-actualization. No prior experience is necessary. Register at santoshabigsky.com/workshops-special-events
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
