[H. Hound]

Ok while we are on a nostalgic ski theme, here is a challenge for all of you. What is the pictured piece of ski equipment? The bonus question is what ski area can you still use it at? I have owned, and used the pictured device since the early 70’s.

guess 002

[Grinch]

looks very similar to a device I saw someone using on a rope tow to make gripping the rope easier, but couldn't be sure.

[H. Hound]

Yep, it is a tow grip. So, what Washington ski area still uses them?

[Malachai Constant]

Mountaineers Lodge at Snoqualomie used to require them but someone said they closed up last year.

[H. Hound]

Close. The Snoqualmie lodge got in a pissing contest with the tow inspector, so no more rope tow for them. The ski area in question is 75 this year

[reststep]

I used one of those many a times. I think I might still have one around somewhere. We would ride the rope tows at Stevens all day with those. They might still use them at the Mountaineers Meany Ski Hut.

[H. Hound]

Yep, you got it. The Meany Ski Hut still uses them. It was fun learning to ski at an area that, at the time, had 1 rope tow that went 19Mph. I hear it goes slower now.

[reststep]

The rope tow at Deer Park in Olympic National Park was a difficult one to learn on also. I fell off of that one a few times before getting the hang of it.

[marzsit]

in new zealand, they call those things "nutcrackers"... i think they're illegal in most us ski areas now.

[hyak.net]

I went for a motorcycle ride up to Meany this past summer to drop off some history info. Cool place...I would sure like to make it up some weekend to do some boarding.

meany2

[lopper]

"A & T Co. Seattle, WA" says the tow- grip. I still have a pair of my A&T aluminum poles....came with my looong Head 606 (Jean Claude Killy) skis. What a treat to get step-in bindings in 1970!