The Universal Cover

Conveyor belt lifts can be considered the unsung heroes of the ski industry. This technology, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall ski experience, transporting skiers and snowboarders up the slopes effectively. While ski resorts are renowned for their thrilling downhill descents, the ascent to the mountaintop is where the magic begins. Conveyor belt lifts, also known as magic carpets or surface lifts, redefine the uphill experience for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. In contrast to traditional ski lifts, which might appear intimidating to newcomers, these conveyor belts offer a gentle and user-friendly alternative for accessing the slopes.

What may be taken for granted is the need to care for and maintain these conveyor belt lifts to keep them safe from damage. That’s why the Italian-based company Team Service created the Universal Cover, compatible with all conveyor belt models, with any width and length, regardless of the manufacturer and the year of production. This product is the perfect insulation from snow and water.

The Universal Cover has an independent structure from the conveyor belt, which allows it to be installed on both new and already existing belts without disassembling it, requiring only 7.9 inches of space between the ground and the carpet. It has a modular structure, made with elements that are 6.88 feet long, which connect to each other and can be customized to the clients’ needs. The cover is made of aluminum arches and polycarbonate sheets installed over the arches and secured with aluminum strapping. Its anchors are fixed to the ground, ensuring the cover’s stability.

The cover can be installed along the entire conveyor belt line or used in combination with another model, it can also be used to only cover the loading and unloading stations to increase the available space for an operator. There are four sizes available: standard, large, extra-large and mega. The large and extra-large models have been specifically designed for projects that require more space, such as a lateral walkway equipped with a railing. The mega cover, on the other hand, is used to cover parallel carpets, inside a unique large cover.

The Universal Cover has an independent structure from the conveyor belt, which allows it to be installed on both new and already existing belts without disassembling it, requiring only 7.9 inches of space between the ground and the carpet.

Additionally, aluminum doors can be added to the cover at the ends of the line. The doors not only protect the carpet from weather agents, but also make the conveyor belt inaccessible to outsiders. The design of the doors can be customized upon customer request. The cover also features an air vent window inserted at the top to allow air recirculation on days with high temperatures.

To ensure safety during evacuations, anti-slip fiberglass grids are positioned on both sides of the structure. Additionally, the cover incorporates PVC emergency doors that need to be opened prior to daily operations. Alternatively, Team Service offers the option of rigid doors with a vertical opening, featuring anti-panic handles.

Customization

It is always possible to customize the covers by replacing transparent polycarbonate with colored polycarbonate, adding logos, lettering, signs, windows, colored arches or a special surface. The cover can also be equipped with colored LED lights for nighttime use. Team Service’s LED system has a control unit through which the client can set different light shows. The LEDs are installed at the base of each arch to give the maximum result in terms of brightness.

The cover also features adjustable feet, allowing clients to choose its height.

Installations in North America

In recent years, sales and interest in Team Service’s Universal Cover have increased in North America. In 2019, Team Service installed a 200-foot-long cover in the Hoodoo Ski Area located in Sisters, Ore. In 2020, Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, installed a 650-foot-long cover. In 2021, a new 326-foot-long cover was supplied to the City of Steamboat Springs in Colorado. Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia will soon install a 500-foot-long cover and there will soon be an extra-large cover with a length of 300 feet in Gateway Parks in Idaho to cover two new Team Service carpet lifts.