Overview

Society of Ropeway Technicians (SORT) promotes technical information concerning ropeway systems. Specifically, SORT specializes in mechanical and electrical maintenance and operational safety;  weather forecasts and training information is a small part of that information.

Ropeways include: skier transportation conveyances such as tramways, gondolas, chairlifts and surface tows; also covered are similar systems that carry people or material not associated with the ski industry.

Society of Ropeway Technicians (SORT) is a 503c nonprofit safety corporation and is not affiliated with any manufacturer, ownership interest group or union organization.

Primary Focus

SORT’s key objective is ropeway maintenance knowledge through an information exchange forum. SORT’s discussion topics number more than 1500. 

Sort has over 500 members worldwide and has been providing information since 2003. Members include ski resort owners, government officials, tramway inspectors, ropeway manufacturers, engineers, and lift constructors. The majority of members are ropeway technicians. This exchange of information is vital for those persons operating in isolated regions and in organizations that do not have the institution of ropeway knowledge. 

SORT has current information on: bullwheel, gearbox, speed reducers, grip, clip, hanger, carrier, deicing, haul rope, current and past incidents, tower, sheave, rigging, shaft, tension system, electrical motor, service brakes, rollback brake, accelerator, weather, teaching and training, extensive electrical topics such as low and high voltage controls,.

Operating Principles

-To represent the views and objectives of our members, while keeping technician and public safety as a primary concern

-To remain independent from any agency or organization

-To place honorable practices and public service above all other considerations

-To ensure preventative practices to avoid placing any member in a compromising or unsafe situation

-To promote proficiency and facilitate information exchange through collaboration with other technicians on matters of mutual interest 

-To develop, maintain and improve relations with agencies of common interest affecting the ropeway industry

-To support the tasks of ropeway technicians as an integral part of business management