We recently conducted the acceptance testing on the Tomichi Lift in No Name Basin.  These tests were conducted by inspectors and engineers from the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board, the USFS Ropeway Team, Iron Mountain Engineering, Skytrac, and our Lift Maintenance crew.  These tests involve a pre-operational verification that ensures the design and specifications of the lift have been met.  The testing then moves to a static load test where the uphill chairs (carriers) are loaded with water tubs to simulate a loaded lift line.  The weight specifications for this testing require the lift to be loaded to 110% of its design capacity to ensure an acceptable safety margin.  Once the uphill carriers are loaded, the lift is then run through a series of dynamic testing to evaluate the lift’s operational performance.  This involves running the lift at full speed and then testing the acceleration and deceleration of the drive system, brake system tests, control and safety systems, auxiliary-evacuation drive system, and communications.  Our Ski Patrol team also performed a manual rope evacuation of the inspectors from a lift carrier to verify our ability to perform this task should the need arise.  We had a very successful few days of testing and overall things are looking very good.  As expected, there are a few punch list items to complete prior to licensing, but we are right where we want to be for operating the new Tomichi Lift this winter and skiing both sides of the Divide.  Are you ready?