Announcing a Great New Addition to our Ski Hill

Over the years, more than 26,000 people have learned to ski or snowboard at Forest Springs. It’s amazing to think that (for perspective), Westboro, WI, Forest Springs’ hometown, is made up of only about 400 people. That means that people from all over Wisconsin (and the Midwest for that matter) have come to Forest Springs to perfect their craft on our ski hill.  

This year’s ski and snowboard learners are in for a special treat. Through a generous donor, Forest Springs received a Sun Kid Conveyor Lift for its beginner hill.

What’s a Sun Kid Conveyor Lift? Boy, that’s a question I’ve answered many times over the past couple of years. This one is a 260-foot moving sidewalk that skiers (or snowboarders) will ride to the top of our beginner hill – traveling at a speed of between 160-240 feet per minute. The surface of the conveyor is made of a special material that provides traction for the skiers and snowboarders – so they can safely (and successfully) make it up the hill without having to remove their skis or snowboards. A transparent glass canopy enclosure provides a shelter preventing snow from accumulating on the belt, and also a reprieve from the cold as learners enjoy the view on their way up the Bunny Hill.

The reason for the conveyor lift is to give the skier/snowboarder a more efficient way of getting up the hill. The old handle tow was awkward and difficult to manage. When riders couldn’t successfully reach the top of the hill, others had to wait until the issue was corrected. Many of you have experienced that firsthand and have been on both sides of the situation.

This lift system fits quite nicely into its surroundings with the benefit of experiencing a fun ride up the hill. It fulfills the goal of updating our beginner hill with a definite eye towards the future.  

Our first contact with Sun Kid to inquire about a conveyor lift came in 2007. We knew it was a long-range goal and didn’t have the necessary funds to pay for it. However, we wanted to be prepared for what we desired in case funds ever became available.


Whether you come to Forest Springs this winter for a camp, retreat, conference or community day, I encourage you to come and experience the conveyor lift installed on our beginners hill. You’ll be amazed at all of its features and the sheer beauty of it. For me, it will always be a physical reminder of God’s great provision and His perfect timing.In 2014, when a donor approached camp about installing a conveyor lift, it was so amazing! We continued to do our research. Quality of construction, and great service during and after the sale is what helped us choose Sun Kid. The conveyor we were looking at in 2014 was so much nicer and had wonderful features that simply were not available in 2007. Throughout the process, I couldn’t help but to be completely amazed at God’s goodness – and has His ability to do far more than I could’ve ever imagined or hoped for.

Enjoy the hill! 


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