Nutcrackers
In 1939 the "tow grabber" or nutcracker was invented, allowing faster speeds and steeper slopes. and were widely used on many fields in the 1940s, but are now largely restricted to small club fields. The rope tow design, including the nutcracker device, was further developed by William Hamilton (of Hamilton jet fame) in the 1950s which may explain the continuing popularity of these devices in New Zealand.
The rider wears a harness around the hips. To this is attached a clamp, much like the nutcracker from which it derives its name, which the rider attaches to the rope. This eliminates the need to hold on with the hands, reducing fatigue and allowing faster tows. The nutcracker device is essential on longer and steeper tows, as the rope runs over pulleys to keep it off the ground.
In the United States they are still used at Meany Lodge in Washington state, and Mount Greylock Ski Club in Massachusetts. In Australia they are now confined to isolated ski lodges, except for the Mount Mawson "club field" near Hobart which boasts four rope tows.
In New Zealand, rope tows with nutcrackers epitomize the rugged, 'back to basics' character of club skifields and the nutcracker remains the norm at club fields such as Tukino, Maunganui, Mt Lyford, Hanmer Springs, Temple Basin, Broken River, Craigieburn, Fox Peak, Mt Olympus and Awakino. The commercial Roundhill added a rope tow for the 2010 season, and the boutique commercial Invincible Snowfields has only a single rope tow
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