The Stevens Pass ski resort in Washington is famous for its Magic Carpet conveyor, which provides an efficient and convenient way for skiers and snowboarders to access the slopes. This innovative transportation system has greatly improved the overall experience at the resort. The Magic Carpet conveyor is a type of conveyor belt that is specially designed for winter sports activities. It is located near the base of the slopes and helps skiers and snowboarders effortlessly ascend to the top. This eliminates the need for traditional ski lifts or tedious uphill walking. One of the main advantages of the Magic Carpet conveyor is its ease of use.
One of the main advantages of the Magic Carpet conveyor is its ease of use. Unlike ski lifts, which can be difficult for beginners to navigate, the conveyor is simple and user-friendly. Skiers simply step onto the moving belt and are gently transported uphill.
Wiccans get worship area at Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy in Colorado has set up an outdoor worship area for followers of Wicca, Druidism and other Earth-centered religions.
Feb. 1, 2010, 10:24 PM UTC / Source : The Associated PressThe Air Force Academy has set aside an outdoor worship area for Pagans, Wiccans, Druids and other Earth-centered believers, school officials said Monday.
A double circle of stones atop a hill on the campus near Colorado Springs has been designated for the group, which previously met indoors.
"Being with nature and connecting with it is kind of the whole point," said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Longcrier, who sponsors the group and describes himself as a Pagan. "It will dramatically improve that atmosphere, the mindset and the actual connection."
The stones were moved to the hilltop last year because erosion threatened to make them unstable in their previous location near the visitors center. Crews arranged them in two concentric circles because they thought it would be a pleasant place for cadets to relax, Longcrier said.
When Longcrier and academy chaplains were looking for an outdoor worship space, they discovered one already existed in the form of the circles.
Lt. Col. William Ziegler, one of the academy's chaplains, said designating the space is part of the school's effort to foster religious tolerance and to defend the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
'A freedom thing'
"It's about our commitment as airmen to protect freedom and defend freedom. To me this is a freedom thing," he said.
The school also has worship facilities for Protestant and Catholic Christians, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists.
The academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michael Gould, has made religious tolerance a priority. It became a concern in 2004 when a survey found many cadets had heard slurs or jokes about other religions and that some felt ostracized because they weren't religious.
Longcrier and Ziegler said they've heard no criticism of the new worship space but both noted its presence was just made public.
"Not to say that it's not coming, but so far we haven't had any real issues," Longcrier said.
He said 15 to 20 cadets have shown an interest in Earth-centered beliefs, and eight to 10 regularly attend Monday night meetings. Of those, six or seven are devout believers and the others are "searchers," Longcrier said.
The academy has about 4,000 cadets. The school is one of five U.S. service academies, including West Point and Annapolis. Cadets graduate as second lieutenants.
Gods and goddesses
"Earth-centered" spirituality encompasses many beliefs, Longcrier said, many that recognize multiple gods and goddesses and observe holidays tied to the seasons.
Longcrier said he personally doesn't consider gods and goddesses to be actual beings but personifications of natural events that human ancestors wanted to put a face on.
"The goddess is symbolic of the Earth," Longcrier said. "Do I believe I'm worshipping this female entity living in the Earth or up in space somewhere? No. The symbolism is very important."
The group's meetings are usually devoted to mediation, lessons or ceremonies, he said.
Longcrier, who oversees laboratories in the academy's astronautics labs, said he has military designation as a "distinct faith group leader."
Anyone is welcome to visit the new worship site but it should be treated as a religious structure, he said. A formal dedication is planned in March.
Longcrier and Ziegler said they've heard no criticism of the new worship space but both noted its presence was just made public.
This is especially beneficial for young children, who may struggle with chair lifts or rope tows. With the Magic Carpet conveyor, they can easily access the slopes and enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding. The Magic Carpet conveyor also improves the efficiency of the resort. With traditional ski lifts, there is often a line or wait time before skiers can get to the top. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially on busy days. However, with the conveyor, there is a constant flow of skiers and snowboarders, allowing for a more seamless experience. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying the slopes. In addition to its convenience and efficiency, the Magic Carpet conveyor also enhances safety at the resort. Traditional ski lifts can be intimidating for beginners or those with limited mobility. The conveyor, on the other hand, provides a secure and stable way to ascend the slopes, reducing the risk of accidents or falls. It is also designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the winter sports activities at Stevens Pass. Overall, the Magic Carpet conveyor at Stevens Pass has revolutionized the way skiers and snowboarders access the slopes. Its ease of use, efficiency, and safety features have made it a popular choice among visitors to the resort. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced winter sports enthusiast, the Magic Carpet conveyor provides a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding at Stevens Pass..
Reviews for "From first-timers to seasoned pros: The magic carpet conveyor at Stevens Pass caters to all"
1. Reviewed by Alex - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the magic carpet conveyor at Stevens Pass. The staff was rude and unhelpful, and the conveyor itself was extremely slow. It felt like it took forever to get to the top of the slope, and by the time I reached there, I had lost all my enthusiasm for skiing. The whole experience was just a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. Reviewed by Sarah - 1 star
I had such a terrible time using the magic carpet conveyor at Stevens Pass. First of all, it was constantly overcrowded, which made the whole process of getting to the top of the slope a nightmare. The staff seemed overwhelmed and there was a complete lack of organization. Additionally, the carpet itself was in poor condition, with frayed edges and uneven sections. It was not a pleasant experience and I wouldn't choose to go back to Stevens Pass for this reason.
3. Reviewed by Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the magic carpet conveyor at Stevens Pass, but I was left disappointed. The conveyor was often out of service, causing long delays and frustration. It seemed like the equipment was not being properly maintained, which was concerning. On top of that, the staff didn't seem to care about the inconvenience caused by the constant issues. It's a shame because the concept is great, but the execution leaves much to be desired.