The program director for the Yukon Ski Team's says he doesn't believe Mt. Sima will be operational for the remainder of the season and added that if the hill does re-open this season his teams will not use the facility because of safety concerns.

Jon Standing said the final straw occurred on Friday when he and one of his skiers were about five seconds away from the location where the T-bar's shiv assembly landed.

"I think it is a public safety issue. I think the problems we have are indicative of maintenance issues," said Standing. "There have been a variety of issues and I think enough is enough. We have to draw the line somewhere and question how things are put together."

The shiv assembly that fell off was on the T-bars first tower. It weighs about 80 pounds and is made up of two wheels, which hold the cable onto the lift.

Standing said he would only be comfortable using the hill after a thorough inspection was conducted over the summer.

He said he was hoping things would begin to run smoothly, but added up until this point none of the issues had threatened anyone.

"It was a blessing that no one got hurt and now it is obvious things have to be done differently and that is not blaming anyone," he said. "I don't think it is anyone's fault. I think the size of the business has exceeded the scope that volunteers can handle, but they have worked hard and for a long time and we wouldn't have a hill without them, but the scope of the busness has changed."

Standing said he is confident these problems can be resolved for the start of next season.

"If I have learned anything about Whitehorse it is this community will pull together and make Mt. Sima a success in the future," he said. "I am 100 per cent confident that will happen. I think it will be ready to rock by next season."

Standing said his team might use the facilities at Watson Lake on the odd weekend and possibly go to Smithers, BC for March Break.

Chris McNutt, the president of the Snowboard Yukon Association, said with Mt. Sima closed, all programs and events have been put on hold.

He was unaware about the shiv assembly falling off.

"Safety is a paramount issue on the hill and I have no doubt Mt. Sima is concerned about running a safe operation," McNutt said. "In my dealings with Mt. Sima, it is no doubt on their mind."

McNutt said he is comfortable knowing Mt. Sima is evaluating the situation and said if a proper inspection was done and the hill was deemed safe for use by the right people, he would have no problem using the facility.

"If and when they open I am trusting at the moment, given the information we know, that they are working on the situation to the best of their ability," he said. "I think in this situation you have to defer to the people who have that information."

McNutt said Snowboard Yukon will monitor the situation as it progresses.