The president of the Great Northern Ski Society says fixing the T-bar is priority number one for the hill before anything else can proceed.

Ernie Berken said the hill is also in the process of determining whether opening at some point this season is still an option, but added he isn't terribly optimistic at the moment about being able to do so.

The issue of public safety came in question after two wheels on the shive assembly's first tower, weighing 88 pounds, fell off on Friday.

The function of the wheels acts as a guide for the cable on the lift.

"We are quite concerned with what has happened here," said Berken. "I just hope our clients are understanding of the situation and that we will be able to look forward soon."

Mt. Sima tests the lifts before opening the hill in an operating day. It had previously passed an safety test earlier in the season by a local inspector.

On Friday it was looked at, but no problems were noticed until after it came loose.

Berken said the problem may have been caused by the pin that held the wheel on coming loose or breaking.

"We were very thankful that no one was hurt in this incident and we will do everything in our power to make sure sure that the lift is safe to use again," he said.

The hill will wait until the weather is warmer than -25 before conducting an inspection on the T-bar, but Berken said they will go over every nut and bolt in an attempt to be as thorough as possible.

If the hill doesn't open this season the issue of how to deal with season pass purchases and punch card holders will be addressed.

Hill manager Gary McWaters has resigned, but will stay on as a consultant until a decision on whether to open is made.