Strange (unique) ski lifts and how to use them.

Bandit has mentioned two unique ski lifts in my presentation on techniques to practice without a ski instructor.

This has made me realize how varied the ski lifts are all over the ski world and how "challenging" some of these lifts are. How unprepared some skiers are.

No special course on how to use the va et viens lift in France. Truly unique and potentially dangerous if a skier does not know how to use it.

The above lift has two major challenges. Clearly it is NOT for beginners and some intermediate skiers. No courses on this unit.

First you have choice of horizontal tow bar or Poma type plastic discs. Clearly the bar has advantages since you can let go of bar faster in case of bail out. But if you are a women,,,,you need strong arms .

The Poma option seems better initially, but if you fall, or someone pushes you to side, you may be dragged for some time. No stop ,,,,kill switch here.

More importantly than choosing method of holding lift is choice of lift partners.
Few skiers realize the importance of a selection of fellow skier on this lift.
In a second or two you must decide if you will go up with 4 other person. Make a mistake and you might be dragged for some time ,,at worst have some injuries.

Sorry, Bandit. No standard instructions on this one. Rules change every time group changes.

My only advice is "less is better" on this lift. Two is great. Three is a pass. More is a challenge and a clear risk !

If you have no idea what I am talking about see You Tube or speak to someone who has survival the va et viens like Bandit!

Truly a unique lift.

I am sure others will provide some examples of strange and unique ski lifts.


Mine was in a semi-developed country with a one person lift that had no safety bar, no attendant at base and a plywood "seat". Oh,,,I forgot not ski bar rest.

Yes they did provide you with a rope to tie yourself to vertical pipe.

Few skiers on it!

Never again.

How about a nutcracker rop tow?



These rope tows are very common in the club ski fields in New Zealand.

This one is 1.4 kms long, and a vertical rise of over 600m.

Looks an "experience" !!
Those skiers using this in the vid look like they know the nack. Love to see some novices on this one.


(Re-posted the link for ease of viewing)

OldAndy wrote:Looks an "experience" !!
Those skiers using this in the vid look like they know the nack. Love to see some novices on this one.


(Re-posted the link for ease of viewing)

That rope tow looks like luxury compared to the one in Adelboden which is at ground level !!!!

Was the single seat chair like this one Pavel?



They don't supply you with a rope in Japan

How do I get it to embed OldAndy? I tried to get it to embed but I couldn't.

surfarthur wrote:How do I get it to embed OldAndy? I tried to get it to embed but I couldn't.

Look on the left of the page and it gives you instructions