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

Yes yes that was exactly like the lift I took.

Where did you get video. My friends do not believe me that I got my white hair in one ski lift trip !

The strange aspect of all this was that as I was going up,,,,I noticed some vultures circling above. Bad omen.

Seems they knew that food was coming.

Worst of all were the splinters I had to take out of my ,,,,,,, at top ( and in the evening). Ruined my concentration and technique as I was skiing down.

Ever skied and have a splinter jabbing on every edge set ?

Not nice .

Thanks for such reminder of the bad memories.

These lifts are quite common around Japan, I found that video by searching on youtube.

If you ever go to Japan, and as you like powder, you should definitely consider it, do not shun these chairs. At some resorts, these lifts are the only way to access some terrain. Slow, single seat lifts as the only access to terrain = fresh tracks all day.

There seems to be more and more variety of lifts around the world.

I have noticed also that some countries now have a "rolling plastic yellow carpet" before chair lift and under lift.

New skiers are fascinated by this carpet and often fall down.

I am sure you are wondering what the function of this carpet is?

There are a series of "gates" which open and close in accordance to chair lift position. ( often not timed correctly).

When the gates open,,skiers are supposed to move forward unto moving carpet which is supposed to bring skiers to correct "take off" position. The carpet aligns skier with attendant, chairlift and take off point.

I hope you noticed the term, "supposed".

You all know the KISS principle. ( KEEP IT SIMPLE Silly )
You all know that if you introduce anything mechanical it will break down.

Well such is the case of the rolling plastic carpet on ski lift.

Seen more serious accidents there than on ski runs. Will try to get videos next year for your summer entertainment.

Just be careful of the rolling yellow plastic carpet.

I don't think there are very many basket lifts left. The idea is to step elegantly into the basket (takes a bit of practice) when the attendant closes the gate don't forget to say "Grazia"

SwingBeep wrote:I don't think there are very many basket lifts left. The idea is to step elegantly into the basket (takes a bit of practice) when the attendant closes the gate don't forget to say "Grazia"

Well ....

You live and learn - never seen one of those before.

And your far too young to have ridden on a funicular sledge.



No special skills required, just get in and sit down.

SwingBeep,
Have tried the pictured lift in Slovakia Tatras ! Side mount. Standing alone. Worst,,no rope, chain, bar across "entrance" so if by chance you lean out,,,,,

Well as long as you are wearing helmet,,,,,,,

Would love to know how many falls out of lift in a season,,,,seems it is a state secret.

Keep up the search for strange unique lifts.

My most unique lift was on a Lama. Has any one tried camels or Yaks?

SwingBeep was kind enough to send me a site which shows a Poma in France. After viewing the great pictures, I discovered a technique which I had long forgotten .

http://www.remontees-mecaniques.net/bdd/reportage-2669.html

On one of the pictures of skiers going up a steep slope on a Poma, you have a skier ( expert ) who has placed his poles across plastic disc in order to create a greater pressure surface ! It makes it so much easier to get to top.

Trouble with this technique is you must be really good since any shift of weigh and poles fall down.

Look at pictures and you will appreciate competence level of skier.

Thanks SwingBeep.