Latest posts for the topic "Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!"

Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:34:43 GMT

Last week, had a bit of a session with the medi-evil basket of a chairlift on top of the Glacier in La Plagne! As the chairlift is so tiny I had shoved myself back as far as possible, in doing so my backpack went over the back of the seat, consequently when it came to getting off I couldn't, sensible solutions went out the window and few wonderful seconds of full scale panic set in, during which time my husband "trying to save me" gave me an almighty shove off the lift resulting in a shredded calf muscle.....whilst I will dine out on his guilt trip for weeks just wanted to post a message to all virgin backpackers like me.....carry them in front on lifts!!

Be Safe! Ski Well!

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:33:07 GMT

Unfortunately, there are still some potentially dangerous old chair lifts around. Especially beware of any that have wood in the construction. I found myself dangling by the hem of my jacket from one as it made the turn at the top, and I've seen other people have similar problems.

Hope the injury doesn't wreck your trip.

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:55:30 GMT

That must have been very scary for both of you. Hope you get better soon. :( Ria x

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:56:33 GMT

Very unfortunate, not sure what "shredded calf muscle" means but hope it's not as horrible as it sounds. Generally you are supposed to take your backpack off when getting on a chairlift. In some places lifties may remind you, in others you might be reminded by the lift:(.

Dine on your husband's guilt trip well!:)

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:55:05 GMT

That sounds really dangerous :shock:

Why didn't the lift operator stop the lift?

Ally

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:38:23 GMT

Thanx for the replies....!

Think he must have been playing on his iPod!!

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:19:06 GMT

Some chairlifts, in Switzerland particularly, forbid you from wearing rucksacks on the lift. The lifties insist you remove them before boarding - and very sensible that is, too.

Horrible incident involving a British school pupil last week whose rucksack became entangled and was left dangling by the neck from the chair.

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 02:57:44 GMT

I think there are several packs now that are designed to easily be moved to the chest while riding lifts.

http://www.wedze.com/EN/reverse-one-black-87807011/

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Tue, 1 Mar 2011 11:45:04 GMT

LOTA wrote:Some chairlifts, in Switzerland particularly, forbid you from wearing rucksacks on the lift. The lifties insist you remove them before boarding - and very sensible that is, too.

Horrible incident involving a British school pupil last week whose rucksack became entangled and was left dangling by the neck from the chair.

Yep, rucksacks can be very dangerous. Daughter got hers caught between slats on old wooden chairlift in Les Carroz a few years ago. She was being dragged - it was horrible.
We ran to help her, the liftee stopped the lift and the metal barrier came down right on my head!!!
And, no, I wasn't wearing a helmet!
2 incidents for the price of one. Learnt a lesson though
Especially beware rucksacks with the thumb loops you can use to tighten the straps - that's what got caught with ours.

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Sat, 5 Mar 2011 22:29:14 GMT

Flippin eck. Dangerous rucksacks? Will we be insisting on helmets for them too next?

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 15:45:17 GMT

You can't be too safe Tony!! Seriously tho I hope your leg is now ok Laura and you are planning your next ski trip. That is definitely a horror of a chair but the run down through the bumps is worth it if you can ever bring yourself to have another go.

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:19:12 GMT

Tragic cases, including the dreaded Backpacks and Chairlifts scenario.

http://www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com/news/boy-dies-after-baqueira-beret-accident/

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:56:09 GMT

Hopefully, even if one person who reads this escapes injury or hilarity then job done by all!

Re:Beware Backpacks and Chairlifts!!!

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:06:19 GMT

A young 14 year old boy from Torquay on a school ski trip is VERY ill having been hung by his rucksack at half term. Apparently it got caught in the safety rail as it was opened for exit.....it slid up his back got caught around his neck and strangled him as the chair went back down. I have heard a rumour that the ski lift operator was asleep so was not able to stop the chair immediately. The lad was dead when they eventually cut him down but he was resuscitated and then put in an induced coma. His parents brought him back to the UK last week. Very sad.