Chairlift mechanism in the resort of Val Cenis Vanoise, France
A ski lift is a mechanism for transporting skiers up a hill. Ski lifts are typically a paid service at ski resorts. The first ski lift was built in 1908 by German Robert Winterhalder in Schollach/Eisenbach, Hochschwarzwald.[1]
Types
A chairlift at the ski resort of Vuokatti in Sotkamo, Kainuu, Finland in 2006
Aerial lifts transport skiers while suspended off the ground.[2] Aerial lifts are often bicable ropeways, the "bi-" prefix meaning that the cables have two different functions (carrying and pulling).[3]
Helicopters are used for heliskiing and snowcats for snowcat skiing. This is backcountry skiing or boarding accessed by a snowcat or helicopter instead of a lift, or by hiking. Cat skiing is less than half the cost of heliskiing, more expensive than a lift ticket but is easier than ski touring. Cat skiing is guided.[4] Skiing at select, extreme resorts, like Silverton Mountain, is also guided, even when skiing just off the lift.[5]
Locations
Map of world ski resorts
Ski lifts are built in many parts of the world. Extreme locations of outdoor ski lifts:
Media related to Ski lifts at Wikimedia Commons
