How to Build a Ski Rope Tow

Skiing is fun but getting back up the mountain isn't. Chair lifts are good at getting you up a steep slope but are expensive and should be built by professionals. Rope tows are significantly less expensive and can be put up in an afternoon with equipment you can get at the local hardware store. Rope tows are best suited for smaller hills and shorter distances. If you need to cover a longer, steeper distance you may need to build multiple tows.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring Tape
  • Post-Hole Digger
  • Cement
  • 4x4 Weather-Treated Wood
  • Saw
  • Mounting Bracket
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Rope
  • Two Pulleys
  • Motor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine where the rope tow will go on the hillside. This distance will determine how much rope you'll need and the size of the motor needed to run the tow. Typically the rope-tow style of ski lift is meant for easier runs, such as the bunny slope.

    • 2

      Dig a hole at the top and bottom points of the tow. This hole should be a foot or two deep to provide stability for the tow. Cut the 4x4 into five-foot sections with the saw. Use weather-treated wood since it will be outside year-round.

    • 3

      Place the 4x4 in the hole, then fill the holes with cement to anchor the wood. Mix cement according to manufacturer's directions and use a cement that can handle being frozen and thawed repeatedly. Allow to dry for a few days.

    • 4

      Mount the pulleys on each post using the mounting bracket and screws. Make sure they're the appropriate strength for the load they will bear. This will be determined by the distance of the hillside and the number of people being towed at one time. The pulley on the top part of the tow should have a locking mechanism so the rope can only move in one direction.

    • 5

      Attach the motor to the top pulley according to the manufacturers instructions, then fit the rope in a loop between the two pulleys. The motor will continually pull the rope up the hillside and the locking mechanism of the pulley will keep it going in one direction. Use a gas-powered motor so you won't need to use a power cord.