Ski Lift Rules

Without the use of ski lifts, a successful ski resort would simply not be possible. Ski lifts enable a consistent flow of passengers to travel up different parts of a mountain in a safe and proficient manner. There are various rules that a ski lift operation must abide by including weight limitations, clearance and correct procedures followed by both the ski instructors and all passengers.

  1. Types of Ski Lifts

    • There are multiple types of ski lifts around the world, the most common type being the chairlift, a system of passenger chairs connected on a suspended cable guided up the mountain. Another popular lift is the gondola, also known as a cable car, which consists of a completely closed car guided up the mountain in a similar fashion to the chairlift. Aside from these two popular types of lifts, other types such as funifors, funitels, telemix and detachable chairlifts are sometimes seen at resorts around the world.

    Start-Up Procedures

    • At the start of each day, lifts must test all necessary operating controls and other aspects of the lift before passengers are permitted to use the lift. Only a qualified instructor or lift operator may be the first on the lift each day after a test run has been conducted. The only exception to this rule is the avalanche control team, as they may use a lift at any given time.

    Snow Removal and Entrance Structure

    • 1. During the operating season, snow removal from both the launch ramp and the exit ramp of the ski lift must be maintained for safe passage.
      2. All ski lifts of any kind should have designated barricades that separate lines and improve the general flow of lift access.
      3. It is proper to notify passengers of conditions including summit temperature, wind chill, trail difficulties and lift operating times.

    Loading Passengers

    • 1. A loading deck should be large enough for a row of the maximum four passengers.
      2. The maximum weight allowed on a chair should include the weight of the platform/suspensions, a predetermined weight of 250 pounds per passenger (1,000 pounds max.), and any additional tools to be put on the lift any any given time.
      3. For younger passengers, an incoming lift's speed should be slowed down to ensure the safety of the passenger upon getting on the lift.

    Guardrails

    • A guardrail is implemented simply to protect the passenger if she may slip forward off of the chair due to events such as wet conditions or a rocking motion of the chair at any given time. Once on the lift, the guardrail may be pulled down easily from above the passenger's head to directly in front of his waist line. Guidelines for a proper guardrail are as follows:

      1. Guardrails must be of standard height, so when entering the passenger loading station, the guardrail will be able to clear the platform station when in the up position.
      2. As mentioned with standard height, a guardrail may be no higher than 36 inches high, but no less than 12 inches high.