Ski Lifts Explained: Basic Chairs to Engineering Marvels

When you visit a ski resort, one of the most critical aspects of your skiing or riding day is how you get up the mountain. Ski lifts are the workhorses of these resorts, providing skiers and snowboarders with access to the slopes. However, not all uphill transportation at ski resorts is the same.

Mountains employ various types of transportation contraptions, each with its own unique features, advantages, and drawbacks. In this video, we'll take a closer look at the different types of lifts commonly found at ski resorts, including their capacities, speeds, and the pros and cons of each one. Let’s jump in.

Surface lifts, such as T-bars, are often used in more wind exposed areas, such as areas above the treeline.

Surface Lifts

Let’s start out with the most rudimentary of all ski lifts, the surface lift. These were the first motorized lifts to make their way into the ski world when the sport was born in the early 20th century. Many of you probably haven’t even thought of surface lifts as real lifts, but they play an important role in uphill transportation in several circumstances.

There are three main types of surface lifts:

T-Bars and Platter Lifts

T-bar and platter lifts consist of a horizontal bar or platter attached to a moving cable. Skiers or snowboarders grab onto the bar, and it pulls them uphill. Platters typically accommodate one rider, while T-bars typically accommodate two.

Rope Tows

Rope tows are similar to platters, but use a continuous loop of rope instead of a bar. Skiers and riders hold onto the rope as it moves uphill, providing tension for the ride.

Magic Carpets

Magic carpets are conveyor belt-like lifts that are often used in beginner areas. Riders stand on a moving carpet that takes them uphill, meaning that unlike T-bars, platters, and rope tows, riders do not have to exert real physical energy to ride them. They are particularly user-friendly for beginners and small children, but they are also the slowest of the bunch, and as such, really only get used for very short distances.

Carpet lifts are often found in beginner areas, or bunny slopes, and provide an easy way to get up the mountain.

Surface lifts have a couple of notable advantages despite their simplicity. First, they are easy to operate and require minimal infrastructure, making them far more cost-effective to install and maintain than chairlifts or gondolas. Their simple design allows them to be used on sensitive terrain, such as glaciers, where full-size towers would be infeasible. In addition, surface lifts are often easier to unload than chairlifts, especially in beginner-oriented areas, and some variants can operate at faster speeds than certain chairlifts, making them faster alternatives to get up the mountain. Finally, surface lifts offer far better wind and weather resilience than traditional lifts, as their lighter, ground-oriented footprint creates more stability when storms roll around—and allows riders to hypothetically get off the lift at any time in case of an emergency.

But with a lift type this rudimentary, you run into some limitations. The biggest drawback might be capacity; since surface lifts can only carry one or two individuals at a time, guests will experience longer wait times during peak times at busy resorts. In addition, surface lifts become a lot less practical as ski slopes become longer and steeper, with the physical toll of riding platters, rope tows, and T-bars growing substantially more burdensome as the gradient and ride time increase. In today’s world, you probably think of a ski lift as an opportunity to relax and recharge—but what if it actually becomes the most exhausting part of your day?

Surface lifts are about as straightforward as ski lifts get, but there’s a reason why ski resorts that can afford to have moved onto more complex and higher-capacity uphill transportation.

Fixed grip lifts are incredibly common at more regional ski areas, and their incredibly long lifespan means you could be riding on lifts that are up to 70 years old.

Fixed-Grip Chairlifts

When it comes to the actual chairlifts you probably picture at a ski resort, fixed-grip chairlifts are arguably the most basic and traditional form. These lifts feature chairs that are permanently attached to the cable. Passengers load onto the lift while it's moving at a constant speed, meaning the lift does not slow down at the bottom or top terminals. Fixed-grip chairlifts are cost-effective to install and maintain, making them common at smaller resorts and beginner slopes. Most often, resort guests will find them in two-to-four passenger configurations, although variants ranging from single occupancy to six-pack exist.

Some newer fixed-grip chairlifts are now paired with loading carpets, which help regulate passenger entry by slightly accelerating riders before they reach the chair. This makes the loading process a bit smoother and sometimes allows the lift to run at a slightly higher speed than a traditional fixed-grip chair, although other more complex types of lifts are still usually easier to load and faster.

Thanks to their lower cost and easier maintenance, fixed-grip lifts are often used for shorter lift routes, as backups for more popular lifts, or in terrain areas with variable opening schedules where a higher-cost lift wouldn't be justifiable. Lower-capacity fixed-grip chairs, typically doubles or triples, are often employed in expert-oriented areas to subtly discourage less-experienced guests from riding them. In addition, fixed-grip chairlifts have smaller terminal footprints than their higher-end counterparts, meaning that they can be fit into far more complicated or space-constrained areas.

But fixed-grip chairlifts come with significant drawbacks, the biggest of which is arguably their speed. Because they must run slowly enough for safe loading and unloading, fixed-grip lifts maintain a leisurely pace on the way up the mountain. In fact, a standard fixed-grip lift ride typically takes more than twice as long as a more modern experience. However, because fixed-grip lifts have to operate at a reasonable speed to maintain acceptable transport times, their loading and unloading process is much quicker than on modern lifts, which can be a challenge for less-experienced guests. This can make the ride even slower, as lift operators often slow down or stop the lift to assist struggling passengers. While some skiers and riders may find the slower ride time okay as a chance to recover between runs, other guests will find it frustrating—especially on cold, windy days when prolonged exposure to the elements makes for an uncomfortable experience.

While fixed-grip chairlifts may not offer the convenience and speed of detachable lifts, they remain a fundamental part of many ski resorts. Even the fanciest ski resorts still employ them in some capacity, with these simple lifts providing a reliable and affordable means of getting skiers and snowboarders up the mountain.

Detachable lifts, also called high-speed, or express lifts, are some of the most common lifts you’ll find at a destination ski resort.

Detachable Chairlifts

For most guests at a ski resort, the first lift they’ll truly look forward to riding is a detachable chairlift. 

Detachable chairlifts, also known as high-speed or express lifts, are designed so that their chairs can detach from the moving cable at the base and top terminals. This allows for much slower loading and unloading while the cable itself continues moving at high speed. As a result, these lifts not only transport skiers and snowboarders uphill significantly faster than fixed-grip chairlifts, but they also make for a much more convenient loading and unloading experience, enabling quicker mountain laps and greatly improving the experience for the average guest. In beginner and intermediate-oriented areas, having a high-speed lift can greatly reduce misloads, resulting in fewer lift stoppages throughout the day. Some of the highest-end detachable lifts even feature heated seats and protective bubbles to shield passengers from wind and cold temperatures—comforts rarely, if ever, found on fixed-grip or surface lifts. Detachable chairlifts typically come in four-to-six-passenger configurations, although variations range from doubles to eight-packs.

Thanks to their speed and efficiency, detachable chairlifts have become essential for any ski resort hoping to stay competitive. However, because of the mechanics of their terminals, the chairs must be spaced farther apart than on fixed-grip lifts. This means that unless a detachable lift has a higher-capacity chair (i.e. a six-pack versus a quad), it won’t necessarily move more people per hour than a fixed-grip lift, notwithstanding the misload benefits we mentioned earlier. Another drawback is that detachable chairlifts have a shorter lifespan than their fixed-grip counterparts. While fixed-grip lifts can remain operational for many decades with proper maintenance, most high-speed chairlifts have required replacement after 30 to 40 years due to mechanical wear. Finally, detachable chairlifts are more susceptible to ice and wind-related downtime than fixed-grip and surface lifts. Gusty wind conditions can interfere with safe and properly-aligned grip engagement at terminals, while any ice buildup needs to be cleared from the cable, grips, and terminal interiors to ensure the chair detachment and reattachment process functions smoothly.

High-speed chairlifts may not be perfect at everything. But as uphill transport for an activity that revolves so much around cold weather, they provide an ideal and efficient solution.

Gondolas provide exceptional uphill capacity, and are often used for out-of-base lifts at destination resorts.

Gondola Lifts

But what if you want to shield yourself from the cold weather entirely? That’s where gondolas come in. Gondola lifts are characterized by wholly enclosed cabins that are suspended from an overhead cable, allowing for what’s essentially full isolation from the elements. Not only do gondolas offer a more comfortable ride than non-bubble chairlifts, but they are often warm enough to help visitors regain body heat—rather than lose it—before their next run, providing a much more efficient alternative to warming up in a lodge on a cold day. Traditional gondola cabins can typically fit more people than a chairlift, with most coming in six-to-ten passenger configurations, although variations ranging from two-to-fifteen passengers exist as well.

Thanks to their enclosed design and smoother ride, gondolas are often used for longer uphill spans where a chairlift ride—even a detachable one—might be too exposed and uncomfortable in cold or windy conditions. Their enclosed cabins also make them preferable for routes with high spans or downhill sections, which can be unsettling for guests with a fear of heights. At resorts that have them, gondolas are especially popular as transport from base areas, allowing skiers and riders to board before strapping on their equipment.

But while gondolas offer a highly comfortable experience, they come with tradeoffs that make them less practical in certain situations. Unlike chairlifts, where guests can simply ride up with their gear on, passengers must remove their skis or boards before boarding a gondola and either carry them inside or place them in designated exterior racks. This extra step makes gondolas less desirable for shorter rides or terrain zones that are frequently lapped, as the time spent removing and reattaching gear can offset the benefits of the enclosed cabin. In addition, some smaller gondola cabins can feel a bit claustrophobic, especially at the handful of resorts that still have four-passenger models.

Despite these drawbacks, gondola lifts remain a staple at high-end ski resorts, offering a comfortable, high-capacity alternative for accessing terrain where chairlifts may not be ideal.

Cabriolet lifts are basically open-air gondolas, and they are typically found in base areas. The lack of seating makes long rides uncomfortable.

Cabriolet Lift

A rare variation of the gondola is the cabriolet lift, which functions similarly to a gondola but features open-air cabins instead of enclosed ones. Cabriolet lifts are most commonly found in ski resort base areas, transporting guests from parking lots or village centers to the main ski area before they’ve had a chance to put on their skis or snowboard. Unlike gondolas which have seating, cabriolet lifts are designed for standing only. Because they lack the full enclosure and seating of traditional gondolas but still have the same practical drawbacks, they're not really ideal for truly riding up the mountain, but they provide an efficient and scenic way to move guests around resort villages.

Chondola Lift

Another rare lift variation is the chondola lift, which consists of both chairlift and gondola carriers on the same ropeway. These lifts provide unique versatility, allowing guests to choose between the convenience of a chairlift and the comfort of a gondola cabin. However, due to their complexity, chondolas are expensive to install and come with a few drawbacks. Guests need to choose between separate loading lines for chairs and gondola cabins, which can lead to uneven wait times, as there are usually fewer gondola cabins than chairs. Additionally, because gondolas require slower speeds for loading and unloading, the entire lift must run at a lower terminal speed than a traditional detachable chairlift.

Pulse Lift

Finally, perhaps the least-known and least-understood type of gondola lift is a pulse gondola. Unlike a standard detachable gondola, where each cabin moves continuously along the cable, a pulse lift operates with groups of cabins that are fixed to the cable but move in clusters or “pulses.” These odd-looking lifts slow down at loading areas before speeding up again to a regular detachable speed once the journey starts. However, because multiple cabin clusters operate along the ropeway, pulse lifts need to slow down to a crawl whenever other cabin clusters reach the terminal to load or unload passengers. On longer applications, this can happen multiple times mid-ride. This makes pulse lifts incredibly impractical for anything more than short travel distances or very low demand applications where the resort can get away with only a handful of clusters. 

While not as seamless as a fully detachable system, pulse lifts provide a practical compromise for resorts that need a high-speed lift but are okay with trading intermittent stops and capacity for minimized cost. In extremely rare cases, pulse chairlifts exist as well.

Aerial tramways can carry a large number of passengers at once, but the long headways between cabins mean the actual uphill capacity is quite low.

Aerial Tramways

But for some of the world’s most intense ski resorts, regular circulating ski lifts won’t cut it. That’s where aerial tramways come in.

Trams are a unique type of lift system that consists of large cabins suspended from thick cables, transporting passengers up and down the mountain in a single, continuous trip. Unlike gondolas, which have multiple cabins that circulate along a continuously moving cable, trams typically operate with just one or two cabins traveling back and forth on a fixed cable. Most trams can accommodate substantially more people per cabin than a gondola, typically carrying between 50-150 people per cabin, although variations between 5 to 200 people exist as well. In the craziest applications, even some double-decker cabins have been used.

Because of this design, trams are known for their ability to traverse extremely steep and rugged terrain with minimal support towers, making them an excellent choice for ski resorts that need to move guests over dramatic elevation changes or across deep valleys. Many of the world’s most iconic ski areas, including Jackson Hole, Snowbird, and Chamonix, have trams that provide access to their highest and most extreme terrain. Trams tend to provide some of the most scenic rides of any lift type, as their dramatic terrain spans lead to stunning views of the mountains they ascend.

One of the other primary advantages of aerial trams is their stability in high winds compared to gondolas or chairlifts. Since most tram cabins are connected to thick track cables rather than relying on a single haul rope for support, they sway less in strong gusts, allowing them to operate in conditions that might shut down other lifts. Finally, aerial tramways can move at significantly faster speeds than even high-speed chairlifts and gondolas, with the fastest trams able to achieve operating speeds of up to 26 mph (12 m/s), which is over twice that of its circulating ropeway counterparts. This can be of significant benefit for particularly long lift route stretches.

However, despite these advantages, aerial tramways have significant downsides—the biggest being their low capacity. Since most trams can only carry between 50 and 150 people per trip and operate on a fixed schedule rather than continuously, they tend to involve long lift lines, especially at peak hours. Unlike gondolas or high-speed chairlifts, which continuously load passengers, trams require all guests to wait for the next scheduled trip, meaning a single missed ride can result in an extended delay.

Another disadvantage of trams is that, like gondolas, passengers must remove their skis or snowboards before boarding—although the headways between each tram car make this somewhat of a secondary issue. Finally, tram rides can feel crowded and less comfortable, especially when cabins are packed to full capacity on busy days. 

Despite these drawbacks, aerial tramways remain a staple at many major ski resorts due to their ability to access extreme terrain, their durability in high-wind conditions, and the unparalleled mountain views they provide. While they may not be the most efficient lift type for moving large crowds, their ability to reach rugged, high-altitude terrain—and gatekeep crowd levels on extreme terrain—ensures they remain an important part of big mountain ski resort infrastructure.

Tricable gondolas, or 3S gondolas, have all the upsides of Aerial Tramways, but much higher capacities. However, their incredibly high cost makes them a rare sight at ski areas across the world.

Tricable Lifts and Funitels

But what if a chairlift or gondola isn’t sufficient to navigate the terrain a resort might need to cover—and you also need higher uphill capacity than a tram? That’s where specialty lifts like tricable ropeways and funitels come into play. Both systems offer significantly improved wind resistance and tower span capabilities over traditional lifts without the practical drawbacks of a fixed tramway. Thanks to their reinforced cable systems, these lifts can also support larger cabins than traditional gondolas, typically carrying between 20 and 30 passengers per cabin, although the presence of multiple cabins on the rope means they aren’t as big as trams.

Tricable gondolas, also called 3S lifts (from the German word for "three cables"), use two stationary support cables and a third moving haul cable. This particularly stable design allows these lifts to span significantly longer distances with fewer towers, making them ideal for ski resorts that need to move large numbers of guests between far-apart resort areas or over rugged terrain where tower placement is impractical. While incredibly complex to construct, these lifts dramatically improve guest flow and provide access to terrain that would otherwise require multiple conventional lifts or an inconvenient detour.

Funitels utilize two moving haul ropes, which provide reduced cabin sway and incredible wind resistance.

Unlike a tricable ropeway, which features two fixed support cables and one haul cable, funitels use two parallel haul cables that grip the cabins at two points instead of one. This double attachment system creates outstanding wind resistance, reducing cabin sway and allowing these lifts to function in wind speeds that would almost certainly shut down everything else. This has made funitels especially popular in high-alpine terrain with significant exposure. Because funitels prioritize wind resistance over long-span capability, they are less commonly used in areas requiring exceptionally wide tower spacing.

Like traditional gondolas, 3S and funitel lifts have trade-offs, though their challenges differ slightly. Guests will have to remove their equipment to ride them, and because their cabins are so big, exterior equipment racks rarely exist. Also, these lifts sometimes lack seating for all passengers, meaning at least some guests will have to stand up if the cabin loads to capacity—this is especially the case when it comes to funitels. 

But the biggest drawback for these specialty lifts is arguably their price tag. These lifts cost exponentially more than a traditional gondola, and there’s a reason why only a couple dozen of each exist worldwide, almost exclusively at the world’s highest-end mountains. Even the most cash-rich resorts are incredibly particular about where and when they install these lifts, making sure they put them in the places with the highest winds and most difficult terrain layouts where conventional lifts simply wouldn’t suffice.

A few ski areas, most notably in Europe, have rail-based uphill transportation.

Mountain Railways

But sometimes, ski resorts face such exceptional circumstances that using a cable-driven system just doesn’t make sense. This is where mountain railways come in. These distinctive uphill constructions are found almost exclusively in Europe, although a handful do exist at resorts elsewhere around the world. The two main types of mountain railways used as ski lifts are cog railways and funiculars, each serving a distinct role in transporting skiers and riders efficiently and reliably.

Cog Railways

Cog railways, also known as rack railways, are a unique type of train system that uses a toothed rack rail between the running rails to help trains climb steep inclines that regular trains cannot handle. Because they run on fixed tracks and achieve much higher speeds than any other type of ski lift, cog railways are incredibly efficient, with individual trains far exceeding the capacity of any chairlift or gondola.

Funiculars

A funicular railway is another form of cable-driven mountain transport that operates on fixed rails, typically using two counterbalanced train cars moving in opposite directions. Unlike cog railways, which use a toothed rack for traction, funiculars rely on a pulley system to pull one cabin up while lowering the other down. They are particularly valuable in avalanche-prone or high-wind areas, where traditional chairlifts and gondolas might be unreliable.

Funiculars vary widely in design. Visitors can find installations ranging from short-distance, 4-person lifts that are basically just glorified elevators to massive resort transport systems capable of moving up to a whopping 440 people per trip at speeds comparable to cog railways.

Due to their incredibly fast travel speeds, mountain railways can be just as efficient as circulating ropeways, even with longer headways between departures. Additionally, alpine railways provide a comfortable, enclosed ride with no exposure to the elements, making them an attractive option for skiers and riders looking to stay warm on the way up.

However, the biggest limitation of mountain railways is their reliance on dedicated tracks. This either reduces usable ski terrain, requiring careful placement to maintain skier and rider access, or demands expensive tunnel construction to avoid interfering with slopes. Additionally, unlike chairlifts or gondolas, which continuously load passengers, cog railways and funiculars operate on a fixed schedule—meaning a missed departure could result in a long wait.

Ski trains are far from the most practical option for most ski resorts, but they're among the most comfortable and novel forms of uphill alpine transportation. For many, riding one of these railways will be just as unique of an experience as visiting the ski slopes themselves.

While they’re typically used for grooming slopes, Snowcats can be found at a few ski areas being used for uphill travel, though they often come with extra costs.

Snowcats

But in certain cases, ski resorts face terrain where operating a lift or railway does not make practical or financial sense—but they still want to offer a way to transport guests uphill. That's where snowcats come in. While primarily designed for grooming ski slopes, snowcats are also used as a specialized form of uphill transportation in certain scenarios. Cat skiing operations, typically found in remote resort areas or organized as guided experiences in true backcountry areas, transport small groups of skiers and snowboarders to seldom tracked terrain that is otherwise inaccessible by traditional ski lifts. In rare cases, some ski resorts utilize snowcats as alternative transportation when lifts are closed due to mechanical issues, avalanche mitigation, or extreme weather.

Since most cat skiing operations rely on a single snowcat carrying just 5-15 passengers per trip, uphill capacity is by far the lowest of any type of ski resort transport, with untracked powder being a common sight at the top of these rides. Due to their high operating costs and extremely low capacity, resorts often charge an extra-cost add-on for guests to ride these cats, although this is not the case 100% of the time. If a snowcat isn't at the loading area when they arrive, guests may have to wait quite a while to ride it.

While snowcats are far less efficient than traditional ski lifts and offer limited capacity per trip, they provide a rugged, adaptable solution for reaching terrain that would otherwise be off-limits without hiking—and often has some of the best powder that’s accessible in-bounds within the resort.

Final Thoughts

So that’s our comprehensive breakdown of every type of ski lift you’ll see on your next ski trip. From basic rope tows to engineering marvels, alpine transportation is almost as fascinating as skiing and riding themselves, with an almost unconscionable number of solutions developed over the past several decades. Next time you go on a ski vacation, we hope you’ll have plenty of fun thinking about why your resort decided on a specific lift in a certain place—and whether you think they made the right decision.