Ski lifts play a major role in the operation of ski resorts. First and foremost, they are the main source of transportation for skiers. You can hop on and ride to the top in a few minutes. Otherwise, you would struggle to make it to the top of the mountain. Ski lifts generally function about 12 hours a day. They must be maintained accordingly to ensure full functionality. Unfortunately, these devices also have some downsides. One particular downside that comes to mind is the risk of bodily injury. While it is rare, ski lift injuries are reported each year. The reports are a mixture of minor and major injuries as well as death. Below, you will discover a list of how you can easily get injured riding a ski lift.
Detachment
There are state and federal regulations regarding ski lifts. All ski resorts must abide by these regulations or they will risk getting shut down. It is obvious that ski lifts pose some risks to every single passenger. To reduce the risks, ski resorts hire engineers and a work crew to oversee the functionality and maintenance of its ski lifts. This is crucial to keeping reports of bodily injuries and deaths to a minimum.
There is always the risk of detachment. This occurs when the top of the lift detaches from the main cable. When this happens, the passengers may be dislodged from their seats. Fortunately, ski resorts generally have a maintenance crew on hand when the ski lift is in operation. This ensures quick response to malfunctions. So, if you happen to be in a chairlift that detaches from the main cable, you should grab onto the side of the chair and hang on until the maintenance crew arrives.
Enclosed ski lifts are safer than chairlifts, especially during a detachment. When this happens to an enclosed unit, the passengers are pretty much guaranteed to not fall out. However, this does not necessarily mean the passengers are 100% safe. You can learn more by clicking here.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions do not always put passengers at risk of injury. However, they can cause major delays and disappointment. This is especially true if the maintenance crew is on call instead of being onsite. When this happens, the ski resort must report the issue to the maintenance crew and wait for them to arrive at the ski resort. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the crew is located.
Minor malfunctions rarely lead to bodily injury. But, they can plague your vacation. You just have to hope the maintenance crew is present and will do their job. Try to remain calm. Take this opportunity to enjoy the scenery.
Run Backwards
Chairlifts are designed to move forward at a gradual pace. Unfortunately, there are factors that can cause the lift to run backward. When this happens, there is always the risk of the lift speeding up. If there is a sudden jolt in the system, the passengers will be at risk of being forced out of their seats. This is a very dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.
