8 Types of Ski Lifts: How Each One Works (With Beginner Tips)

Going down the mountain is supposed to be the fun part, but going UP can be pretty sweet, too. There are eight main types of ski lifts, and they fall into three groups. Aerial lifts carry you above the snow: chairlifts, gondolas, and aerial trams. Surface lifts pull you uphill while you stay on your skis or board: T-bars, Poma lifts, rope tows, and magic carpets. Rail lifts, called funiculars, run on tracks. Here’s how each one works and what to expect on your ride to the top.

Types of Ski Lifts at a Glance

Types of ski lifts	Group	Typical riders per carrier	Enclosed?	Best for
Chairlift	Aerial	2–8	No (some have bubbles)	All levels
Gondola	Aerial	4–20+	Yes	All levels, sightseeing
Aerial tram	Aerial	Up to 100+	Yes	Big-mountain terrain
T-bar	Surface	1–2	No	Beginner and intermediate
Poma lift	Surface	1	No	Beginner and intermediate
Rope tow	Surface	Many, in a line	No	Short runs, terrain parks
Magic carpet	Surface	Many, in a line	Sometimes covered	First-timers
Funicular	Rail	Dozens to 100+	Yes	Connecting base areas

Different Types of Ski Lifts, Explained

Aerial Ski Lifts

1. Chairlift

A chairlift is your classic, no-frills trip to the top of the mountain. It’s a type of aerial ski lift that transports skiers and snowboarders up the mountain while they sit on suspended chairs attached to a continuously moving cable. Chairlifts may have safety bars or footrests and can carry anywhere from two to eight passengers per chair, depending on the design.

They are one of the most common lift types at ski resorts and can range from slow, fixed-grip models to high-speed detachable versions that slow down at the loading and unloading areas for easier access. Detachable chairs can move roughly twice as fast as fixed-grip chairs between stations, which is why resorts use them on their busiest, longest lifts. Chairlifts provide an open-air ride with great mountain views, though they can get chilly on windy or snowy days. Some newer chairlifts add heated seats or a pull-down plastic “bubble” for weather protection.

2. Gondola

Gondolas are a step up in comfort, offering enclosed cabins that keep you warm and cozy as you ride to the top. These lifts are often among the fastest lifts on the mountain, and the enclosed space makes them a better option on windier days. They also provide more space for gear or for those traveling in groups, usually accommodating anywhere from four to 20 people per cabin.

They are commonly found at larger ski resorts and are used not just for skiing but also for sightseeing and summer activities like hiking and mountain biking. One of the most famous is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb, which links the two mountains in a single ride.

3. Aerial Tram

An aerial tram, sometimes called a cable car, is the big sibling of the gondola. Instead of many small cabins circling continuously, a tram has one or two large cabins that shuttle back and forth between the bottom and top stations. Each cabin can hold dozens of riders, and some carry 100 or more.

Trams are built for steep, high terrain where other lifts are impractical. In North America, the best-known examples are the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram in Wyoming and the Snowbird Aerial Tram in Utah, both of which climb thousands of vertical feet to expert terrain. Expect a short wait for the next car, since trams run on a schedule rather than continuously.

Surface Ski Lifts

4. T-Bar Lift

Ready for a throwback to the earlier days of skiing? T-bar lifts are a classic type of surface lift used at ski resorts to pull skiers and snowboarders uphill while they remain standing on their skis or boards. The lift consists of a cable running overhead with T-shaped bars attached at intervals. Riders position themselves with the bar behind their thighs or between their legs (for snowboarders) as the lift gently drags them up the slope. You don’t sit down on a T-bar; you lean back against it and let it pull you.

T-bars are commonly found on smaller hills or beginner areas, where installing a chairlift might not be practical. You may also hear them referred to as ‘drag lifts.’

5. Poma Lift

A Poma lift, also known as a button or platter lift, is a type of surface lift that pulls skiers and snowboarders uphill while they remain standing. Instead of a T-shaped bar, riders grab onto a vertical pole with a small circular seat (or platter) at the bottom, which rests between their legs. As the lift engages, it smoothly propels them up the slope.

Unlike T-bars, which can accommodate two riders at once, Poma lifts are designed for solo use. Like T-bars, they’re often found on beginner slopes where a chairlift isn’t suitable.

6. Rope Tow

Of the different types of ski lifts, rope tows are the most basic. The lift consists of a continuous rope that moves along a set course, usually powered by an engine at one end. Riders grab onto the rope, which is often fitted with handles, and are pulled uphill while standing on their skis or snowboard.

Rope tows are simpler and less expensive to install than other lift systems like chairlifts or T-bars. However, they require more effort from the rider, as they need to hold on tightly while being pulled up the slope. That grip strength and balance make them trickier for true beginners than they look. They are often used for short runs, beginner areas, or for transporting skiers and snowboarders to terrain parks.

7. Magic Carpet

Magic carpets are like the ski resort equivalent of an escalator – they gently carry you up a slight incline, usually on bunny slopes. They’re perfect for skiers and snowboarders who are just starting out, offering a no-fuss, no-balance-needed ride up, typically on those smaller, gentle runs. These lifts are simple, effective, and ideal for taking it easy while you get the hang of the sport. If it’s your first day on snow, this is the lift to start on.

Rail Ski Lifts

8. Funicular

Funiculars are one of the rarest types of ski lifts, most common in the Alps. Unlike chairlifts or gondolas, which hang from a cable, a funicular is a rail car that a cable pulls up an inclined track, providing a smooth and efficient ride up the mountain. They’re often used to connect different base areas or work alongside other lifts to reach higher elevations. Their rarity stems from the significant infrastructure required to build them, but when in place, they offer a weather-resistant and high-capacity way to transport skiers.

Ride to the Top Without Hauling Your Gear

Whichever lift you’re riding, the trip is easier when you’re not dragging skis through the airport first. ShipSkis sends your skis or snowboard straight to your lodge or resort, so your gear is waiting when you arrive. Planning a trip now? Start with our guide to planning a ski trip in 3 simple steps.

FAQs About Types of Ski Lifts