The Charm Of Fixed-Grip Chairlifts Will Never Fade

^Arapahoe Basin’s New Pali Lift: Credit: Leitner-Poma

Now, more than ever, ski resorts are starting to replace fixed-grip lifts with larger capacity high-speed lifts.

With more people skiing, and the introduction of mega passes like the Ikon and Epic pass, resorts need more up-hill capacity.

High-speed lifts are costly, but barring the installation of a tram or gondola, they are only the only viable option to ramp up a resort’s uphill capacity.

You and I both know that high-speed lifts are great for what they are.

They’re quick (obviously), they’re efficient, and the loading/unloading process is much smoother at slower speeds.

I get why resorts are turning to them, but I can’t help but feel an attachment to fixed-grip lifts.

Call me lame, but Kendrick Lamar said it best, “That’s just how I feel”.

Kendrick also said “B*tch don’t kill my vibe”.

My vibe is riding a nice two-seat fixed-gripper. Why? You might ask. Maybe it’s the nostalgia.

^Madonna II chairlift at Smugglers’ Notch. Credit: Matt Lorelli/Unofficial Networks

I grew up skiing Smuggler’s Notch, VT which is notorious for only having fixed-grip doubles that run up to it’s peaks.

There’s something special about the peaceful ride up a slow lift. You have time to soak up the scenery and enjoy the moment.

Riding a slow lift can be the perfect opportunity for making friends on the hill. I can’t tell you the amount of times that being stuck on a 15-minute chair ride led to amazing conversations.

I feel like I may be losing people at this point…

Look, I am a 70-year-old man stuck in the body of a mid-20 year old. I like things the way they are, I enjoy a nice documentary, and I am dreadfully fearful of change… is that such a crazy thing?

There’s so much we owe to fixed-gripped chairlifts. They revolutionized up-hill mountain travel.