If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how a ski lift is powered and controlled, have a look at this video from electrical engineer Cory Mac. While on a ski vacation in Norway, Cory found himself wondering how these massive machines function. How are they powered? How do the chairs slow down at boarding and exit without slowing the entire machine? What happens when the chairlift breaks down?
Rather than just simmering in the question and trying to find answers online at a later date, Cory knocked on the door to the mechanic shed and asked if he could get a tour. Mechanic Chris was happy to show off the system, providing an in depth explanation of every piece of the chairlift.
Keep in mind that not all chairlifts are built the same, so don’t suddenly assume that this video makes you a chairlift expert. If the lift breaks down next winter with you on it, don’t try to claim that you could get it running if you were on the ground.
