There are a lot of different types of ski lifts out there, but when it comes to chairlifts, there’s really just two primary categories: fixed-grip and detachable. Chairs on a fixed-grip lift are permanently attached to the haul rope, moving at a constant speed throughout operation. Chairs on a detachable lift, however, detach from the main haul rope at the bottom and top terminals, allowing for higher speeds on the ride while slowing down to load and unload.
Detachable lifts are often thought of as the more high-tech lift and the more high-end, but they aren’t always a better option than fixed-grip. SRG Skiing took a look at both lifts, analyzing when each one is best used and whether or not faster is really better.
Based on SRG Skiing’s analysis, fixed-grips are usually best for short, simple, budget-limited, harsh-weather, or low-use lifts where reliability matters most. Detachable chairlifts are best for long rides, high-capacity choke points, ease of loading & unloading, and resorts seeking a premium guest experience. So each can be very useful, depending on the situation.
