How do people get off ski chair lifts on a broken down system?

Question

I was at cataloochee ski slope in maggie valley, NC. I was wondering if ski slopes have a emergency plan if the chair lift breaks down and leaves people stranded...I could see a 'cherry picker' being used but the ground is too uneven or in the case of trams too far down...

Answer 1

They have ways. The easiest is to just jump off and continue skiing if the snow is deep.

Answer 2

Mik is right, the rope is thrown over the lift line and people strap into a harness and repel down.  I have had to do a couple of evacs for trainning.

Answer 3

They probably just pull the chair back manually and let people off.

Answer 4

Very carefully!

Answer 5

JUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

have you ever seen those bags that the lift operator sometimes hooks to the back of the chair? they contain ropes for the ski patrol. they evacuate by having the people repel from the chairs with the aid and supervision of trained ski patrolers.