Definition

Noun A type of ski lift that moves skiers up a slope while their skis remain in contact with the snow. It pulls or carries skiers along the ground, as opposed to lifting them into the air on chairs or gondolas.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of skiing and snowboarding to describe a basic, ground-level transport system on a ski slope. - The beginner slope is serviced by a simple surface lift. - Learning to use a surface lift is often one of a new skier's first challenges.

Examples

• The resort installed a new surface lift on the gentle learning hill.
• T-bars and rope tows are common types of surface lifts.
• Unlike a chairlift, a surface lift does not require you to sit down or leave the ground.

Advanced Usage

• "to ride a surface lift": The act of using this type of lift.
  • You need to keep your skis pointed straight ahead when you ride a surface lift.

Variants and Related Words

• Ski tow: A general term often synonymous with surface lift, typically a rope tow.
• T-bar lift: A specific type of surface lift with T-shaped bars that two skiers can use simultaneously.
• Rope tow: A basic surface lift where skiers hold onto a moving rope.
• Magic carpet: A conveyor-belt style surface lift, often used in beginner areas.

Synonyms

• Ground lift
• Ski tow (in many contexts)
• Surface tow

Antonyms

• Chairlift
• Gondola lift
• Aerial lift

Noun

1. a ski tow that pulls skiers up a slope without lifting them off the ground