Skilifts.org / SORT Forum

Just a quick question. Why do most chairlifts have lower drive terminals? For example, I dont think I've ever seen a Yan lift with a lower drive terminal. To me, it makes no sense. Why push the load of people up the mountain when you can PULL the people up the mountain? And does this have to do with downhill capacity by any chance?

Bottom drive lifts are often cheaper to build as you don't have to run electric up the mountain. Top drive is definitely more efficient as you are pulling people up the mountain instead of pushing.

See the following existing topic:
http://www.skilifts....80

If the power supply and summer access is available resorts will always install the drive at the top simply because it uses less energy. For lifts the go right down to the base area it reduces noise too, nobody wants a giant machine whirring away next to their condo.

theliftguy, on 22 February 2016 - 05:32 PM, said:

They do exist:
http://skiingbc.info.../lift-13481.php

All 4 of Alta's YAN lifts are bottom drive. I'm counting Supreme since both terminals are from the old lift still.