Conveyor Belt (ski lift)

A magic carpet (also carpet lift) is a type of surface lift (like rope tows, T-bar lifts and platter lifts) installed at ski areas to transport skiers and snowboarders up the hill. The name is inspired by the mythological magic carpets featured in legends.

The first Magic Carpet may have been installed in 1990 by Rocky Mountain Conveyor & Equipment of Colorado, USA. [ cite web
url = http://magiccarpet.rmce.com/com.htm
title = Company
publisher = Rocky Mountain Conveyor & Equipment, Inc.
accessdate = 2008-02-06 ]

Operation

A magic carpet resembles a conveyor belt installed at the level of the snow, with the machinery and return belt typically hidden underneath. Some also include a canopy or tunnel. Passengers slide onto the belt at the base of the hill and stand with skis or snowboard facing forward. The moving belt pulls the passengers uphill. At the top, the belt pushes the passenger onto the snow and they slide away.

Advantages

Magic carpets are the least threatening form of ski lift, especially for beginners and children. There is no altitude and little distance to fall, and the perceived risk of falling down is less than handle tow lifts. They are easier to use than T bars and Poma lifts and don't require any new skills to use. [ cite web
url = http://magiccarpet.rmce.com/liffea.htm
title = Lift Features & Highlights
publisher = Rocky Mountain Conveyor & Equipment, Inc.
accessdate = 2008-02-06 ]

Limitations

Magic carpets are limited to shallow grades due to their dependence on friction between the carpet and the bottom of the ski or board. Since skis and boards are naturally slippery, and the belt operates in a snowy and wet environment, friction is limited. Their slow speed, limited distance and capacity confine them to beginner and novice areas.

Controlling the snow to be at proper level for the entrance and exit is more challenging snow control and grooming operation than a chairlift or rope tow. Overnight snow accumulations must be cleared before operation, typically by hand shoveling or sweeping. During operation, the carpet return device (at the top) must be periodically cleared of accumulated snow and ice.

Variations

Some Magic Carpets are covered for rider comfort and minimizing snowfall accumulation. The longest Magic Carpet in the U.S. is 560 ft at Stratton Mountain Resort. [ cite web
url = http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3127&newlang=ita
title = America's Longest Magic Carpet Ski Lift and New Snowmaking Coming to Stratton
publisher = First Tracks!! Online
date = 30 October2007
accessdate = 2008-02-06 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.chalathatten.com/CM/RepresentativeCases/RepresentativeCases28.asp R. Fearneyhough vs. Magic Carpet Lifts case report] settlement of operator's arm amputated due to ski lift design defect