Two Steps Back

One thing I enjoy about visiting different ski areas is seeing how they differ from each other. There's a lot of similarity in ski area management, but sometimes you'll spot something new.

For example, I was at Loon Mountain, New Hampshire, when I noticed a sign at the loading station of the Kancamagus Quad that said "This lift may run in reverse."


(Poor-quality photo taken with a disposable camera. My digicam died the night before I left home.)

Now if that makes you say "huh?," you're not alone. I asked the folks in the Loon public relations office, and here's the answer I received:

"We have those signs on detachable lifts only. This is because when the cars/chairs go around the bull wheel and reattach to the cable there are some sensors that the grip/cable pass through. If one of those sensors senses that something is amiss, then we will stop the lift. It is easier/safer to run the lift in reverse and fix the problem vs. unloading/evacuating the guests from that particular car/chair. This is a very rare occurrence."

This is consistent with the other answers I have been able to find. Still, it's a bit strange. I suppose it's one of those things that you hope you hear about but never experience.