Why does Epic pass gives me access to only two chairs with footrests at Tahoe? [closed]
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When snowboarding in various countries in Europe, I've encountered many different types of chair lifts. Some would have wind screens that can pull up/down, some heated seats, but at a minimum they all would have a foot rest. Even in less developed places on old chairs, there would be a footrest.
When riding between Kirkwood, Heavenly and Northstar I can think of only two chairs with foot rests - one on the backside of Kirkwood, and another one on that remote part of Northstar. I can't remember any from Squaw or Sierra, nor Sugarbowl and boreal where i've been a couple of times.
A lift ticket in one of these resorts can cost up to $150 for a day pass. A lift ticket in Trois Valles in France is $60.
Why this discrepancy?
I thought for the most part it's some kind of a liability thing, if the footrest were to be caught somewhere, one could sue the resort? This would perhaps explain that they can be encountered, but further away where lifts access more challenging terrain.
That it's some kind of a deterrent also crossed my mind, perhaps it's easier to sit in a chair with no footrest when you're on skis.
It could be a simple supply and demand thing. Skiers in California / USA don't want it - it's expensive for the resorts to install. But why would anyone prefer not to have it?
Best Answer
From what I've experienced, the presence or absence of a foot rest is mainly due to the capacity of the chair, it's only practical on quads or higher, and age of the lift. I do remember riding a double with a foot rest, just don't remember where.
It's also possible some were removed due to the popularity of snowboards which can be unwieldy compared to skis. My boarding friends usually prefer to not use the foot rest.
The bubble chairs seem relatively new here. Copper is making a big deal about their new bubble chair this year and I think Deer Valley just got one last year(?).
As for liability, many (most?) ski States have skier responsibility laws which shield operators from liability beyond specific negligence on their part.
Personally, I like having it available at least. If my feet hurt, I don't use the foot rest. If my knees hurt, I do use the foot rest.
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Which Ski Pass Should YOU BUY! Epic VS Ikon
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