Vertical evacuation: how does it work?

What happens when a ski lift breaks down and an evacuation becomes necessary?

Although this situation is rare, rescue teams must be able to assist all passengers, including those using adaptive sports equipment.

At TESSIER, we place great importance on safety. That is why our sit-skis and our Cimgo meet French approval requirements for use on ski lifts.

What is a vertical evacuation?

When a chairlift or gondola comes to a standstill, rescue teams can carry out a vertical evacuation. This allows passengers to reach the ground safely.

For people using adaptive sports equipment, this operation requires specific techniques. The procedure must take into account the design of each piece of equipment.

In France, the STRMTG (French technical service for ski lifts and guided transport systems) oversees the approval of this equipment and its conditions of use.

How do you evacuate a handiski user?

For sit-ski equipment, rescue teams use a common method. It allows the skier to remain seated in their equipment during the downhill.

The principle relies on two 1.50 m strap loops. Rescuers position them at specific points on the equipment to create a secure attachment point.

However, the way the straps are routed varies depending on the model: Scarver, Tempo Uniski, Tempo Dualski, Snow’Kart, Tandem’Flex, etc.

That is why we have produced an illustrated guide, which shows the different configurations and the positioning of the straps on our equipment.

What about the Cimgo?

The Cimgo, our tandem all-terrain wheelchair, can also use chairlifts and gondolas.

However, its evacuation requires a specific procedure. In the event of a vertical evacuation from a chairlift, rescuers lower the passenger pod and the main frame separately.

The passenger therefore stays in their seat while the teams carry out the downhill.

An operation carried out by professionals

In France, ski lift operators organize these operations with trained personnel.

In addition, the teams use specific rescue equipment that is regularly inspected.

In the event of an incident, it is therefore essential to follow the rescuers' instructions and never improvise a maneuver.

See our vertical evacuation guide

To learn more, TESSIER provides an illustrated technical document. In it, you will find the strap routing methods for our different sit-ski models.

Download the TESSIER vertical evacuation guide (PDF)

This document applies to sit-ski devices. For Cimgo-specific instructions, please contact our team.

A question about your equipment? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to advise you on using it on ski lifts.