A ski lift is a mechanism for transporting skiers up a hill. Ski lifts are typically a paid service at ski resorts. Types of lifts are: Aerial lifts transport skiers while suspended off the ground. Aerial lifts are often bicable ropeways, the "bi-" prefix meaning that the cables have two different functions (carrying and pulling). Aerial tramways Chairlifts and detachable chairlifts Funifors Funitels Gondola lifts Hybrid lifts Surface lifts, including T-bars, magic carpets, and rope tows.