Ski Tow - Rope Tows

Rope Tows

Simple rope tows used without a nutcracker are limited in distance because they cannot have intermediate supports, and the grade of a rope tow is largely limited by passenger grip strength.

Another style is identical to the basic tow rope, but a number of approximately 1 foot metal handles are attached firmly to the rope. The user grabs these handles and never has to touch the actual rope. The advantages compared to a basic rope is the metal bars are easier to grab, eliminate the possibility of rope burn, and the handle can be held in front of the user (as opposed to holding the rope at the user's side). This style of ski tow is known as a pony lift in some areas.