ski tow

American  

noun

1. Also called rope tow.  a type of ski lift in which skiers are hauled up a slope while grasping a looped, endless rope driven by a motor.

2. a ski lift.

---

ski tow British  

noun

1. a device for pulling skiers uphill, usually a motor-driven rope grasped by the skier while riding on his skis

---

Etymology

Origin of ski tow

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

It is 70 years since the first ski tow ran in Scotland, which was in the Main Basin at Glencoe.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

A mountain rescue team used a ski tow to bunny-hop up a hill to carry out the "unique" rescue of an injured woman.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2023

Novices rode a ski tow to take their first headers on a broad, snow-padded slope within easy stretcher-bearing distance of the hotel.

From Time Magazine Archive

A ski tow eye and a pair of stainless grab handles are mounted on the transom below the sunpad/engine hatch cover.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1933 the first ski tow was installed, at Woodstock, Vt. After that first crude tow, skiing grew by leaps & bounds�and Andy Mead grew up with it.

From Time Magazine Archive