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Glite Dictionary
ski tow

ski tow

3.6
A machine with a moving rope that pulls skiers up a slope
  • noun
  • /ski toʊ/
  • UK
translation icon : tiraesquís
  • This small resort only has a single ski tow for guests to reach the top of the hill.

Examples

  • We waited in line for the ski tow to take us up the mountain.

  • He lost his grip on the ski tow halfway up and had to walk the rest of the way.

  • The children were excited to use the ski tow for their first trip up the beginner slope.

  • The ski tow was crowded with eager skiers.

  • The ski tow helped her reach the top of the slope effortlessly.

  • We waited in line to use the ski tow that would take us back up the mountain.

  • After a long day of skiing, we relaxed while watching others use the ski tow.

Synonyms

lift
vsski tow
  • UK
123 1.9

A machine that carries people or goods between floors

is specifically the motorised device designed to pull people uphill on snow
chairlift
vsski tow
5 3.4

A moving cable with chairs that carries people up a mountain

is the powered uphill pull device that usually keeps riders on the ground
ski lift
vsski tow
  • UK
4 2.7

A machine with seats on a moving cable that carries skiers up a slope

is a narrower description focusing on the powered cable or rope pulling action
rope tow
vsski tow
  • Jargon
1 5.4

A ski lift with a moving rope that skiers hold onto to be pulled uphill

is a general motorised pulling device often using rope or cable
T-bar
vsski tow
1 7.7

A T-shaped bar that pulls skiers uphill

is the broader powered pulling system rather than this bar supported form
surface lift
vsski tow
  • Specialized
5.1

A machine that pulls skiers up a slope while they stay on the ground

is a mechanical pulling device that can include various uphill methods
Alpine lift
vsski tow
5.5

A moving bar on a slope that pulls people up while they keep their skis or snowboard on

is the general motor driven pull mechanism not limited to bar holding forms

How Comfortable

chairlift
5 3.4
ski tow
  • UK
3.6
T-bar
1 7.7
rope tow
  • Jargon
1 5.4

Surface Forms

ski tow singular
ski tows plural

Morphology

ski + tow

The meaning 'a mechanical device for pulling skiers up a slope' is directly derivable from combining 'ski' (relating to skiers or skis) with 'tow' (to pull). This is a straightforward compositional compound (a tow for skiers) and follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will likely understand it.

Etymology

The noun ski tow comes from the simple image of someone on skis being pulled by a tow up a hill: a motor pulls a rope or cable and skiers hold on to be carried uphill. That's why ski tow means 'a device that pulls skiers up a slope'.