A Magic Carpet is a type of surface lift seen at ski areas to transport skiers up the grade. The name comes from the mythological magic carpets featured in legends.

A magic carpet resembles a conveyor belt in which skiers board at the bottom with skis facing forwards, and are pulled uphill by the moving belt. Keeping snow off of the belt can be a problem.

Due to the slippery nature of the underside of skis, and the risk of falling backwards, magic carpets are limited to shallow grades. As a result of this, their slow speed, limited distance and capacity they are only ever used on beginner terrain.

Magic Carpets are often considered to be the least threatening ski lift by beginners as there is no fear of altitude, and the perceived risk of falling down is less than that of handle tow lifts.

They are easier to use than T bars and Poma lifts and don't require any learned skills to use.

Vertical transportation devices | Surface Lifts | Skiing