Aerial lifts transport skiers while suspended off the ground.[2] Aerial lifts are often bicable ropeways, the "bi-" prefix meaning that the cables have two different functions (carrying and pulling).[3]
Helicopters are used for heliskiing and snowcats for snowcat skiing. This is backcountry skiing or boarding accessed by a snowcat or helicopter instead of a lift, or by hiking. Cat skiing is less than half the cost of heliskiing, more expensive than a lift ticket but is easier than ski touring. Cat skiing is guided.[4] Skiing at select, extreme resorts, like Silverton Mountain, is also guided, even when skiing just off the lift.[5]
