Donner Ski Ranch, California, is taking chairlift safety to a whole new level.
The Tahoe-area resort recently took to its Facebook to reveal a new sign that will be posted at the bottom of every chairlift and carpet. The sign encourages guests to “rat,” or report, on lifties using their cell phones while working the lifts.
“Safety first,” the sign reads. “It is not okay for our lift ops to be using their cell phones. Rat ’em out!”
The sign also includes a photo of a rat holding up a poster that reads “if you see something, say something.” It finishes off with a direction to inform either a lift supervisor, ski patrol, or a phone number for the resort’s office.
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Mixed Opinions
The Facebook post received nearly 150 comments with mixed opinions on the sign. Some support it, believing that it could help improve chairlift safety at the resort.
“If there’s an emergency, they are responsible for acting fast and responding appropriately,” one commenter wrote. “Kinda hard to notice the 12-year-old getting sucked under the lift if you have your face buried in your phone and didn’t know he was there in the first place.”
While some comments voiced their support, the vast majority did the opposite. The opposers did not argue with the resort’s emphasis on safety. Instead, they took issue with the approach, saying the messaging shifted responsibility to the guests instead of management. Many commenters stated that guests should not be “babysitting” the lifties, and other comments criticized management, liftie wages, and proper training.
“Lifties being on their phones is a management issue, not a guest-policing issue. Instead of asking customers to “rat them out,” pay your lift ops a couple bucks more than the big resorts, train them well, and empower supervisors to actually lead, coach, and hold the team accountable,” one commenter said. This comment was by far the most popular, drawing over 100 likes and multiple replies in agreement.
“Definitely a hostile work environment having customers police staff,” another commenter wrote.
Some comments even mentioned skiing elsewhere. “Just lost me and all my homies’ business with this post. Going to spread the word. Steer clear of Donner Ski Ranch!”
- Related: A Day in the Life of a “Lifty”
Lift Operators and Phone Usage
Lifties play a critical role in chairlift safety by monitoring loading and unloading, stopping lifts when necessary, and responding to falls and other emergencies. Distractions can be dangerous, with even brief distractions potentially delaying responses during emergencies. Most ski resorts prohibit cell phone use while employees are actively operating lifts, with lifties expected to remain attentive to guests.
While many commenters believe chairlift safety is important, they argue that the resort’s approach to enforcing the policy is misguided. Rather than encouraging guests to “rat out” its employees, Donner Ski Ranch guests believe management should hold its employees accountable.
