Tow-ropes

AS I mentioned in my last article, tow-ropes are the equivalent of ski lifts in the backcountry ski fields.

Citing Wikipedia :


The rider wears a harness around the hips. To this is attached a clamp, much like the nutcracker from which it derives its name, which the rider attaches to the rope.



This eliminates the need to hold on with the hands, reducing fatigue and allowing faster tows. The nutcracker device is essential on longer and steeper tows, as the rope runs over pulleys to keep it off the ground.

First, one should hold the rope with the closest hand to it



and when one is advancing at the same speed as the rope, tighten the nutcracker and hold on !

In New Zealand, rope tows with nutcrackers epitomize the rugged, 'back to basics' character of club skifields and the nutcracker remain the norm at club fields such as Tukino, Maunganui, Mt Lyford, Hanmer Springs, Temple Basin, Broken River, Craigieburn, Fox Peak, Mt Olympus, Awakino.

Nothing else to add....

....just that I'd never had my hands that close to pulleys. Scary !