(I should mention beforehand that this is meant to be
implemented in expert resorts and to be used by
daredevils and the standard “extreme” skiers. That
should clear up any discussion over whether you have
to be suicidal to attempt using this thing.)
Well, I've gone skiing quite a few times,
and I've
noticed that the lifts build up quite a bit of static
electricity. These lifts (or “escalators”, as my quirky
friend insists on calling them, despite the confusion
that
always comes up) are also designed to cycle around on
weak-looking (albeit very strong) wires. Attaching the
seats to something that looks stronger could help
reassure the people who have a fear of heights but
are
interested in skiing.
So here's the breakdown: Imagine a conveyor belt,
sideways. This replaces the wires, although it will
involve some costly upgrading. There are no seats,
only
special easy grip handles. Sounds sane and plausible,
right? That's because the main point of this hasn't
been
mentioned yet.
At the top of the mountain, the belt, which will
contain
a chain of short, positive and conductive (but
insulated)
rods, goes into a giant metal orb, which collects the
electrical energy. There will need to be some way to
dehumidify the belt and the orb, or this will take a
really long time. Also, the belt moves much faster
than
a lift should. Because of this, this lift will be
classified
as the express lift, for risk-takers and impatient
people.
It goes without saying that you have to let go before
you
touch the lethally-charged metal sphere, although all
skiers should be wearing non-conductive materials. To
prevent people injured by either the fast-moving
rubber handles, the possible fall or the orb of death
from suing, a contract must be signed before even
approaching said lift.
This doesn't have a practical application outside of
being incredibly cool. The orb could release a bolt of
energy to a nearby metal pole, or it could work in
tandem with a second lift, although those options
seem too
dangerous even for this idea's danger level.
Instead,
the electrostatic energy generated could be stored
and
donated or sold to institutes with an intrest in
accelerated particles.