button tow
LowTechnical, Informal
Definition
Meaning
A type of mechanical ski lift where skiers are pulled uphill while standing on skis by attaching a disk, plate, or pole (the 'button') to a continuous overhead cable.
A beginner-friendly surface lift, common at ski resorts, that requires minimal skill to use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Also known as a 'Poma lift', 'platter lift', or 'drag lift'. The term emphasizes the button-like attachment point (a plastic disk on a pole) that skiers place between their legs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In US skiing vernacular, 'button tow' is less common; 'Poma lift' or 'platter lift' is preferred.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a more generic and possibly old-fashioned connotation.
Frequency
Far more frequent in British English ski contexts; in American English, the specific brand name 'Poma' is often used generically.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] rode the button tow.[Subject] took the button tow up.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable for this technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
[not applicable]
Academic
In texts about ski resort engineering or winter sports tourism.
Everyday
Conversation at a ski resort among skiers and snowboarders.
Technical
Ski resort operation manuals and equipment catalogs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We'll button tow up to the nursery slope.
- I button towed up twice before my lesson.
American English
- Let's take the Poma up.
- He rode the platter lift to the top.
adjective
British English
- The button-tow lift was closed due to wind.
American English
- The platter-lift line was very short.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The button tow is easy for beginners.
- Look, the children are on the button tow.
- You need to keep your skis straight on the button tow.
- I fell over when getting off the button tow.
- The resort has replaced two old button tows with a faster chairlift.
- Mastering the button tow is the first step before tackling the T-bar.
- While economical to install, the button tow's low capacity often creates bottlenecks at popular beginner areas.
- The design of the modern button tow minimizes the risk of entanglement compared to older rope tows.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'button' as the disk you push between your legs like a big, cold button to be 'towed' up the hill.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKIING IS BEING TOWED; THE LIFT IS A MECHANICAL PULLER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'кнопочная буксировка'. Use the specific term 'буксировочный подъёмник' or 'тарельчатый подъёмник (помма)'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a 'T-bar' lift (which uses a different attachment).
- Calling it a 'chairlift'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'button tow' primarily used for?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A button tow is a surface lift where you stand on your skis. A chairlift carries you seated off the ground.
It refers to the button-shaped plastic disk on the end of the pole that skiers place between their legs.
It is considered one of the easiest ski lifts to use, which is why it's often found on beginner slopes.
You should let go immediately and move out of the way. The lift operator will stop the lift if necessary.