The Magnestick is an innovative system for children
It is a vest with a back protection that children wear over their ski jacket, which contains a metallic disk. A magnet, permanently embedded in the chairlift’s seat, is activated during the loading phase, remains active during the ride and then deactivates once it reaches the disembarkation point. As soon as the metal plate comes in contact with the magnet the child is “stuck” to the seat. The Magnestick’s objective is to protect children on each step of their journey on the chairlift, as well as on the slopes.
The Magnestick is an innovative system which protects the spine from injury on the slopes and whilst on the chair lift. Impressing both users and professionals, the Magnestick was tested in Courchevel 1850 last winter and the project will expand on its success this season. For the second year, the S3V (Société des 3 Vallées) has decided to greatly increase the programme, introducing the system on the Signal chair lift in Courchevel 1650, on one chairlift in La Tania and three in Méribel.
All children taking lesson with the ESF (2ème étoile and above) will be given a Magnestick. Next season (09/10), more chairlifts will be equipped and parents will be able to hire or buy the Magnestick for their children, so it won’t be used only by the ESF.
How does it work:
Damien Laymond (project manager): “In the morning, the child puts on the high visibility protection pack over their own ski jacket, keeping it on for the duration of the day. This product is unique in that it not only protects the spine but it also contains a metallic plate in the back section. Once seated, an automatic magnetic field is triggered, literally sticking the child securely in the chair for the duration of the lift. It is not physically possible to slide forward and fall off. Once the chair arrives at its destination, no human intervention is necessary. An automatic, magnetic pulse cancels the manetic field and the child is able to get off the chair lift. This means that the child remains securely held until the very last moment, even if the safety bar has been raised”.
The following chairlift are equipped for 08/09:
Méribel:
Les Arolles
Les Combes
Le Chatelet
Courchevel:
Le signal at 1650
Pralong at 1850
La Tania
Dou des Lanches