Zombie Survial- Chairlifts

Zombie Survival- Chairlifts

Sometime during a zompocalypse you will likely find yourself by or on a chairlift. How you should react in such a situation depends on the zombies, the weather, your physical state and, of course, the chairlift itself. To begin with, let’s outline the pros and cons of travel by chairlift.

Pros-

• Generally faster than walking
• High (out of zombie reach)
• Gives you good line of sight
• Zombies will usually find it hard to follow.

Cons-

• Reliant on power
• Limited to no control
• Only one exit point.
• Can’t easily disembark.

Looking at these points we can conclude that using a chairlift may be good for escaping quickly and easily from one group of zombies, however, once you’re on you can’t get off until the other side… and whatever lays in wait there.

Using Chairlifts Effectively

Chairlifts are probably most useful during the “First Incursions” level of a zompocalypse. For example, you may be holidaying, skiing or hiking at the peak of a mountain when you stumble upon a feasting zombie or get attacked. If you choose to flee (See the respective Fight or Flight chapter) you can use the chairlift to quickly and safely get away.

If you are down the bottom end when zombies attack, taking the chairlift is near useless unless you have a survival kit because you’ll need to go back down anyway.

If the zompocalypse is in full swing but the chairlift is still working it is likely to be so because:

1. The Operator left extremely quickly due to nearby zombies.

or

2. Was attacked and zombified.

Try to avoid using chairlifts in these circumstances as the exit/entrance is likely to have at least one nearby zombie.

Fast Zombies & Super Zombies

If the zombies are fast enough to out run the chairlift avoid using it unless as a last resort or to buy some time.

Super Zombies will likely scale the chairlift cables and pylons to chase you, they could even potentially jump from below to latch onto your legs.

With both these types of zombies –if you boarded the chairlift- it is best to stay on the chairlift trying to knock down pursuers with what ever is at hand. Curl your feet up to make sure they can’t be grabbed and constantly check around you. At the two ends of the chairlift be ready to brace yourself as they can be attacking from all angles. If there are zombies around at the end it could potentially be better to stay on and do another full loop.

Disembarking

Once you get off the chairlift –as always- be careful and vigilant. Avoid the toll/office area of the lift and continue on your way if roaming, there is usually very little to find here. If you are looking for a place to fortify, look at the later section.

While you are on the chairlift you should attempt to see if there are any zombies at the drop off point and a place to disembark in case of an emergency. Remember- Plan Ahead!

The two main reasons for an emergency disembarkment are: Power failure and Zombies at the exit. Some ideas for how to disembark in an emergency include:

1. The Jump- Always try to avoid jumping as even a sprained ankle could lead to your death and zombification. However, if necessary there are a few options:
1. The Tree- if a tree is close and the same height (or taller) than the lift or underneath you could jump for it and scale down.
2. Water- If there is a lake (avoid rivers) you could jump in. NEVER DIVE- learn to safety jump. Remember, the fall and cold will probably shock you, your clothes will drag you down and you’ll probably drown, if not hit the bottom and die. Try to aim for a deep area, fairly close to shore. If you do somehow survive you will probably freeze (in an alpine environment) and all your supplies are likely to be ruined.
3. Snow- In an alpine environment snow can make a cushiony landing zone. Snow is usually heaped up near pylons but that is also where you lift will be highest.

2. Climbing Pylons- I would suggest this as the best type of emergency exit. Most pylons have a ladder on them allowing you to climb down, others you can slide down like a fire mans pole.

3. Climbing the Wire- It’s possible to climb from your seat to the overhead wire and climb along it to safety, or at least a safe place to climb down/drop. It is wise to drop down at each chair you pass to rest, especially in icy conditions. (NOTE: Only do this if the chairlifts aren’t moving; if you do you add an extra hurdle, the risk of being knocked down and the chance of losing your hands (which sucks))

Weapons and Chairlifts

If you are caught out unprepared use whatever you can (see makeshift weapons), Skiing/Hiking stocks can make good weapons, as can a ski wielded as a club. If you have small arms fire such as a pistol avoid succumbing to the temptation of firing at zombies below you. Your height, angle, wind and the movement of the chairlift will make it very hard to hit these supposed “sitting ducks”. Try to conserve ammo for the drop off point. It is a good idea to make sure you have a full clip in your weapon before landing.

Avoid explosives near the exits and an entrance as damaging a vital component of the chairlift is too great.

Fortifying a Chairlift

While it may seem unconventional and perhaps even silly to fortify a chairlift, it is still an open and valid option. To decide if a chairlift would make a suitable fort look for the following points:

• Based on the top of a small hill.
• Nearby restaurant/café
• Chairlift goes to multiple locations
• Power or generators
• An office

-The Hill: At ski resorts especially chairlifts end on top of a hill to help the skiers get down. This is useful for two reasons. First, it gives you greater line of sight, and two, an icy slope would be hard for the a-typical zombie to navigate.

-Nearby café/shop/restaurant/etc: Lots of main chairlifts end near a kiosk or snow village. This is required as a source of food.

-Multiple Locations: Some chairlifts act as a “hub” which leads to the many different peaks of a mountain. This gives you more options for escape and helps you traverse the area.

-Power: The main advantage of a chairlift is the moving chairs. If there is no power or way to get it, try a different building.

-Office: You’ll need an attached building or office to sleep in and shelter in (and generally live in).

If you believe the chairlift to be suitable to fortify build a wall out of whatever possible (see Fortifying Bases) around the top of the hill, and then later, the bottom. You should be able to handle small groups of regular zombies; and if overrun, use the chairlift to escape.

Hint: If the Chairlift has “Boxed Chairs” (i.e. ones with walls, a roof, a floor and a door) sleep in it a few feet above the ground for extra protection.

Remember: Don’t always keep the lifts going if they’re powered by a generator. You might run out of fuel when you need it the most. When attacked, start the lifts first up so they’re ready to go if the zombies breach your defences.

Holy shit! Holy shit! Three pages on chairlifts.