Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| téléski | /te.les.ki/ /te.lɛs.ki/ |
masculine |
| tire-fesse | /tiʁ.fɛs/ | |
| remonte-pente | /ʁə.mɔ̃t.pɑ̃t/ | masculine |
| remontée mécanique | feminine |
The term refers to a device that transports skiers up a mountain.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the type of lift and the level of formality. téléski refers specifically to a surface lift, such as a T-bar or platter lift, where the skier stays on the ground. In contrast, remontée mécanique is a general term that covers all mechanical lifts, including chairlifts and gondolas. In Switzerland, téléski is used for simple lifts without cabins, while télécabine is the common term for enclosed or gondola-style lifts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, télécabine is commonly used for enclosed or gondola-style lifts, while téléski refers to simple lifts without cabins.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine noun remontée mécanique is remontées mécaniques.
How do you pronounce it?
/te.les.ki/
Did you know?
- The slang term tire-fesse is a humorous, albeit vulgar, way to refer to a surface lift. It literally translates to 'butt-cheek puller', describing the sensation of the rope pulling the skier along.
- The prefix télé- in téléski is the same Greek-derived root used in 'television' and 'telephone', meaning 'far' or 'at a distance'.
- The word remontée in remontée mécanique comes from the verb remonter, which means to go back up or to wind up a clock.
Examples in context
- Où est-ce qu'on peut trouver le tire-fesses?Where can we find the butt-dragger?
- T'as vu le télésiège? On pourrait monter là-haut et éviter la foule!Have you seen the chairlift? We could go up there to avoid the crowd!
- On a une très belle vue depuis le télésiège!We have a beautiful view from the chairlift!
- Les enfants se sont bien amusés sur le téléski.The children had a great time on the ski lift.
- As-tu déjà essayé le tire-fesses dans cette station?Have you ever tried the button lift at this resort?
- Je suis fatigué, allons prendre la télécabine pour rentrer au bas de la montagne.I'm tired, let's take the gondola to go back down the mountain.
- Le téléski est en panne.The ski lift is broken.
- Il y a une longue file devant le téléski.There is a long line in front of the ski lift.
- Nous allons prendre le téléski pour monter.We are going to take the ski lift to go up.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are at the bottom of a ski slope.
- EmmaRegarde la queue pour le téléski !Look at the line for the ski lift!
- GabrielC'est normal, il y a beaucoup de monde.It's normal, there are a lot of people.
- EmmaOn peut prendre un autre téléski ?Can we take another ski lift?
- GabrielOui, Gabriel suggère d'aller là-bas.Yes, Gabriel suggests going over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ski lift” translations and entries téléski, tire-fesse, remonte-pente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mécanique, remonte-pente, tire-fesse, téléski, CC BY-SA 4.0.
