Now the 'magic carpet', a continuous moving belt, makes it easier for first timers to get up the beginners rise.

Those of us boomers that grew up skiing are still used to the Poma's and T bars, and even rope tows. They worked pretty well and still do but as you say, for newbies, it's frustrating to watch them... Snowboarders had to adapt. Your rear foot out of the bindings, the rider stands sideways with the bar on the side of your right hip. You have to learn it all over again and it's a work out.

The new lifts are all about moving the most riders in the least time. The first thing I noticed was the parking lot was full but there was no lift line at the triple chair. Before, with 2 T bars and an old style(higher speed but fewer chairs), the lift lines would have been long.

I envy you for living in Italy, and skiing there for a time. Beautiful country.