Learn Dutch: Al stopt de skilift, we lopen toch naar de top. - Even if the ski lift stops, we are still walking to the peak.

In this structure, Al combined with inversion (putting the verb before the subject de skilift) creates a phrase meaning 'even if' or 'although'. It is a special exception to the usual rule where conjunctions push the verb to the end of the clause.

Why isn't the main clause inverted? Shouldn't it be lopen we toch naar de top?

That is a very important detail! Normally, starting a sentence with a subordinate clause causes inversion in the main clause. However, an Al-clause is a rare exception. The main clause that follows it keeps the standard subject-verb word order (we lopen).

What role does toch play in this sentence?

In this context, toch translates to 'still' or 'anyway'. It is frequently paired with an Al-clause to strongly emphasize that the main action will happen regardless of the condition or obstacle.

Could I just use Zelfs als to say 'Even if'?

Yes, but it changes the grammar completely. Zelfs als acts like a normal conjunction, pushing the verb to the end of its clause and triggering inversion in the main clause, giving you: Zelfs als de skilift stopt, lopen we toch naar de top.