Having the knowledge and ability to safely ride the lifts is also a key tenet of the skier and snowboarder Responsibility Code. If you’re not sure, it’s always o.k. to ask for help. Our lift attendants are there to help. Be sure to ask the lift attendant to slow down the lift or otherwise assist you and your friends and family in boarding the lift. Also, be sure to read the posted signs and instructions on how to board and ride the lift safely.
Did you know here in Colorado knowing how to ride the lifts is a state law? As the Ski Safety Act states:
“No passenger shall board a passenger tramway (gondola or chairlift) if he or she does not have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to negotiate or use such facility safely or until such passenger has asked for and received information sufficient to enable him or her to use the equipment safely. A passenger is required to follow any written or verbal instructions that are given to him regarding the use of the passenger tramway.”
If your family is new to skiing and snowboarding, there are a many good reasons to sign up for lessons from a professional instructor. As your children progress, their lesson will include instructions on how to ride the ski area lifts safely. Parents skiing or snowboarding with young children should always be sure to ask the lift attendants for help when boarding lifts. It’s always o.k. to ask for help. The lift attendants can slow down the lift, and get your little ones properly seated on the lift, so that you can focus on getting yourself onboard.
Chairlifts come in many different forms and are capable of carrying two, three, four, or even six people at a time. Be sure to know beforehand how many people the chairlift you are boarding can accommodate. And, if you can’t fit the young ones all on the same chairlift, ask a lift attendant to find a responsible adult to ride with them. If the chairlift is equipped with a bar, always lower it. Once on the lift, your child should sit back as far as possible.
Younger children should be reminded to sit all the way back on the chair (back-to-back) and to keep their seat on the seat. Sit still, and absolutely no horseplay while riding the lifts!
Learn more more at KidsonLifts.org
