Chairlifts

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Winter Lift Safety for Skiing & Snowboarding

Riding the chairlift can be one of the best parts of the day—the views are beautiful, your legs get a rest and you get to catch up with (or make new) friends!

But it’s important (and part of Your Responsibility Code) to know how to load, ride, and unload all lifts safely. Whether this is a chairlift, a rope tow, or a carpet, knowing how to use these lifts will make your day more fun and safe.

Not sure how to ride a chairlift?

Ask an attendant, ski patroller, or other area employee for help. Learning how to ride the lift is also one of the features of a lesson, and another reason it’s worth discovering snow with a pro.

Tips for Riding Lifts Safely

Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding and what type of terrain it will bring you to. Ask for help if you need it.
Avoid distractions while waiting in the lift line: do not use your smartphone.
Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
Before moving out to load the chair, make sure everyone in your group is ready.
Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
Sit all the way in the chair, flush with the seat back.
If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Small children should not attempt to lower the bar. Adults and older kids should always help little kids lower the restraint bar.
Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall. You can always ask ski patrol or the lift attendant at the top for help retrieving the lost item.
As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar but do not raise it too soon. Signs will help you know when to raise the bar.

Lift Safety Videos

Check out the videos below for some great examples, tips and tutorials on everything you need to know to ride the lift safely.

How to Load

Watch first and ask questions. Ask for help if you need it or for the lift to be slowed down. If you would like the lift slowed or stopped at the top, ask the lift attendant at the bottom of the lift.
Remove pole straps from wrists and hold in one hand when waiting to load. If snowboarding, remember to remove your back foot from the binding.
Line up and get ready at the “Wait Here” line in the snow.
When the group in front of you loads onto their chair, it’s your turn. Move from the “Wait Here” line to the “Load Here” line.
At the “Load Here” line, look back behind you to locate the chair. Sit on the seat when it arrives; it will keep moving. Make sure your bottom and back are fully on the chair: your back on the back rails of the chairlift and your bottom on the chairlift seat.

How to Ride

If the chair has a bar, lower it once you have cleared the lift loading area. If you cannot reach the bar, ask someone else on the lift to lower it. If no one on the lift can safely reach the bar, it’s ok; just sit all the way back in your seat.
Sit back and remain seated the whole time. No horseplay, fidgeting, or turning around. Your #1 job is to remain firmly seated.
If you drop something like a glove or phone, don’t try to reach for it; you can ask the lift attendant at the top for help.
Sometimes the chair will slow or stop. Don’t worry; just remain in your seat.

How to Unload

You’ll see three signs as you approach the unloading area: check for loose clothing, raise the bar, and keep ski tips up.
Check for loose clothing or equipment (such as backpacks) to make sure nothing gets caught on the chair or other passengers.
Raise the bar – If the bar is lowered, raise it when you see the sign on the lift terminal, tell others it is being raised, or ask for help if needed.
Keep tips up – Keep your ski tips or the front of your board up and straight ahead when you see the sign on the lift terminal.
You can wave at the lift attendant as you approach the unload area and motion to slow the chair down if you would like.
Stand upright at the “Unload Here” line in the snow and push off from the chair as you stand up.
Ski or ride down the ramp and clear the area for the next group behind you.