How to Ride a Ski Lift
Skiing is an exciting and enjoyable experience, but don’t expect that you’ll be zooming down slopes and trails immediately. There are a few important things you need to learn, such as riding the ski lift properly. This is a contraption with seats that takes a skier to the skiing grounds. If you’re a beginner, there are a few important tips to remember when riding a ski lift.
Before You Begin
Check your skiis and poles. Make sure they are in good condition before riding the ski lift.
Wear the right skiing garments. Bundle up, but make sure you wear them properly, so they don’t become loose and fall off. Wear goggles, scarves hats and gloves correctly. Here are more tips on how to dress for skiing.
If skiing with a child, always ride with him or her on a ski lift. Don’t let him get on or off alone.
Avoid bringing valuable items while on the lift. Leave your cellphone, blackberry and wallet can easily drop on the ground.
Do not horseplay around in the ski lift chair. You might fall off. Sit straight and avoid twitching and turning too much.
Choose a mountain that’s suitable for a beginner ski level, and with a lift in good condition. You’ll see signs that show which level of trails (either green, blue, black or red) it services. Make sure you obtain a lift pass before riding on the ski lift.
Getting On The Ski Lift
Put on your skis, and hold your poles. You don’t need to put your hands through the straps, just hold on to the poles tightly.
ski lift
Fall in liner for the lift. Remember, the higher the mountain the lift goes, chances are the lift will go faster. Glide to the lifting area, keeping your poles close. Stop when you reach the marked line.
Determine which side you’re going to sit. If you’re on the right, the poles should be in your left hand, and look over your right shoulder. If you’ll be on the left, put your poles in your right hand, then look over the left shoulder. If you’re in the middle, either way is fine.
Bend your knees slightly. The chair lift will hit them, but don’t worry because this is normal.
Reach for the chair with your free hand as it approaches. When the chair lift is touching the back of your knees, sit down on it.
The chair lift has a metal bar installed on it. Pull it down over you, to act as a seatbelt. You’re on your way to the trail. Sit back, and don’t rock the seat.
Getting Off The Lift
Check your belongings. Do this even before you reach the de-loading area, to make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Look at the big towers. They will often have information when you’re nearing the top. The towers will also have a sign that tells you if it’s safe to lift the metal bar off at the de-loading area.
Get ready by sliding forward in the chair and pointing the tips of your skis upwards. When you get to the unloading area, slightly lean forward over the skis then stand up when you get your balance. The lift will push you a bit.
Quickly glide your way off the de-loading area. Don’t attempt to stop with a snowplough in the unload area. Otherwise, your skis will cross with the person sitting next to you and both of you will fall. Ski away from other people, and pick out the trail that suits your skiing level.
Learn how to ride the ski lift properly and with ease. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself doing various techniques on the slopes, such as downhill skiing. Have fun!