How to use a ski lift

Skiing / Popular

Ride and get off chairlifts, button lifts and drag lifts.

What coaches agree on

  • Hold both poles in one hand as you approach and board the lift, keeping your other hand free.
  • Pull the safety bar down as soon as you're seated on the chair.
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  • As you near the top, lift your ski tips and stand up, keeping your skis parallel as you glide off the chair.
  • Once you're off the chair, ski straight ahead away from it to clear the unloading area for the group behind you.

Common mistakes

  • Sitting down on a drag lift instead of staying upright — it isn't built to hold your weight that way, so you'll fall.
  • Letting go of the drag lift before the ground flattens out, which lets you slide back down the slope.
How To Ride a Ski Lift
Beginner

How To Ride a Ski Lift

Coach's take: Covers the panic moments, not just the easy parts. Best of this batch.

3.8