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Chairlifts


Author: Jeremy Sheridan - Snowboard Instructor (CASI 2)


One of the great things about snowboarding is exploring the mountain on the way down. Chairlifts will get you up the mountain quickly, but it’s important to learn how to use them safely.

 

Key points

  • Skate slowly and make sure you look where you are going.

  • Stay in your designated row when you are in the queue.

  • As the chair approaches, look behind you so you know where the chair is.

  • Always lower the safety bar while on the chairlift.

  • When you get to the top, keep your snowboard flat on the snow and pointing forward.

  • Relax. Maintain a balanced body position.


How to

  • Join the lift queue; if you are lucky there won’t be a queue. Most chairlifts carry four people per chair, so try to make a row with four people (or however many fit on that particular chairlift).

  • Slowly skate to the lift gate. Make sure you look where you are going. Don’t get upset if someone bumps your snowboard; contact is often unavoidable.

  • As the people in front of you move forward to the ‘Load Here’ sign, their chair will go around the corner and pass by you.

  • It is now your turn to skate to the designated ‘Load Here’ sign. Skate carefully to the ‘Load Here’ sign and stop. Keep your snowboard pointing straight ahead.

  • As the chair approaches, look behind you so you know where it is.

  • As the chair is near, rotate your upper body slightly, so your bottom is in a good position to sit down.

  • Sit down carefully on the chair in your designated spot. As the chair leaves the loading station, carefully lower the safety bar.

  • As you approach the end of the chair lift, raise the safety bar. Make sure you keep the nose of your snowboard pointed slightly upwards.

  • As your snowboard touches down, place your snowboard flat on the snow and pointing straight ahead. Place your back foot on the stomp pad next to your back binding and stand up. Relax. Let the chair push you forward.

  • The chair will push you gently down the slope. Don’t worry - you won’t gain much speed. Maintain a balanced body position. Look and point straight ahead.

  • Maintain your body position and let the snowboard run forwards. You will soon lose your speed on the flat area and come to a stop. If necessary perform a J-turn to slow down and stop.


If you have any questions, ask one of our qualified snowboard instructors on the Boardworld Forums.