1. Check, Test and Practice
You need to check the requirements that the ski resort ask of the snowboarder. Most lifts require that your front foot is strapped in and the back foot left free to push off on flat ground. This throws the balance off at the dismount. You may want to practice moves a bit. Go off in an isolated area and practice a push off with the back foot free. Skate on the strapped in front foot. Practice on flat terrain and slightly sloping terrain. Once you feel that you can maneuver with one foot you're ready for the next step.
2. Practice Getting Off
Climb further up the hill. Make certain the slope is marked for beginners, or a bunny hill. The dismount at the end of the lift is not usually steep and you want your practice to mimic that action at the top. A distance of 8 to 10 feet is adequate to practice getting off the lift. Your front foot is already strapped in place so only worry about the back foot. Squeeze your back foot tightly against the front of the back binding and adjust your weight to distribute it evenly. Keep your knees slightly bent and arms out for balance as you slowly slide down to the bottom of the hill. Put some pressure on the board with the heels or toes if you don't stop at the bottom.
3. Get in Line and Ride
Get into line and as you ride allow the board to dangle parallel to the seat of the chairlift. Lean back in the seat and relax until you see the dismount area. There are signs that tell you what to do next. Turn your body to the side so that the snowboard and front foot faces toward the disembarking area.
4. Get Ready to Exit
Put your back hand on the back of the chair and prepare for the dismount. If there is a safety bar, raise it. Now is the time to mention to anyone next to you the direction of your egress. Exiting is a team effort. All skiers want to be as far away from your board as possible and they appreciate the information.
5. Glide the Board to Safety
Slightly push off the chairlift when the board touches the ground. Tuck your back foot tightly on the board as you did in your practice runs and glide a way from the lift. Keep your arms extended for balance, if necessary. The dismount from a chairlift on the snowboard with one strapped in foot is tricky. Glide to an area to strap in the back foot. Use a fall to stop you if you run into a problem. Plan a fall if safety becomes a factor. You maintain your control that way.
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