Chairlift Tips for Skiing

Video Transcript

Hi! This is Dave Smith with Hillcrest Ski and Sports in Gresham, Oregon on behalf of Expert Village. In this tutorial we will cover beginning skiing. In this clip we're going to cover how to properly load and unload a chairlift. There are several different kinds of chairlifts that you'll see at resorts most commonly double, triple and quad chairs. This particular lift is a high speed detachable quad meaning you can fit four people on each chair and when the chair's in the lift house it's on a slower track than as it goes up the hill. As you approach the front of the lift line remove your pole straps from your wrists. And keep your poles in one hand. Typically you'll see a sign that says "wait here" as the people in front of you are getting on their chair. Once they've loaded their chair, skate out to the sign or post that says "load here." At this point turn and look for the chair to come around behind you. And look for something you can grab onto such as the side of the chair, the back of the chair, or the post in the center of the chair. Sit down and move all the way to the back of the chair. And keep your tips up. As you move out of the lift house, lower the safety bar for the rest of the ride up. As you reach the top of the chair lift, you'll see signs that tell you to prepare to unload. At this point raise the safety bar. Check for any loose clothing that could get caught on the chair. And keep your tips up. Look for the sign or post that tells you to "unload here." As you reach that point, scoot to the front of the chair. Lean forward and push yourself away from the chair and follow the hill or the turn that takes you away from the unloading area. If you happen to fall, don't panic. The lift operator will see you and can slow or stop the chair if needed. If you lose any equipment when you fall grab it and quickly move to the side so that others can safely unload.