Tips for Getting Off Ski Lifts

You’ve finally made it down the bunny hill without falling. You’re ready to ski or snowboard higher up the mountain on a green or even a blue run. The only thing standing between you and progressing is the ski lift.

Knowing how to get on and off a ski lift is an essential skill for any skier or snowboarder, and for beginners it’s one of the most daunting parts of the learning process. That’s why the ASO Mammoth team has listed 5 tips for getting on and off ski lifts here.

Check them out, then visit the ASO Mammoth shop for the best ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes!

Practice Getting Up on a Bench

Getting on a ski lift is straightforward since you’re simply sitting down as the lift comes behind you. It’s getting off the lift that causes the most falls.

You can give yourself the best chance of getting off the ski lift without falling by practicing standing up from a bench. Ski mountains often have benches near base areas, so sit down on one and practice standing up from it like you will with a ski lift.

Don’t be afraid to put your hand on the bench to stand up since you’ll be able to do the same thing with the chair lift. Once you feel comfortable standing up and riding away from the bench, you’ll be ready to move on to the ski lift.

Practice Riding with One Foot Out of Your Binding

Getting off a ski lift is challenging enough for beginner skiers, but snowboarders have the added challenge of needing to get off the lift with only one foot strapped into their bindings.

Just like with using a bench to practice getting off the lift though, you can practice riding around the base area with one foot unstrapped. Unstrap your back binding and practice pushing yourself forward as well as riding with your back foot on the board.

Press Your Foot Against Your Back Binding 

When you practice riding with your back foot unstrapped you’ll immediately feel unstable. One way to make yourself more stable when you have your back foot unstrapped is by pushing it against your back binding.

It may take some practice, but if you push your unstrapped foot against your back binding while getting off the lift you’ll be more stable.

Communicate Where You’re Going While on the Lift

Even if you ski off the lift with no issues, a collision with someone you’re riding with will quickly knock you down.

If you can either go right or left when you get off the lift, ask the people you’re sharing the lift where they’re going so you don’t collide as you get off.

Clear the Lift Area as Quickly as Possible

No matter if you fall or ski away from the lift, it’s important that you clear the lift area so that you don’t get hit by the chair as it swings around or the next skiers who are coming off the lift.