Snowboarding :: The Chairlift Ride |
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Updated Aug 30, 2005
Dealing with lifts can be an awkward situation for beginners. The following is a few tips...
The first thing to consider is the lift line. Considering a quad or triple lift, as a beginner you want to be on one of the ends. The reason for this is you will have more room to manuver when getting off. One of the worst situations is being in the middle of a couple of skiers. At the top they will go straight, leaving you no room to manuver.
If riding solo, usually there will be a singles line that automatically puts you on one of the ends. Depending on the lift, this may or may not be the best side to be on. If it's on the right-hand side, at the top the lift swings around to the right, meaning the person at the far right needs to get the most out of the way to avoid being clobbered on the head. So, even though the line may be on the right, you may have an eaiser time merging with the line so that you are on the left. If with others, again, choose to be on the side so that you will end up on the end of the lift.
Pay attention to any resort employees. Sometimes there will be someone at the start or end of the line checking passes. Make sure yours is visible and facing forward. Often there will be someone at the start of the line to make sure each chair goes up with a full load so that everyone waits less time. If you're in the singles line and there's a group of 3 up next, expect to be waved forward. Once at the lift, there's usually someone to guide the chair as you get seated. Again, pay attention, and make sure you're lined-up and positioned to sit down.
As the lift takes off, watch for low clearance. Don't get your legs caught underneath the chair.
The lift ride itself can be unnerving until you get used to it, especially if there's no bar or your company doesn't put it down, however, if uncomfortable, just casually drop an arm over the back of the chair.
If you end up with the chair to yourself, balance the chair by sitting in the middle. If you sit on an end, the chair will tilt to that side which reduces clearance at the top and bottom terminals.
If there's a bar available for resting skis and boards, do so. The weight of a snowboard dangling off your ankle will become tiresome eventually. Sometimes if the chair is crowded, there just isn't room and you have no choice but to let it dangle.
As you approach the top of the lift, prepare by angling your body so that your board is pointing straight. If you feel that this is a precarious position as the bar is raised, again, drop an arm behind the chair to steady yourself.
Note that the drop-off point is often icy. When you reach the top and the board contacts the snow, position your free foot against the rear binding and steady the board. Get up, but keep an arm on the chair to help push you out of the way. Do your best to steer clear of your lift companions and those who may be crowding the area.
Find a clear place, far enough away from the lift to not impede those getting off, do up your bindings and ride.
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