How to Get Off a Ski Lift Without Falling: Chairlift and Gondola Guide

Chairlifts are deceptively simple—but the exit can be nerve-wracking for beginners. Here's how to load, ride, and unload like a pro.

Types of Ski Lifts

Chairlift Basics: The Complete Process

Step 1: Wait in Line

• Stay in your lane
• Keep poles in one hand
• Watch the chairs approach
• Wait for attendant's signal

Step 2: Move to Loading Area

When it's your turn: 1. Shuffle forward to the line painted on the ground 2. Skis parallel, facing forward 3. Look over your shoulder at incoming chair 4. Poles in your outside hand

Step 3: Sit Down

1. Don't jump - Let the chair touch the back of your legs 2. Sit back smoothly - The chair will scoop you up 3. Keep ski tips up as you leave the ground 4. Scoot back on the seat once airborne

Step 4: Lower the Safety Bar

Most chairs have a safety bar. Pull it down after you're seated and stable.

Tip: Rest your feet on the footrest if available.

Step 5: Ride Safely

• Stay seated
• Don't bounce or rock
• Keep items secure (phones, goggles)
• Enjoy the view!

Step 6: Prepare to Exit

When you see the "Raise Bar" or "Prepare to Unload" sign: 1. Raise safety bar 2. Shift forward on seat 3. Ski tips up 4. Poles in one hand (don't drag them)

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The Exit: Step-by-Step

This is where it matters. Follow these steps:

1. As You Approach the Ramp

• Tips up so they don't catch
• Watch the platform approaching
• Scoot forward on the seat

2. When Skis Touch Snow

• Stand up immediately
• Push off the seat with your free hand
• Let the chair push you forward

3. Glide Forward

• Keep skis parallel and flat
• Look where you're going (not at your skis!)
• Arms slightly forward for balance
• Glide straight down the ramp

4. Move Clear

• Get out of the way quickly
• Turn right or left once clear
• Stop to the side if needed

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Common Exit Mistakes (And Fixes)

Mistake 1: Standing Too Early

What happens: You pop up before skis are on snow and lose balance.

Fix: Wait until you feel your skis firmly on the ramp before standing.

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Mistake 2: Looking Down at Skis

What happens: You lose balance because your body follows your eyes.

Fix: Look 15-20 feet ahead at where you're going.

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Mistake 3: Sitting Too Far Back

What happens: The chair pushes you forward awkwardly, tangling with others.

Fix: Scoot to the front edge of the seat before arriving.

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Mistake 4: Ski Tips Catching

What happens: Tips dig into the snow, you face-plant.

Fix: Keep tips up until you're fully on the ramp and standing.

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Mistake 5: Poles Dragging

What happens: Pole gets caught, pulls you off balance.

Fix: Hold both poles in your outside hand, tips pointing UP and back.

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Mistake 6: Not Moving Away

What happens: You stop right at the exit and the next chair hits you.

Fix: Keep gliding even if you feel unstable. Get clear first, then stop.

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What to Do If You Fall

It happens to everyone. Here's the protocol:

1. Move immediately - Get out of the path of incoming skiers 2. Roll to the side if needed 3. Stay low so the next chair doesn't hit you 4. Get up quickly or stay down and wave 5. The lift operator will slow/stop if needed 6. Collect yourself out of the way

Don't be embarrassed. Every skier has fallen at some point. Lift operators see it daily.

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Tips for First-Timers

Before Your First Ride

1. Take a lesson - Instructors will often help you on your first lift 2. Watch others unload before riding 3. Start on slow lifts - Beginner lifts move slower 4. Tell the attendant you're new—they can slow the lift

During the Ride

5. Breathe and relax - Tension makes it worse 6. Practice the motion - Visualize standing up smoothly 7. Give yourself grace - It's okay to be nervous

At the Exit

8. Commit to standing - Hesitation causes falls 9. Glide, don't stop - Momentum is your friend 10. Turn after you're clear - Exit first, turn second

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Riding With Someone New

If you're the experienced skier riding with a beginner:

• Take the outside seat - beginner on the exit side
• Help them raise/lower bar
• Guide them verbally during approach
• Don't grab them on exit—it makes it worse
• Ski next to them on the ramp for moral support
• Be encouraging when they fall (not frustrated)

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Surface Lifts (T-Bars, J-Bars, Pomas)

These are trickier! The lift pulls you uphill while you stand on your skis.

T-Bar Basics

1. Wait at the loading area 2. Grab the bar as it approaches 3. Place bar behind your thighs (don't sit on it!) 4. Let it pull you—weight on skis 5. At top, let go and glide off 6. Move away from the track

Poma/Button Lift

1. Grab the pole as it approaches 2. Disk goes between your legs (behind thighs) 3. Keep weight centered 4. At top, pull disk out and let go 5. Glide away

Surface Lift Tips

• Don't sit down! (You'll fall)
• Keep skis in the tracks
• Stay relaxed
• If you fall, let go and move aside quickly

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Magic Carpets

Surface conveyors for beginners. Almost impossible to fall!

1. Step onto the belt 2. Stand straight 3. Ride up 4. Step off at top 5. Glide away

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Gondolas and Trams

Easiest of all. You take off your skis!

Process

1. Remove skis at the loading area 2. Carry skis horizontally or use the rack 3. Step into the cabin 4. Secure skis in the holder 5. Ride up 6. Retrieve skis when doors open 7. Walk to a flat spot 8. Put skis back on

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Confidence Building Exercises

If you're really nervous:

1. Watch 10 people unload before riding 2. Take a lesson that includes lift practice 3. Ride the bunny hill lift 5x before going higher 4. Ride with an experienced friend first time 5. Accept that falls happen - They're not a big deal

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Remember

• Tips up on approach
• Stand when skis touch snow
• Look where you're going (not at skis)
• Move quickly out of the way
• Everyone falls sometimes

Now get out there and ride! Find your nearest resort at our state directory.