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
| Lift Type | How You Ride | Exit Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Chairlift | Sit with skis on | Moderate |
| Gondola | Stand, skis off | Easy |
| Surface lift (T-bar, J-bar) | Stand, skis on | Harder |
| Magic carpet | Stand on conveyor | Very easy |
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:
- Shuffle forward to the line painted on the ground
- Skis parallel, facing forward
- Look over your shoulder at incoming chair
- Poles in your outside hand
Step 3: Sit Down
- Don't jump - Let the chair touch the back of your legs
- Sit back smoothly - The chair will scoop you up
- Keep ski tips up as you leave the ground
- 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:
- Raise safety bar
- Shift forward on seat
- Ski tips up
- Poles in one hand (don't drag them)
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
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.---
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.---
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.---
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.---
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.---
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.---
What to Do If You Fall
It happens to everyone. Here's the protocol:
- Move immediately - Get out of the path of incoming skiers
- Roll to the side if needed
- Stay low so the next chair doesn't hit you
- Get up quickly or stay down and wave
- The lift operator will slow/stop if needed
- Collect yourself out of the way
---
Tips for First-Timers
Before Your First Ride
- Take a lesson - Instructors will often help you on your first lift
- Watch others unload before riding
- Start on slow lifts - Beginner lifts move slower
- Tell the attendant you're new—they can slow the lift
During the Ride
- Breathe and relax - Tension makes it worse
- Practice the motion - Visualize standing up smoothly
- Give yourself grace - It's okay to be nervous
At the Exit
- Commit to standing - Hesitation causes falls
- Glide, don't stop - Momentum is your friend
- Turn after you're clear - Exit first, turn second
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)
Surface Lifts (T-Bars, J-Bars, Pomas)
These are trickier! The lift pulls you uphill while you stand on your skis.
T-Bar Basics
- Wait at the loading area
- Grab the bar as it approaches
- Place bar behind your thighs (don't sit on it!)
- Let it pull you—weight on skis
- At top, let go and glide off
- Move away from the track
Poma/Button Lift
- Grab the pole as it approaches
- Disk goes between your legs (behind thighs)
- Keep weight centered
- At top, pull disk out and let go
- 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
Magic Carpets
Surface conveyors for beginners. Almost impossible to fall!
- Step onto the belt
- Stand straight
- Ride up
- Step off at top
- Glide away
Gondolas and Trams
Easiest of all. You take off your skis!
Process
- Remove skis at the loading area
- Carry skis horizontally or use the rack
- Step into the cabin
- Secure skis in the holder
- Ride up
- Retrieve skis when doors open
- Walk to a flat spot
- Put skis back on
Confidence Building Exercises
If you're really nervous:
- Watch 10 people unload before riding
- Take a lesson that includes lift practice
- Ride the bunny hill lift 5x before going higher
- Ride with an experienced friend first time
- Accept that falls happen - They're not a big deal
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