How do you use a ski lift for the first time?

In Skiing techniques October 24, 20257 min read

Have you booked your first ski vacation and feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at the idea of using a ski lift? That’s completely normal! That first time on a drag lift or chairlift can be quite exciting, especially when you don’t know exactly what to expect. But don’t worry – with a bit of preparation and the right technique, using ski lifts will quickly become routine. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through everything you need to know for your first ski lift experience – from preparation and boarding techniques to common mistakes and how to safely dismount without awkward falls. After reading these tips, you’ll be completely ready to head up the mountain with confidence!

Preparation for Your First Ski Lift Experience

Before you even get near a ski lift, good preparation is essential. It all starts with the right equipment. Make sure your skis are properly adjusted to your level and height. Gloves aren’t a luxury but a necessity – not only to protect against the cold but also because you’ll regularly be touching metal parts of the lift.

Don’t forget to secure loose straps, scarves, or other clothing that could get caught by attaching them to your body or tucking them safely under your jacket. Wear your backpack on the front of your body when getting on a chairlift – this prevents you from getting stuck while boarding or disembarking.

Types of Ski Lifts You Might Encounter

As a beginner skier, it’s important to know the different types of ski lifts so you know what to expect:

• Drag lift (T-bar or anchor lift): A metal bar with a disc or T-shaped anchor that you place between your legs, which then pulls you uphill while you remain standing on your skis.
• Chairlift: A bench attached to a cable that lifts you and carries you up the mountain while you sit. These can be open or equipped with a protective cover.
• Gondola: A fully enclosed cabin that usually seats 4-12 people. You board without your skis on (these are placed next to the cabin).
• Carpet or magic carpet lift: Ideal for beginners, a moving conveyor belt on which you stand with your skis that slowly takes you uphill.

Before it’s your turn, observe how others use the lift. Pay attention to how they position themselves, when they get ready, and how they board. A few minutes of observation can teach you a lot about the technique and helps you learn more about skiing as a beginner.

Don’t feel rushed. If you’re not yet comfortable with a particular lift, let other skiers go first and take your time. Ask the lift attendant for advice or help if you’re unsure – they’re there to help you and will slow down the pace if necessary.

The Correct Boarding Technique for Different Ski Lifts

Each ski lift requires a slightly different technique. Here’s how to safely and smoothly board the most common types of ski lifts.

Drag Lift (T-bar or Anchor Lift)

For many beginners, the drag lift is the most challenging, but with the right technique, it quickly becomes easier:

1. Slide to the waiting line and ensure your skis are parallel.
2. When it’s your turn, slide to the boarding spot.
3. Grab the bar or anchor as it comes by and place it between your legs, against your buttocks.
4. Keep your knees slightly bent and let your weight rest on both skis.
5. Allow yourself to be pulled along without pulling or pushing on the bar.

With a drag lift, staying relaxed is the most important thing. Don’t tense up too much and let the lift do the work. If you’re using a T-bar with another person, make sure you stand on the outside (left if you’re on the left side of the T-bar, right if you’re on the right).

Chairlift

The chairlift is more comfortable but also requires attention, especially when boarding:

1. Slide to the marked waiting line.
2. Look behind you to see the approaching chair coming.
3. When the chair reaches you, sit down and slide all the way back.
4. Once seated, lower the safety bar (sometimes this happens automatically).
5. Hold your ski poles in one hand so you have the other free to hold onto the chair.

For beginners, boarding a chairlift can feel fast. Keep in mind that the lift speed is usually slowed down at the boarding station. If you’re unsure, let the lift attendant know – they can slow the chair down even further.

Gondola

A gondola is often the easiest for beginners:

1. Remove your skis and carry them under your arm, with the tips pointing forward.
2. Move forward when the gondola arrives.
3. Step in and take a seat.
4. Place your skis in the designated racks on the outside, or bring them inside according to instructions.

A gondola gives you the chance to rest, adjust your clothing, and prepare for the next descent. Plus, you’re protected from the elements, which is especially nice in cold or windy weather.

Common Mistakes Made by Beginning Ski Lift Users

Even with the best preparation, most beginners make some common mistakes. By knowing these, you can avoid them and have a smoother experience.

Reacting Too Early or Too Late

A classic beginner mistake is timing when boarding or disembarking. When boarding, many beginners hesitate, causing them to miss the chair or drag lift. Others react too early and aren’t in the right position when the lift arrives.

The solution: Pay close attention to the markings on the ground that indicate where to stand. Watch the approaching chair or drag lift and get ready at the right moment. Not too early, not too late.

Incorrect Body Position

With drag lifts, beginners often make the mistake of sitting on the T-bar or anchor, instead of distributing their weight and staying upright. On chairlifts, some sit too far forward, making it uncomfortable and more difficult to disembark.

The solution: For drag lifts: stay upright with slightly bent knees. For chairlifts: slide all the way back in the chair and sit up straight.

Panic When Stumbling

When you stumble while boarding or disembarking, the natural reaction is to grab anything within reach. This can be dangerous on a ski lift.

The solution: If you feel yourself falling while boarding, let go and fall safely away from the lift. On a chairlift: let the attendant know you need help.

Skiing Without Control in the Exit Area

Many beginners forget that after disembarking, there’s often a sloped section where you need to ski away from the lift. They stand still and block the way for others.

The solution: Always maintain momentum when disembarking and immediately ski away from the exit area. Choose a side (usually indicated with arrows) and make room for others.

It’s completely normal to make mistakes during your first experiences with ski lifts. Consider each lift as a learning opportunity and you’ll see that it gets easier every time. Don’t be discouraged if you fall once – that happens even to experienced skiers!

Disembarking Without Falling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting off a ski lift can be an exciting moment for beginners, but with good technique, this goes smoothly. Let’s look at the best disembarking technique for each type of lift.

Disembarking from a Drag Lift

1. Watch for exit markings or signs indicating when to let go.
2. Once you reach the exit point, release the drag lift by letting the bar or anchor gently slide away from between your legs.
3. Ski straight away from the lift path, following the indicated route.
4. Bend your knees slightly to maintain balance if the exit area is on a slope.

Tip: When disembarking from a drag lift, it’s important not to let go of the bar too early, but also not too late. Wait until you’re on a flat section where it’s indicated that you should disembark.

Disembarking from a Chairlift

1. Prepare yourself as you approach the exit station: lift the safety bar and get ready.
2. Place your ski poles in one hand and keep your other hand free.
3. Slide to the edge of the chair as the exit station comes into view.
4. When your skis touch the ground, push yourself lightly forward and out of the chair.
5. Immediately ski away from the exit area, following the indicated route.

Important: The chairlift keeps moving, so you must disembark and ski away in one fluid motion. Don’t try to stop immediately after disembarking, but maintain your momentum to move away from the lift path.

Disembarking from a Gondola

1. Gather all your belongings before the gondola reaches the station.
2. Take your skis from the rack (or ask the attendant for them) when the doors open.
3. Carefully step out of the gondola, carrying your skis under your arm with the tips pointing forward.
4. Move to a quiet spot to put on your skis.

Tip: When it’s crowded, take your skis under your arm and find a quiet spot away from the crowd to put on your skis. This way, you won’t block the passage for other skiers.

Maintaining Balance When Disembarking

Balance is crucial when disembarking from any ski lift. Here are some tips to maintain your balance:

• Keep your weight centered over your skis.
• Look ahead to where you want to go (not at your skis).
• Keep your arms slightly spread for extra balance.
• Bend your knees to absorb shocks and stay flexible.
• Keep your ski poles ready but not in the way.

Remember that disembarking is a matter of practice. With each ski lift you take, you’ll gain more confidence and the process will feel more natural. Start with simpler lifts like carpet or magic carpet lifts before moving on to chairlifts and drag lifts.

If after reading this guide you’re still unsure about using ski lifts, consider taking a ski lesson with a professional ski instructor. They can provide personal guidance on using ski lifts and help you build confidence. At Ski-Pro, we can help you find the perfect ski instructor that matches your level and needs, so you can quickly and safely hit the slopes. This way, you can enjoy your winter sports vacation without stress about the ski lifts!