Lift Safety

To travel uphill at Ski Areas, skiers and snowboarders use a variety of ski lifts. Users should be familiar with the use of lifts for their own safety and the safety of others.

There are many signs on and around ski lifts. Each is important in its own right, informing you about the process for loading, riding, and unloading the chair. Pay attention to and obey these signs when riding a chairlift. If you are unfamiliar with a lift or have questions, please ask a lift attendant for assistance and directions. Ski and snowboard lessons are also great ways to learn about using the ski lifts.

Important! Alpine Responsibility Code #9 states “You must not use lifts or terrain if your ability is impaired through the use of alcohol or drugs.”

Get prepared and be ready

Get prepared and be ready!

  • If unfamiliar with a lift's operation, first watch others and learn, or ask for assistance.
  • Slow down before approaching the entrance to a lift.
  • Obey all posted instructions.
  • Ensure your lift ticket is available for ticket checkers.
  • Remove pole straps from wrists, hold poles with tips forward.
  • Secure loose items – make sure you don’t have anything that can catch on the carrier (chair, tbar, conveyor etc) like loose clothing, zippers, strings and hair.
  • Remove audio headsets before reaching the lift-loading and unloading platform.
  • If carrying a backpack, remove it and hold on your lap while on the lift. Infant front carriers and child backpack carriers are not permitted on ski lifts (with the exception of some gondolas that also provide sightseeing).
  • To speed up everyone’s ride, group up before reaching the final cue.
  • When riding a lift with small children, help them load and unload as well as lower and raise the bar.
  • It is OK to miss a chair and wait for the next one.

Remember the Alpine Responsibility Code #10. “You must have sufficient physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to safely load, ride, and unload lifts. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.”

Loading the lift

  • Load and unload only at designated areas.
  • Be polite and courteous at the loading area.
  • In preparation to load, move up to the marked line and look back to watch for the approaching chair.
  • Grab onto the side or back of the chair and scooch yourself towards the back. If you’re skiing with kids, you may need to help pull them up onto the chair.
  • Always lower the restraining bar immediately after loading the chair. Let the other riders on the chair know that you’re lowering the bar to avoid any head collisions.
  • Swinging, bouncing or otherwise abusing lift equipment can be dangerous. If alone, sit in the middle of the chair.
  • If lift stops, never attempt to jump off.

Unloading

  • Make certain no loose clothing is caught in the lift before unloading.
  • Lift the bar when you reach the unloading area (always wait to see the “Raise the bar” sign).
  • Keep your tips up and when you reach the “Unload Here” sign, stand up and slide down the ramp.
  • Move quickly away from the unloading area. If you happen to fall or leave something behind, keep your head down (to avoid getting hit by the carrier) and clear out of the way as soon as you are able. The lift operators are able to assist you.

Surface lifts such as conveyors and carpets follow many of the same guidelines as above. Also note:

  • Stay standing for the entire ride. Never sit down.
  • Only unload in the designated unloading area – do not get off the lift prior to the “Unload Here” sign.
  • If you fall, clear the track quickly.