Using Lifts While Snowboarding

If you're snowboarding on runs groomed by resorts, you'll eventually be riding on lifts to get up the slope again for your next descent. Riding and getting off lifts is almost a skill in itself.

To use and get off lifts gracefully without hurting (or embarrassing) yourself, make sure that you have practiced the basic beginner moves on the bunny slopes and can balance yourself and change directions confidently while gliding on your board.

The following sections detail the types of lifts you may encounter and the best approach to take when riding them.

Chairlifts

Chairlifts are the most common form of transportation in resorts. To ride a chairlift, skate toward the loading spot when instructed to by the lift operator. As the chairlift approaches you from behind, reach out with one hand to grab the chair and slowly ease yourself into the seat.

As the chairlift begins to rise, point the tip of your board up and pull the safety bar down. While the lift is high above the ground, make sure the safety bar is down at all times, relax and enjoy the ride. Use your free foot to support the weight of your board under the heel side edge if your front foot begins to tire.

As you approach the unload station, pull the safety bar up. Touch down with your snowboard pointing straight ahead on the unload ramp and place your rear foot on the stomp as soon as you can while you are still seated. Then stand up and let the chair push you into your glide away from the lifts.

Rope Tow

The rope tow consists of a loop of moving rope driven by motors and wheels with rubber grips to hold on to. Depending on whether your stance is goofy or natural, you'll have to hold the rope either in front of your body or behind.

To use the rope tow, push off with your rear foot to give yourself a little speed in the direction of the pull. Place your rear foot onto your stomp pad and grab the rope gently with both hands. Let the rope feed through gradually. When you reach the rubber area, gradually increase the firmness of your grip.

Do not pull on the rope hoping it will help you balance or to change the direction of your board. Relax and remain upright while you are being pulled up the hill, allowing the board to glide naturally over the lift tracks. When you reach your destination, release the rope and glide away.

J-Bar

The J-bar is a J-shaped handle placed between your legs and attached to an overhead cable which pulls you up the slope.

To ride the J-bar, skate to the loading area as instructed to by the lift operator. Point your board up the slope and get into your stance. When the lift operator places the bar between your legs, grab hold of it with both hands.

Stay balanced while maintaining your stance and do not lean on the handle for balance while you are being pulled up the hill. If your board begins to drift off the lift track, stay relaxed and upright and go with the slide. When you reach your destination, pull the bar out guide it safely away from you.

T-Bar

The T-bar, like the J-bar, also uses a handle but is designed to pull two people up the hill.

To ride the T-bar, skate to the loading area and point your board up the hill as usual. Make sure your board is parallel to your lift partner's. When the bar comes around, you'll have to decide if you want the bar between or behind your legs.

While having the bar between your legs may provide some extra stability while moving up the hill, bear in mind that it is also a little trickier to set yourselves up at the loading zone while also being more difficult to release if one of you falls over.

As always relax and remain upright while you are pulled up the hill and don't lean on the bar for balance. When you reach your destination, one rider will glide off in one direction first followed by the other rider who pulls the bar out and guides it safely away.