Ski Lifts, Rope Tows, Chair Lifts, and Gondolas

The first time I tried to teach someone how to ski, note I was not a professional instructor, I took my mid-western student to a destination rocky mountain western resort. We spent the first half of the day going over the basics on the rope tow. After lunch we planned on tackling the chairlift and some longer trails. Unfortunately we hadn’t planned on how exhausting the rope tow was. That exhaustion had made the rest of day a bummer.

When first learning to ski remember, to take breaks once in a while, drink lots of fluids, and have a healthy snack.

Below are tips for riding most types of lifts you'll find at many ski areas and resorts.

Anyone on skis or a snowboard, regardless of their ability can ride a magic carpet conveyor lift. A magic carpet is basically a slow moving conveyor belt you stand on that takes you up the hill. It's the same height as the snow. The rubber ridges in the belt will grab on to your skis and pull you to the top where you are safely unloaded. Ask for assistance if you need it. The magic carpet has made learning to ski easier and more pleasant.

Rope tows are often used on beginner ski slopes. A rope tow pulls you up the slope as you hold on while standing on your skis. Start your ascent from the bottom. Never approach and grab the rope in the middle of the hill, you don’t want to be accused of cutting in line. When it's your turn, grab the rope as it approaches you. Lean back slightly as you grab the rope, gradually tighten your grip on the rope. The rope will pull you up the hill. If you have ski poles, hold them in the outside hand or squeeze them under your outside arm. When you reach the top of the lift, let go of the rope and step to the side, point your skis across the hill as quickly as possible to avoid sliding backwards and avoid creating a bottle neck pile up at the top. If you lose your balance and fall, immediately get out of the way from the rope tow so you’re not run over by others on the lift.

Here are some helpful tips for using the rope tow:

• Check for any loose clothing and secure it: zip zippers, tuck in scarves and long hair, etc.
• Rope tows are tough on gloves, wear leather rope tow glove guards.
• Brace yourself against the pull of the rope.
• Keep the tips of your skis pointed toward the top of the lift.
• Put your poles aside until you are familiar with the rope tow.

First, determine that you are heading for a trail that is appropriate for your skiing ability. If you’re a beginner, stay on lifts that will take you to the green circle trails. Make sure that you have all your equipment: poles, gloves, goggles, hat and make sure your lift ticket is visible.

Wait in line until it's your turn to load the chairlift. Scoot forward to the loading area. Hold both poles in one hand. Look over your outside shoulder for the next chairlift to come. Sit on the chairlift just like you were sitting in a chair, use your free hand for balance and to hold on.

Immediately after loading, if available, lower the safety bar. If there is no bar, sit back in the seat and hold on to the chair and enjoy the ride.

When you approach the unloading area, lift the safety bar and lift the tips of your skis slightly as you approach the off ramp. Make sure you are holding your poles, and any other loose items, securely. Many ski resorts have signs, posted on the chair lift towers, that tell you when to raise the safety bar. If there aren’t signs posted, don’t raise the bar until the chairlift is nearing the unloading station. However, make sure the bar is completely raised by the time you are at the unloading station. Other sign posts tell you when to stand up, but if not, stand up when you feel your skis flat on the snow and push yourself forward and away from the chair. It's important to project yourself forward to avoid falling backwards after unloading.

Here are other some helpful tips for riding a chairlift:

• Don’t hesitate to ask the attendant to slow the lift or even stop it.
• Don’t rush into a situation. It's better to let a chair go by and prepare for the next go around.
• Hold onto your poles and other gear securely.
• Never swing your skis back and forth on a chair.
• Move quickly away from the unloading area to clear a path for skiers following you.

A gondola is an enclosed carriage that usually fits about six people. Depending on the gondola, you will bring your skis inside with you, or place them on an outside rack. A tram is a larger cable car that holds about 120 people standing up and each individual holds onto their own skis or snowboard. Many of the bigger ski resorts use gondolas and or trams to carry skiers up the mountain.

Once at the top, exiting the gondola or tram, the doors will open and you step out. Remove your skis or snowboard from the rack if necessary and leave the gondola/tram unloading area, as not to create a bottle neck of people putting on their skis and Snowboards.