How to Not Fall When Getting Off of a Ski Lift

Getting off a ski lift without falling can be a nerve-wracking proposition. Sitting there on the chair dressed in full winter gear, including boots, skis or snowboard and heavy outerwear, does not allow you to be very nimble. However, getting off of a ski lift is designed to be a smooth and painless process. Not falling when doing so can be done successfully by having all of your ski equipment in place, standing up at the right moment and allowing gravity and momentum to do the rest of the work for you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lift the safety bar away from your body as you near the exit point for the ski lift. Prepare your feet for exiting by removing them from the footrest and letting them dangle below you.

    • 2

      Take your ski poles and hold them by the grips with one hand, if you are on skis. Look forward to the chair's exit point at the top of the hill and determine where you are going to go once you have made your exit, such as off to one side.

    • 3

      Raise the front tips of your skis or the front of your snowboard slightly in order to make your exit cleanly.

    • 4

      Note the signage that dictates when you need to exit the ski lift chair. Plant your skis or snowboard firmly and stand up at that point, keeping your skis parallel if you're on skis. Slightly bend your knees to absorb the impact as you exit the chair.

    • 5

      Clear the ski lift area immediately after exiting the chair to avoid a collision with the skiers behind you. Allow the momentum generated from the ski lift to move you toward the destination you selected in Step 2.