How to Get Off a Ski Lift Without Falling

When you first begin to ski and snowboard, you most likely start on the bunny slope, where beginners learn the techniques for going down the slopes. In time, however, you will be ready for higher slopes and will need to take a ski lift to get on top of the mountain. Exiting the ski lift is a worry for many beginners as you have only a brief moment to exit the lift and get out of the way before it comes up behind you. With practice, you will be able to exit the lift each time without falling.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look around and ahead of you continuously when you are on the ski lift so you will have advance warning when the end of the lift is near so you know when you should be getting ready to exit.

    • 2

      Gather your belongings, put on your gloves and hat, if you took them off, and be sure your coat will not get caught as you are exiting when you see that you are near the point of exit. If you are on skis, keep both ski poles in one hand to leave one hand free.

    • 3

      Turn your body slightly if you are using a snowboard, and place your front foot forward so that it is pointing straight ahead of the lift and down the upcoming slope. This position allows you to easily release the lift bar, stand and exit the lift.

    • 4

      Lift the bar and stand up slightly, with your knees bent, if you are on skis. Point the skis forward toward the slope and allow the tips of your skis to touch the ramp to prepare for exiting.

    • 5

      Glide down the ramp until your skis or snowboard hit the snow and use your free hand to push off from the lift until you are completely off the lift and onto the slope. Once you get the chance, turn to the left or right to get out of the path of the lift that will be moving behind you.