Chair Lift Safety

The California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization reports there have been 12 known chairlift deaths since 1973. Using a chair lift can be extremely dangerous, as the lift travels high above the ground with minimal safety protection. Ski Safety estimates that over 90 percent of all chairlift injuries occur when the skier either is boarding or leaving the lift. Chairlift riders should follow specific safety precautions when traveling up the mountain.

  1. Boarding the Lift

    • Boarding the chairlift can be dangerous, and you should use extreme caution at all times. While waiting for the chairlift, move both ski poles to one hand. When the lift nears the back of your legs, extend your free hand to grab the chair's bar and sit. Using your hand as a guide will allow you to be stable when sitting and minimizes any chance injury. Since chairlifts usually don't stop, ask the operator for any extra accommodations or assistance you might need before standing in the line.

    Riding the Lift

    • When riding the chairlift, keep your ski tips up and hold on tightly to your poles and other ski gear. Always keep the safety bar down during the ride, and never lean forward, swing your legs excessively or cause the chairlift to swing. If your chair lift has footrests, keep the skis securely in the rests at all times. During the ride look for potential safety hazards and be alert to your surroundings.

    The Safety Bar

    • When riding the lift, always keep the safety bar down until told to raise it. Most ski resorts have signs telling you when it is safe to raise the bar. If there are no signs, raise the bar only when you are approaching the station. When using the safety bar, be careful of potential injuries. The bar can hit you or your chairlift partner on the head if swung with excessive force.

    Disembarking the Lift

    • Most ski facilities have signs or markers that tell you when to disembark the chairlift. When approaching the station, raise your skis slightly so you can glide off the lift. If there are no markers, simply stand up when you feel your skis touch the snow. After standing up, ski to the side, out of the way of other chairlift passengers. When getting off of the lift, hold on to your ski poles tightly.

    Dropping Personal Items

    • It is common for chairlift riders to drop personal items during the ride up the mountain. Skiers drop their skis, poles and other equipment. If you feel anything about to drop, it is dangerous to lean forward and grab at the item while the lift is in motion. When you approach the station, tell the operator of the situation so he can help you leave the lift safely and retrieve any personal items.