Chairlifts & Anxiety

Skiing and snowboarding are popular sports for those who like to spend the winter season charging hills and terrain parks. However, these sports have their scary sides too, and it goes beyond the possibility of hitting trees or breaking legs. Riding the chairlift can be a frightening experience for some people. If the thought of having your legs dangle dozens of feet above the ground makes you nervous, or if you worry about falling off the chair, try these tips to help you overcome this anxiety.

  1. Use the Safety Bar

    • One way to overcome chairlift anxiety is to use the safety bar on the lift. Most chairlifts these days come with a safety bar that riders can pull down from above. If you are scared of falling off the chairlift, just reach back and pull the safety bar from above. Once pulled down, the bar will reach across the your waist area and you will be protected from any chance of falling.

    Ride the Gondola

    • If you don't like the idea of having your feet dangle above the ground, the gondola offers a safe alternative for moving up the mountain. This way, instead of being out in the open as you are riding up the mountain, you will be in a protected cabin with something below your feet. Keep in mind, however, that gondolas are not available at every ski resort, and even if they are, they do not serve all of the skiable areas.

    Don't Look Down

    • If the fear of heights gets to you, simply just don't look down while you are riding the chairlift. This way, you will never be able to actually visualize how high up you are. Instead of looking down, consider looking up at the sky or looking down at your lap. Do not close your eyes, however, since you will need to see where you are when you get off the chairlift. Simply put, analyze everything except what is below you. By keeping your mind off the height of the chairlift, you can put your mind at ease.

    Follow All Instructions

    • The chairlift crew will guarantee that you sit on the chairlift properly and will ensure your safety. By following their instructions, you will greatly reduce the risk of falling off the chairlift. Remember that they are the experts and they deal with thousands of chairlift passengers each day.

    Ride Up With a Friend

    • By riding up the chairlift with a friend, you can use him as a distraction from the height of the lift. Crack jokes, recite stories--do anything to keep your attention on your friend and not the ground below you. If you are overly nervous about the height of the chairlift, your friend can reassure you that you're going to be fine and nothing is going to happen to you. You might never be able to overcome your fear of chairlifts, but at least your anxiety will be curbed a bit.