Req 7c5 — Riding a Lift

Riding a chairlift on a snowboard is different from skiing because you need to ride with your rear foot unstrapped — snowboard bindings do not allow you to skate or walk normally with both feet locked in. You skate to the lift with your front foot strapped in and your rear foot free.

Chairlift (Most Common — Demonstrate This One)

Before the chairlift:

1. Strap in your front foot. Leave your rear foot free for skating and lift riding.
2. Skate toward the lift line using your free rear foot to push like a scooter.
3. Position yourself in the loading area and look over your shoulder for the approaching chair.

Loading:

1. As the chair arrives, sit down smoothly. Your board extends out in front of you.
2. Place your free rear foot on the board’s stomp pad (a grip pad between the bindings) for stability.
3. Lower the safety bar once all riders are seated.
4. Tip the board’s nose up slightly if the chair has a footrest.

Riding: Keep your board flat or slightly nose-up. Do not swing the board around. Rest your free foot on the stomp pad.

Unloading:

1. Raise the safety bar approaching the top.
2. As the chair reaches the ramp, place your board on the surface and stand.
3. Skate forward on your front foot, using your rear foot for balance, and clear the unloading area quickly.
4. Stop to one side and strap in your rear binding before heading to the run.

Gondola

An enclosed cabin on a cable — weather-protected and common at larger resorts. Remove your board and carry it vertically into the cabin. The board usually goes in a rack at the end of the cabin. Ride seated inside and retrieve the board at the top.

Magic Carpet / Conveyor Lift

A moving flat belt used on beginner slopes. Step onto the belt with your front foot strapped in, rear foot on the stomp pad. Ride up standing, keeping your weight over your front foot. Step off at the top and skate clear.

Official Resources