Lift Safety

Please be advised that boarding a lift is permitted only if you have the physical dexterity, capability, and knowledge to do so safely. If you are unfamiliar with lift procedures, you must request and receive sufficient instruction to ensure safe loading, riding, and unloading. For your safety and the safety of others, do not use any lift or ski trail while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Tips for Riding Lifts Safely

Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding and what type of terrain it will bring you to. Ask for help if you need it.
Avoid distraction while waiting in the lift line. Do not use your smart phone.
Before loading, secure loose items. Remove poles from wrists.
Before moving out to load the chair, make sure everyone in your group is ready.
Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
Sit all the way in the chair, flush with your seat to the back of the chair.
Ensure that all passengers are seated before carefully lowering the restraint bar. Young children should not attempt to lower the bar on their own; adults and older children are responsible for assisting younger passengers with securing the restraint bar.
Do not sit on your ski poles, they can get caught and may cause you to fall off the lift went preparing to unload.
Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall. You can always ask ski patrol or the lift attendant at the top for help retrieving the lost item.
As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar but do not raise it too soon. Signs will help you know when to raise the bar.
Parents assess your child’s physical dexterity, capability, and knowledge before allowing them to ride a lift independently with an instructor or coach.
If children are unable to get seated let them go immediately, to avoid falling from a greater distance.

In the event of an emergency or mechanical failure follow patrols instruction and be prepared for an evacuation.

Lift Safety Guidelines

Safe Loading and Unloading

Avoid Falling from a Lift

There are many ways to ride a chairlift successfully, and it starts before you even sit down. Taking a lesson is a great way to learn proper lift procedures. Prior to boarding the chairlift, you may go through a maze, lift line or queue which helps organize skiers and riders. It seems obvious, but please do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Remember to:

Read signs
Listen to instructions being shared by the lift attendants or instructors.
Get organized, are your goggles, gloves, poles, adjusted and ready.
Enjoy the ride to the top and stay still on the lift carrier.
Do not endanger yourself or others. Do not roughhouse, push, or shove others on the lift.
Do not sit on ski poles.
Put your phone away. One of the biggest distractions at chairlifts are smart phones.
If you are listening to music, you are reducing your ability to hear what is going on around you. Turn off or turn down the volume.
Help your children or others in your party get organized.

Guidelines for Kids on Ski Lifts

Children riding the lift, whether accompanied by an adult or riding alone, should be prepared to take the following steps to ride the lifts safely.
Before Boarding

Wait your turn: Stand in line calmly, skis and board pointed forward. Don’t slide up on other people’s skis or boards.
Show your badge or lift ticket when asked by the lift attendant.
Don’t ride the lift with a backpack.
Listen to the lift attendants and follow their instructions carefully. Raise your hand or yell for help if you need it. Lift attendants are always happy to give you a hand.
Ride with an adult whenever possible, especially for younger children or first-timers.

When loading the Lift

Look behind you and watch the chair approach.
Sit quickly and firmly with your back against the backrest. Avoid perching on the edge.
Lower the safety bar immediately. If you can’t reach it, ask an adult to help
Keep your gear under control: avoid sitting on equipment, hold ski poles properly, keep tips on board and skis up, and no dangling equipment.

Riding the Lift

Stay seated and face forward: no twisting, bouncing, or horseplay.
Hold on to the bar with at least one hand.
Keep skis or snowboard pointed forward.
Never drop items, and don’t reach for lost gear it can be retrieve later.

Unloading at the Top

Raise the safety bar only at the designated sign
Point skis or board straight ahead, stand-up on the ramp, and slide off smoothly.
Move quickly away from the ramp to clear the unloading area for others.
If you fall, stay down until the lift stops or a lift attendant assists you.

Safety Reminder

Small children may need help loading and unloading.
No horsing around because you might fall out of the lift.
If unsure about riding a lift, always go with a buddy or an adult
Ask the lift attendant for help if you need it. Speak in a loudly or yell to get attention.
Be prepared for sudden stops or mechanical failure. Follow all instructions in case of an emergency.

For more information on lift safety, loading lifts or lift accommodations, call 705-445-4507 ext. 221 or [email protected].