-
Step 1
If your child is wearing a harness, detach the leash or stash it safely so it doesn’t become tangled in the lift. Some harnesses have zipper pockets for this reason.
-
Step 2
Line up so that you will be on the inside seat and your child is toward the outside.
-
Step 3
Since most children don’t start using poles until they are more skilled (and experienced at riding ski lifts) you will only need to deal with your own poles.
-
Step 4
Put your poles in your outside hand. Your other hand will do the majority of work lifting your child. Or an even better option: give your poles to a childless friend who is riding up behind you.
-
Step 5
Wait for a chair to swing past you, then follow it to the appropriate line. You may need to help guide and scoot your child to the area.
-
Step 6
Lift operators will usually slow down the lift when kids are loading. They may also help lift your child into the seat.
-
Step 7
Give your child a “1-2-3-up” warning and place her in the seat. If she is wearing a harness, you can use it to help lift up. Once you are both sitting, keep one hand in her lap. Ask her to lean back and avoid wiggling and bouncing.
-
Step 8
Lower the bar if there is one.
-
Step 9
If your child is nervous, distract her with I Spy games—a skier in red, a warming hut, a tree covered in snow—or sing favorite songs. “Frosty the Snowman" comes to mind.
-
Step 1
Depending on the size of your child, it may be easier to simply lift her up and carry her while you ski down the ramp.
-
Step 2
If she is steady enough, you can help her exit by herself. Put one arm behind her, around her waist. Do this after a warning so you don’t startle her.
-
Step 3
Lift her up a little out of the seat.
-
Step 4
Remind her to keep a wide stance (to make a large pizza slice or snowplow position).
-
Step 5
Guide her out of the way of the lift. Then hit the slopes.
