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Step 1
Make your way through the line. During peak ski season, there is often a lengthy wait for the more popular chairlifts. Slowly make your way through the roped off lines, keeping with your riding partner if you have one. Use your poles to help you maneuver and keep from skiing over the skis of other people.
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Step 2
Look for the area on the ground that indicates where to stop when you are next to load. When the line ends, there is an area (often marked with a yellow or red bar or board) that shows where to wait while the people directly before you load. Stop here.
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Step 3
Head to the loading area. As soon as the chair for the people before you passes you, swiftly make your way to the loading area. It, too, is often marked by a colored bar or board on the ground. Use your poles to stop yourself if you have too much momentum.
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Step 4
Move your poles to the inside hand. If you are standing on the right, you will put them in your left hand, and vice versa. Both poles should be held in one hand to leave the other hand free to grab the bar on the lift.
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Step 5
Look to the outside. This is the opposite direction from the hand your poles are in. You should be able to see the chair approaching. When it arrives, grasp the outer bar on the chair with your free hand and sit down.
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Step 6
Lower the footrest. Some lifts, especially those that offer a lengthy ride, have an overhead bar that lowers to rest your heavy boots and skis on. Take advantage of this if it is available.
