Ski season has just begun, so there should be plenty of time on the slopes ahead. No matter how hard you work, you won’t get any better at the core without a few hours of practice each week. The most challenging aspect is getting off the chair lift with your snowboard. This article will explain how you can use your snowboard to get off a chairlift.
Step 1 – Get Ready To Get Off
Once you get to the top, you will notice the lift slowing down. This is your cue to start getting ready. As soon as the lift is slowing down, start preparing for your dismount.
Most lifts have attendants who let riders know when to get off of the lift, but some do not. Keep an eye out for any signs or signals present on the chairlift or at its unloading point. You should also listen carefully to any verbal cues given by other riders or employees of the resort. The bottom line is this: pay attention and anticipate when you’re approaching your stop!
Even if there are no visual signals, you’ll know it’s time to get off because the chair will be noticeably slowing down as it approaches an end station at a very slow speed. The operator will help control how quickly each rider gets off the chair by controlling how they decelerate at the unloading zone.
Step 2 – Slide Your Snowboard Binding Over To Your Heel Edge
Once you are past the last tower of the lift, you need to slide your back foot on its heels to prepare to get off. This will get it out of your path so that you don’t step on it. At the same time, you want to lift slightly and begin bending your knees into a crouched position. As soon as you’ve done that, jump from the lift, using your bent legs and arms to absorb some of the impact. Then use your front foot to push yourself away from the lift chair so that it doesn’t hit or knock over another skier.
To make sure that they don’t drag behind you or twist around awkwardly in a way that could hurt someone else or even cause an accident, make sure your bindings are in good working order before hitting the slopes for a day of snowboarding fun with friends.
Step 3 – Turn Your Snowboard Sideways With Your Back Facing Downhill
Once you’re off the lift, turn your snowboard sideways with your back facing downhill. This is the most important step because it ensures that you face downhill when you jump off the chairlift. It may seem like a silly step, but it is important because it will allow you to see the best path to take and pick up on any obstacles in your way.
Step 4 – Push The Nose Of Your Board Down Hill For A Short Distance
Once you reach the unloading zone, the chair will slow down and stop.
You should be moving at a slow speed at this point. You may need to push the nose of your snowboard downhill for a short distance to keep your board moving parallel to the lift line. Slow yourself down by dragging your back foot in the snow if you are too fast. Do not go too fast, or you may fall off the trail’s edge when you get off!
Step 5 – Make A Small Jump And Land With Both Feet In Your Bindings
When you reach the top of the lift, please wait for it to finish moving before getting off. When it’s safe to get off, carefully stand up and make a small jump with your feet together. Land with both feet in your bindings and knees bent. Try to land with most of your weight on the balls of your feet.
You should slow down as you go down the mountain.
Our Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this will help you next time you find yourself on a ski lift with your snowboard. Try not to feel intimidated by it—it won’t bite! But if you are worried, maybe try using the ‘classic’ lift method. It has worked for many other people before.
For more information on snowboarding, take a lesson at a local ski resort. As mentioned earlier, there are different types of places to snowboard; each will have its rental policies and prices, so it is important to do your research beforehand. Contact your local ski resort directly or check out their website for more information.
