In this beginner snowboard video, Kevin from SnowboardProCamp shares five tips to help beginner snowboarders ride the chairlift. Riding the chairlift on a snowboard can be quite intimidating, but with Kevin’s tips, viewers can learn how to easily get on the chairlift, ride it safely, and have a positive experience. The first tip is to prepare ahead of time by practicing skating on the snowboard and doing some one-footed riding to simulate the movements needed when getting on and off the chairlift. The second tip is to watch other snowboarders to get an idea of how to stop, walk up, and sit down on the chairlift. Kevin also shares advice on sitting on the chair, getting set up before getting off, and getting off the chairlift smoothly. By following these tips, beginners can conquer their fears and make their chairlift experiences much more enjoyable and stress-free.

5 Tips for Riding the Chairlift – Beginner Snowboarding

Video By SnowboardProCamp

Riding the chairlift on your snowboard can be one of the hardest things to learn. But with these five tips, he thinks you’ll be prepared for your first time. Thanks for watching!

Yo, what’s up everyone! Kevin is here today in Cardrona, New Zealand, and he’s got five tips to help you ride the chairlift on your snowboard. As a beginner, riding the chairlift can definitely be intimidating, but he believes that with these five tips, you’ll be able to easily get on the chairlift, ride it safely, and have an overall positive experience.

Tip 1: Prepare for the Chairlift

Practice skating on your snowboard

The first tip to prepare for the chairlift is to practice skating on your snowboard. Skating involves walking back and forth on your snowboard, which is a great skill to have because you need to walk to the chairlift and also walk away from it. By practicing your skating ahead of time, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident when approaching the chairlift.

Do some one-footed riding

Another way to prepare for getting on and off the chairlift is to do some one-footed riding. Find a mellow slope that evens out and practice walking up that slope with your free foot in the middle of your snowboard. Then, ride down the slope and practice dragging your toe in the snow to stop. This is the same technique you’ll need to use when getting off the chairlift, so practicing it ahead of time will make you feel fully prepared.

Consider using a stomp pad for better grip

A quick bonus tip is to consider using a stomp pad on your snowboard. A stomp pad is a small, grippy pad that you can attach to the middle of your snowboard. It provides better grip for your boot, making one-footed riding and getting on and off the chairlift much easier. It’s a simple addition that can greatly improve your confidence and stability on the chairlift.

Tip 2: Watch Other Snowboarders

Observe where they stop and walk up

The second tip is to watch other snowboarders get on the chairlift first. Observe where they stop and walk up to the designated line. Pay attention to their positioning and body language, as it will give you an idea of what it’s going to be like for you when it’s your turn.

Pay attention to how they sit down on the chair

Also, pay attention to how other snowboarders sit down on the chair. Notice the timing and technique they use. This will give you a visual reference and help you feel more comfortable when it’s your turn to sit down on the chairlift. Learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly helpful in gaining confidence and understanding the process.

Tip 3: Sitting on the Chair

Walk up to the designated line

When it’s your turn to ride the chairlift, walk up to the designated line indicated by the lift operator. Pay attention to their instructions and position yourself accordingly. It’s important to approach the chairlift with confidence and follow the rules and guidelines provided.

Look back for the approaching chair

As the chairlift comes around, take a moment to look back and see the chair coming towards you. This will ensure that you’re aware of its arrival and ready to sit down at the right time. Being aware of the chair’s movement is crucial for a smooth and safe entry onto the chairlift.

Sit down when the chair touches the back of your leg

When the chair touches the back of your leg, it’s an indication that it’s time to sit down. Bend your knees and lower yourself onto the seat, keeping your snowboard straight and parallel to the ground. Maintain a balanced and stable position to ensure a smooth ride up the mountain.

Keep the snowboard straight

While sitting on the chairlift, it’s important to keep your snowboard straight. This means that the edge of your board should be parallel to the ground throughout the ride. By keeping your snowboard straight, you’ll maintain stability and prevent any unnecessary movement that could affect your balance.

Use the safety bar

Once you’re safely seated on the chairlift, pull down the safety bar if available. The safety bar provides an additional level of security and support during the ride. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by the lift operator and ensure that you’re using the safety bar correctly.

Beware of other people’s heads

While riding the chairlift, be mindful of other people’s heads. Keep a safe distance and avoid any sudden or careless movements that could potentially cause harm to yourself or others. It’s important to be considerate and respectful of the space shared on the chairlift.

Tip 4: Get Set Up on the Chair

Sit sideways on the seat to point your snowboard straight

As you approach the top of the chairlift, start adjusting your position to prepare for getting off. Sit a little bit sideways on the seat, which will allow you to get your snowboard pointed straight. It’s important to have your board aligned in the right direction for a smooth exit from the chairlift.

Hold onto the back of the chair with your backhand

While sitting sideways on the seat, use your backhand to hold onto the back of the chair. This grip will stabilize and support you as you prepare to stand up and ride off the chairlift. By being in this position, you’ll set yourself up for an easy and controlled dismount.

Tip 5: Getting Off the Chairlift

Lift up the safety bar

As the chairlift nears the top and your feet are about to touch the ground, lift up the safety bar if you’ve used it. Make sure to follow any instructions or cues provided by the lift operator. Always prioritize your safety and be aware of your surroundings throughout the process.

Place your snowboard on the ground when your feet touch it

Once your feet touch the ground, quickly place your snowboard on the snow. Position it parallel to the fall line, ensuring that it’s pointing straight down the hill. This will allow for a smooth transition from the chairlift to riding downhill.

Stand up with your free foot in the center of the board

As you stand up, place your free foot in the center of the snowboard. This will give you maximum control and stability as you start to ride. Remember to keep your weight centered and evenly distributed on the board for a balanced and controlled descent.

Ride straight

As you begin riding after getting off the chairlift, aim to ride straight down the slope. Maintain a relaxed and balanced stance, allowing your snowboard to glide smoothly on the snow. This will help you gain momentum and control as you navigate the mountain.

Drag your toe in the snow to slow down

If you feel the need to slow down, drag your toe in the snow. This technique, known as carving, allows you to control your speed and make controlled turns. It’s a useful skill to have when transitioning from the chairlift to riding downhill.

Try to board the less crowded chairlifts

To make getting off the chairlift even easier, try to board the less crowded chairlifts if possible. By choosing less crowded lifts, you’ll have more space and a smoother exit. It’s worth considering the number of people and the level of congestion on a particular chairlift before getting on.

Request the lift operator to slow down if needed

If you find yourself feeling anxious or uncomfortable about the speed of the chairlift, don’t hesitate to politely ask the lift operator to slow it down. While they may not always be able to accommodate the request, it’s worth asking for your peace of mind. The lift operator’s primary concern is your safety, so they will do their best to assist you.

Skate away to clear the way for the next group of people

Once you’ve come to a stop on your snowboard, skate away from the chairlift to clear the way for the next group of people. This will ensure a smooth transition for everyone and help maintain an organized and efficient flow on the mountain. It’s important to be considerate and aware of others around you.

Conclusion

By applying these five tips, you’ll be able to confidently ride the chairlift as a beginner. Remember to practice skating and one-footed riding to prepare for the chairlift experience. Watch other snowboarders and learn from their techniques and behaviors. When sitting on the chair, follow the instructions provided, keep your snowboard straight, and use the safety bar if available. Set yourself up for a successful exit by sitting sideways, pointing your snowboard straight, and holding onto the back of the chair. And finally, when getting off the chairlift, lift the safety bar, place your snowboard on the ground, stand up with your free foot in the center of the board, ride straight, and slow down when needed by dragging your toe in the snow.

For more helpful tips and instructional videos, check out the beginner snowboard playlist. And most importantly, stay safe while learning to snowboard. Enjoy your time on the mountain and have fun!