How to Get Off a Chairlift on a Snowboard — The Honest Guide

The chairlift exit is the single most stressful moment of beginner snowboarding. Skiers glide off effortlessly. Snowboarders eat snow. Here's exactly what to do.

Before the Lift

1. Front foot strapped. Back foot free, resting on the stomp pad.
2. Skate up to the chair line. Use your back foot to push, like a scooter.
3. Sit calmly. Sweep the back foot up onto the chair as it lifts you.

On the Lift

• Loosen bindings if frozen. Easier than fighting them at the top.
• Rest the board on the footrest. Carrying its weight on your leg for 8 minutes is exhausting.
• Lift the safety bar when the sign tells you, not earlier.

The Exit

1. Point the board straight. Tip toward the exit, base flat.
2. Stand up by pushing off the chair with your front leg. Let the chair do the lifting.
3. Glide straight down the exit ramp. Do NOT try to turn. Just glide.
4. When you slow naturally, set the back foot down on the stomp pad and skate to the side of the run.

If You Fall

Roll out of the way. Fast. The next chair is 4 seconds behind. The liftie will stop the lift if needed — don't be embarrassed, it happens to everyone for the first three days.