2010-01-01 - Dismount a ski-lift

I went snowboarding this weekend for the first time ever. I've lived through 22 winters in Massachusetts without ever having gone snowboarding or skiing- so I figured it was about time. I won't go so far as to say I learned how to snowboard that day- but I at least learned how to get off of a ski-lift on a snowboard. Riding on a ski lift for the first time was something in itself- I don't know how more people don't fall off of those things.

For anyone who has gone snowboarding or skiing this doesn't take a whole lot of explanation- you just do it. But for everyone else, it's a pretty simple thing. Getting on the ski-lift is easy enough. The bench sort of just comes around and hits you in the back of the knees. The next part is easy too- just don't fall off.

As the chair in front of me gets to the ramp I get ready to get off. If you have the safety bar down (loser) you should put it up at this time. I kind of position my body sideways and bring my feet up. When you're riding the chairlift with a snowboard you only have your forward foot* strapped in. When you get off of the chairlift you're going to have that foot forward and press your free foot against the other binding.

When you get to the ramp the ground comes up to meet your feet. You can stand up- and balance on the back of the bench with your hand and push off. Steer clear of other people who are getting off of the lift at the same time as you- or just loitering like jackasses at the bottom of the ramp. When you get clear of the ramp area just lean back on your heels to stop like normal. Remember to press your free foot against the binding so it doesn't just slide off when you try to stop.

Before getting off of the lift it's also a good idea to let the other people know which way you're going so you don't crash into them.

*I found out from Travis that my left foot is my leading foot. To figure this out just stand in front of someone and have them push you forward. Which ever foot you catch yourself with is instinctively your leading foot.