Chairlift Safety

Most skiers and riders ski and snowboard at Ski California member resorts by riding chairlifts. “Your Responsibility Code” requires that “Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.” Nearly all lift incidents occur because someone loading, riding, or unloading the chair makes an unsafe decision. The following are suggested practices to help make your experience riding a chairlift as safe as possible:

In addition to this full length video, Ski California has created a series of Chairlift Safety Videos for adult and kids.

KIDS ON LIFTS

While chairlift safety is important for every person, Ski California and its member resorts recognize that special care and attention is required for children. Most lift incidents involving children occur because they lack an understanding of the need to be safe while riding chairlifts. Parents are expected to both know how to ride a chairlift and to educate their children about riding chairlifts. Children may be riding chairlifts alone or with other children while enrolled in group lessons, private lessons, or on ski teams, so it is important that they receive a strong message from their parents. It is crucial that parents educate their children about the importance of remaining seated properly and not fooling around on the chair.

Our friends at the National Ski Areas Association have made strong efforts to address safety for kids on lifts. We encourage parents to review the tips, FAQ, and videos at the KIDS ON LIFTS website.