Lift lines are where patience goes to die. Everyone’s cold, everyone wants to be riding and it doesn’t take much to set people off. If you don’t want dirty looks burning holes in the back of your helmet, here’s how not to screw it up.
1. Don’t snake
You saw the line. We all saw the line. Cutting in is the fastest way to get called out. I’ve even seen this lead to fist fights, which whilst entertaining, I don’t recommend.
2. Move when it’s your turn
Quit fiddling with your boots. Quit scrolling your phone. Chairs don’t wait and nobody cares that your strap is twisted.
3. Fill the damn chair
An empty seat is wasted time. Slide over, make space and deal with it. You’re not too cool to share a ride.
4. Control your poles
Nobody came here to take a fiberglass jab to the shin. Keep them down, keep them close.
5. Respect the singles line
It’s not a singles bar. It’s a way to keep chairs full. Don’t hover, don’t pick and choose, just step up when the lifty points.
6. Don’t whine about ski school groups
Yeah, they’re slow. Yeah, they clog the maze. That’s kids learning to ski, not a personal attack on your powder run. Chill.
7. Don’t play sheriff
If someone messes up, fine, but nobody likes the guy who thinks he runs the joint. Save the lectures.
8. A nod to the liftie
They’ve been standing there in the cold since sunrise. As an ex ski-lifty myself, it definitely sucks sometime. A quick thanks won’t kill you.
Final Thoughts
Lift lines are a pressure cooker. Handle yourself, follow the basics and just behave like a normal human. See you out there!
