7 Tips For A Better Lake Tahoe Chairlift Ride.

By: Aaron Robbins

Most skiers have a love hate relationship with the chairlift singles line. On one glove it’s a fast and efficient way to get up the slope while on the other glove it can mean a long uncomfortable ride with people who

think nothing of scratching up your new gear. No matter how you feel about the subject one thing is for sure, if you’ve spent any time on Lake Tahoe chairlifts you’ve either been a single or ridden up with one. Keeping in mind most people come to Tahoe Area ski resorts for enjoyment there is no reason why chairlift rides can’t be one of the better parts of your ski day. With that in mind let’s look at 7 tips for a better Lake Tahoe chairlift ride.

1. Watch Your Stuff . . .and theirs.

We all love the “poles under the leg” trick, but if you don’t have it down you can end up skewering your liftmate. Likewise, try and be mindful of where you are slinging your pack, gloves, helmet or any other gear you plan on lapping up the chairlift. If you’re feeling social check out what’s going on with the other people on the lift. Offer to hold something while they get situated. If you do end up holding some of your liftmates gear it’s really cool if you don’t drop it.

2.Don’t Scream At Your Friends On The Ground

Although you can clearly see your buddy down below, it’s a lot harder for him or her to find you up on the chair. I’ve seen and done this many times. Sure, short messages like, “Stay There,” can sometimes be communicated from up on the chairlift; more typically a chair to ground conversation leaves everyone (including your liftmates) a little frustrated. If you need to communicate with a group of people during your ski day use a TalkAbout, Hand Signals (not gestures) or if you must (and can get reception) your cellphone.

3.Be Brave

See if your new liftmate is up for a conversation by asking a few simple questions. I’ve had great success with questions regarding their gear or how long long they are in Tahoe for. Be prepared to ride up with people who won’t answer your questions either because they can’t or don’t want too. It’s okay. For the most part you will find people are eager to talk about their ski day. I’ve met some really awesome people from all professions and walks of life on Tahoe chairlifts. Be brave and you’ll often be rewarded with a great story.

4. Don’t Smoke

You have a captive audience while riding the chairlift. The other people can’t get up or leave so it’s only fair to hold off on smoking until you are at the top.

5.Check Their Level

You can tell a lot about someone based on the gear they have. If your liftmate has rental skis on see if they need any help figuring out the resort. Ask how their day is going or inquire about what runs they’ve been skiing. Likewise, if the person your riding up with has on some very high end gear you may want to ask how they like it. Often times you’ll get a very honest review which will often lead to other conversations. I should state for the record that gear is only an indicator of general ski knowledge and is even less reliable when talking about ski ability. There are plenty of renters in blue jeans that can rip.

6. Yield

Have you ever been the 5th person on a 4 person chair? Thankfully I’ve never suffered the humiliation, but I’ve been close a few times. Take your time when getting on the chair, let others ski out before you. While on the chair be patient with the safety bar (if one exists). Make sure everyone else knows you’re bringing it down. Before unloading try and find out which direction your liftmates plan to ski off. As a general rule the outside left should stay left and the outside right should stay right. If you need to ski off in the opposite direction from your seat check with your liftmates first.

7. Take A Look Around.

Those who ski Tahoe often can sometimes take the view for granted. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to be skiing one of the most beautiful areas in the World. I remember a chairlift ride years ago. I was riding single on a double chair. About half way up the other rider turned around and gazed upon the lake for several minutes. He turned back and quietly said, ‘Wow.” That one word made my whole day. To hear someone else thinking about my lake they same way I do was awesome.

Here’s hoping your ride up is as good as your ride down.

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