It seems we haven’t talked about this one on our blog. Now, that’s a bit weird. One could guess we’ve covered everything that’s even mildly related to the amazing wintertime sport better known as skiing. Before we find out there are plenty of other skiing-related topics we’ve unintentionally ignored, let’s kick-start this one!

Okay, so what’s so special about today’s topic? Will we talk about safety? That’s correct. Will we cover some basic info every skier should know by heart? You betcha! Here’s a more precise answer: in the article that you’re about to read, we’ll explain how should one get on a ski lift with a backpack. Stick around!

It’s recommended that you get on a ski lift with your backpack placed safely on your lap. Just free one arm from the backpack strap and hurl it onto your lap. You’ll avoid the unfortunate event in which you’re dangling by your backpack’s straps above the snow.

Can’t wait to read the whole thing? We’ll be right there with you! 

Why’s this even an issue?

If you’re wondering why are we even talking about this, or if it seems a bit strange that we would choose this as a topic, just keep in mind that many folks are posing this question online. Also, we’re guessing you haven’t seen the clip in which a skier is dangling by his backpack’s strap off the ski chair. That’s right! Skiing experts note that a single backpack could pose a serious safety risk out there on the ski lift. But, we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves here.

Let’s see what else folks ask Google concerning the topic of skiing with a backpack! Also, for this or that reason, they like to type Do skiers wear Burton? into their search bars.

Is it safe to wear a backpack skiing?

As you could’ve guessed by reading the previous paragraph, skiing with a backpack isn’t something you’d call recommended, to say the least. Even though it doesn’t seem like that at first sight, wearing a backpack while skiing has one large downside. The thing is: backpacks can easily get caught on chairlifts, whether we’re talking about dangling below it from a loose strap or the strap itself ending up wedged into the seat. Needless to say, both scenarios don’t sound like a lot of fun, right? Right.

Also, you’ll wanna know that some ski resorts have gone so far as to introduce policies on if and how should one wear a backpack while riding a ski lift. More about it – below! And if you’re curious whether or not folks can ski with an arm cast, find your way to this article.

Can I wear backpack on ski lift?

Yes, it’s totally fine to wear a backpack while riding a ski lift. However, it’s of utmost importance you wear it the right way. Also, you’ll need to make sure that it’s light enough for you to easily take it off. Additionally, it should be thin enough so it doesn’t interfere with your seat position once the chairlift ride begins.

Wearing your backpack the right way? What’s the deal with that? You’re about to find out. Now that we’ve covered the intro section, it’s about time we consider the main question everyone’s eager to answer: how do you get on a ski lift with a backpack?

How do you get on a ski lift with a backpack?

Okay, so, as we’ve already mentioned, there are certain rules in certain ski resorts concerning the way you wear a ski backpack (while getting on a ski lift). Sometimes – they even prevent you from riding the ski lift with your backpack on; they, of course, allow you to place it on your lap. Many skiing enthusiasts find this pretty annoying, especially if they’re skiing with their kids (not only do they need to watch out for their young ones, but they also have to make sure their backpacks stay immovable on their laps). Is there a compromise someplace where we’re able to reach it?

Before we answer that last question, let’s see what’s the reason behind the decision of many ski resorts to inflict these rules upon their users. The thing is: once the skiers are getting off, their backpacks might catch onto something, eventually causing them to dangle over the snow. Remember the video we’ve mentioned above? You might wanna watch it at this address, just so you realize how dangerous can wearing a backpack on a chairlift sometimes be.

So, how should one get on a ski lift with a backpack in the correct manner? It’s fairly simple; you’ll just have to take one strap off and hurl your backpack onto your lap. That way, you’ll avoid any unfortunate event that might cross your path if you choose to wear your backpack the other way.

Another suggestion on how to deal with the issue

Holding your backpack on your lap is the most common resolution to this issue you’ll find out there. However, there’s another cool option some folks might find more appealing. It’s called a chest pack. Needless to mention, it’s just like a backpack but on your chest (what a remarkable insight!).

Anyway, these babies are carefully designed to be practical and safe at the same time. There won’t be a need to worry about chairlift-related issues. Also, you’ll enjoy having each thing you’ve packed inside of it at the tip of your fingers. You’ll feel a lot more organized and in control. Not to mention the sleek design that goes very well with each body type!

Okay, now that we’ve got that settled, it’s important to see some other ski chairlift-related info. In other words, we’ll show you how to safely get on and get off a ski chair lift!

Oh, and click here if you’re wondering if it’s possible to ski with hiking trousers.

How do you get on a ski chair lift?

Once you get near to the chair lift, you’ll probably notice some kind of a line, queuing system, or something similar. Make your way and enter the line/queue. Don’t be impatient, you’ll get there soon enough. Next up, you’ll see a set of gates that open and close by themselves (automatically) in order to let the skiers through at the right moment towards the chair lift. Once the gate opens, quickly go through them and keep going until you reach the line that marks where your ski tips should be placed. 

Now you’re waiting for the chair to arrive. You’ll wanna hold both your ski poles in one hand and simply look over the should for the chair to show up. Here’s a quick suggestion: if you notice that’s an old lift coming, put one hand out just in order to block the seat from hitting you a bit hard in the legs. Once the chair “finds” you, just sit down on it and lift your trusty pair of skis (and here’s how you’ll keep ’em healthy) up in a gentle manner. You can also freely let your skis slide off of the end of the platform. Afterward, pull the safety bar down and simply place your skis on the ski rest.

Intermezzo: Riding the ski lift

While you’re riding the lift, there won’t be anything else to do but enjoy the phenomenal surrounding landscape. If you’re riding a modern chair lift that has a so-called bubble, pull the addition down over your head if the weather is snowy or windy in order to keep yourself warm. 

How do you get off a ski chair lift?

Here we’ll show you how to get off the ski chair lift. First things first, you’ll need to prepare for the landing. Once you notice you’re about 20 seconds away from the station, remove your skis from the rest and let them hang freely under your seat. The moment you come into the station lift the aforementioned safety bar and ensure that everything else on the ski lift’s ready for take-off. In recent years, there has been an explosion of signs in various ski resorts telling you just where to lift your safety bar. Keep your ski tips up, just so you don’t catch the platform with ’em. 

Once you reach the flat area, you’ll wanna put both of your skis on the ground and guarantee you’re ready to stand up. Keep those poles in one hand still. Now you’ll reach the sloped area. Stand up and carefully push yourself away from the ski lift using your free hand. The moment you notice you’re far away from the ski lift, put your pole straps back on, and feely ski off into another wintertime adventure!

The bottom line

Okay, so that’s that when it comes to the how-do-you-get-on-a-ski-lift-with-a-backpack issue! Hopefully, now you’re well aware of the dangers of riding a ski lift with your backpack on your back, and not on your lap.

If you’re on the lookout for more interesting tips on various extreme sports, make sure you pay a visit to our blog page.