Chairlift Safety | Palisades Tahoe

Your guide to safe lift operations across our legendary mountain.

Chairlifts are your gateway to 6,00 acres of incredible terrain, but they're also sophisticated pieces of machinery that require knowledge and respect to use safely. Whether you're riding our iconic KT-22, the Base-to-Base Gondola, or any of our other lifts, following proper procedures ensures everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience!

Before heading to the lifts, watch these essential safety videos that demonstrate proper safety techniques.

High Fives Foundation Chairlift Safety

Professional instruction on safe loading, riding, and unloading procedures

Watch the Video

Group waiting in line at Red dog chairlift with snow

How to Ride a Chairlift

Step-by-step guidance for all skill levels

Watch the Video

Remember the Four Fundamentals

Sit back- Keep your back against the seat

Hold on- Grip the chair or safety bar securely

Look forward - Watch where you're going, not what's below

Don't fool around- No horseplay, rocking, or dangerous behavior

These rules apply to every lift, every ride, no exceptions.

Before You Get in Line

Equipment Preparation
• Remove backpacks – Carry them in your lap
• Take off pole straps – Remove from wrists to prevent entanglement
• Secure loose items – Zip pockets, secure goggles, check equipment
• Pay attention – Put your cell phone away!

Know Your Lift
• Read posted signs – Each lift may have specific instructions
• Ask for help – Lift operators are there to assist you
• Watch others – Observe proper loading techniques before your turn
• Plan your seating – Organize your group before reaching the loading area
Loading the Chairlift

Approaching the Loading Area
1. Wait at the "WAIT HERE" sign until signaled to advance
2. Move to "LOAD HERE" when instructed by the lift operator
3. Keep skis/snowboard straight and parallel to the chair direction
4. Hold poles in outside hand (hand away from the center of the chair)

Getting on the Chair
1. Let the chair come to you – don't reach for it or sit too early
2. Sit down when the chair touches behind your legs
3. Sit all the way back against the seat immediately
4. Don't grab the chair – let it lift you naturally

Once Seated
1. Get comfortable before worrying about the safety bar
2. Lower the restraint bar when everyone is ready (not immediately)
3. Rest your skis/snowboard on the footrest if available
4. Settle in for the ride – you're committed now until the top
Riding Safely

During the Ride
• Stay seated with your back against the chair
• Keep safety bar down throughout the entire ride
• Don't swing your legs excessively or rock the chair
• Keep skis/snowboard pointing forward and parallel

What NOT to Do
• Never stand up or change positions on the chair
• Don't try to retrieve dropped items - let them fall
• No adjusting equipment - fix gear before loading or after unloading
• Don't lean out to take photos or wave at people below
• Never jump off - always ride to the designated unloading area

If Something Goes Wrong
• Stay calm - most issues are easily resolved
• Signal the lift operator if you need help
• Don't panic if the lift stops - this is normal and safe
• Wait for instructions from lift personnel
Unloading the Chairlift

Preparing to Unload
1. Watch for the "RAISE THE BAR" sign - don't raise it too early
2. Lift the safety bar only when you see the sign
3. Move forward on the seat and prepare to stand
4. Have your poles ready in the correct hands

Getting Off the Chair
1. Stand up when your skis/snowboard touch the snow
2. Let the chair push you gently forward
3. Point skis/snowboard straight downhill
4. Use a gentle gliding motion to move away from the chair

Clearing the Unloading Area
1. Move away from the chair immediately - don't stop on the ramp
2. Continue straight until you're completely clear of the unloading zone
3. Stop only when you're in a safe area away from other unloading skiers
4. If you fall, get up quickly and clear the area
Children and Chairlift Safety

Age and Size Requirements
• Children must be able to load and unload independently using their own power
• Small children under 51" may have difficulty with standard chairlifts
• All children must be accompanied by an adult capable of managing their safety
• No infants or babies in carriers are permitted on any chairlifts

Positioning Children Safely
• Single child: Position next to the lift operator side, with adult on the other side
• Multiple children: Place one child on each side of the accompanying adult
• Always use the safety bar when riding with children
• Keep children between adults when possible for maximum supervision

Special Instructions for Kids
• Sit all the way back - no leaning forward or arching backs
• No leaning on the safety bar - keep back against the seat
• Zero tolerance for horseplay - children must sit still and behave
• Adults manage the safety bar - children should not raise or lower it

KinderLift Vests
Free rental available at Palisades and Alpine rental shops (deposit required)
• Bright colors signal to everyone that this child requires assistance and must ride with a responsible adult
• Provides additional safety handle for lift operators and parents
• Helps with loading, riding, and unloading procedures
• Available for purchase at Parallel Mountain Sports and Estelle Sports
• Highly recommended for children under 51"
If Someone Falls During Unloading

• Alert the lift operator immediately - they can stop or slow the lift
• Help the person clear the unloading area quickly if you're able to do so safely
• Don't stop in the unloading zone to help - clear the area first
• Call Ski Patrol if injuries occur
Tips For First Time Riders

Before Your First Lift Ride
• Take a lesson - instructors are expert at teaching lift safety
• Practice on magic carpets - get used to the sensation of being carried
• Watch others - observe the loading and unloading process
• Ask questions - lift operators are happy to help nervous first-timers

Building Confidence
• Start with slower lifts - fixed-grip chairs move more slowly than detachables
• Choose less busy times - early morning or late afternoon may be less crowded
• Ride with experienced friends - let them help guide you through the process
• Take your time - there's no rush to master chairlift riding

Common First-Timer Concerns
• "What if I fall getting off the chairlift?" - It happens to everyone, and lift operators will help
• "What if I drop something?" - Let it fall and retrieve it later, don't reach for it
• "What if the lift stops?" - This is normal and safe, just wait patiently
• "What if I'm scared of heights?" - Focus forward, not down, and breathe normally

Your Responsibility
Per the Skier's Responsibility Code: You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.

When in Doubt
• Ask for help - lift operators are safety professionals
• Take it slow - there's no prize for hurrying
• Practice makes perfect - everyone improves with experience
• Safety first - it's better to be cautious than sorry

Remember: Chairlifts are incredibly safe when used properly. Following these guidelines ensures that your journey to incredible terrain is as safe and enjoyable as the skiing and riding that awaits you at the top.

For questions about lift operations or safety procedures, contact Guest Services at (530) 452-4000 or speak with any lift operator on the mountain.
Questions or suggestions? Contact us at info@palisadestahoe.com or speak with any Terrain Park staff member on the mountain.

Little girl wearing a KinderVest with an instructor

Ride With Me Program

Our Ride With Me program is our safety initiative to encourage qualified riders to ride the chairlift with our youngest ski school and ski team members wearing kindervests with the "Ride With Me" logo. If you see a child wearing a vest with this logo, please offer your assistance to them on the lifts.

Electronic Devices

Palisades Tahoe strongly discourages the use of electronic devices including cell phones, personal entertainment devices, communication devices, and any other electronic equipment that utilizes head/earphones while skiing or snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.

No Babies in Backpack Policy

Transporting a child in a backpack or front pack on any chairlift at Palisades Tahoe is prohibited. This is for the safety of the child. There are no exceptions to this policy.