If you’ve ever taught a child (or a reluctant spouse!) to snowboard, you know the drill. The riding part is actually the fun bit. The chairlift? That is often pure anxiety.
We’ve all been there: the shuffling in the lift line, the awkward one-footed skating, the heavy board dangling from a small knee, and the inevitable pile-up at the off-ramp while the lift operator frantically slows the machinery down. For beginner families, the chairlift isn't just a ride up; it's the biggest hurdle of the day.
The Dream Lift for Snowboarders
That’s why a recent discovery out of Baqueira Beret in Spain caught my eye and immediately went into my "family dream trip" folder. As highlighted by Christelle (@christelle_rm) and reported by Unofficial Networks, this chairlift features a design that solves the snowboarder's biggest nemesis.
Instead of riding up with one foot strapped in—which twists the knee and requires significant balance to offload—this lift features side racks, exactly like the ones you find on a gondola.
Here is why this is a game-changer for parents:
- Walk On, Walk Off: You unstrap completely at the bottom. No skating required.
- Knee Relief: No heavy board dangling from your child's leg for 10 minutes.
- Zero Exit Anxiety: At the top, you simply grab your board from the rack and walk away. No sliding on a slick ramp with one foot loose.
It turns the most stressful part of the learning curve into a relaxing break. If you are looking to test this out yourself, Baqueira Beret is a stunning resort in the Pyrenees. You might want to compare ski holiday packages to see if a Spanish snow adventure fits the family budget this year.
Surviving Standard Lifts
Since we can't all teleport to Spain for our next lesson, we still have to conquer the standard chairlift. Here are the practical tips I use to help my kids (and myself) manage the "scaries":
- Stomp Pads are Non-Negotiable: You need traction for that back foot when skating off the lift. A slick board is a recipe for a fall.
- Practice the 'Scoot': Before we even get in line, we spend 15 minutes on flat ground just pushing around with one foot strapped in. It builds the balance needed for the ramp.
- Communication is Key: Teach your kids to look at the liftie and give a "thumbs down" or ask to "slow it down." There is no shame in a slow load!
Essential Gear for Beginner Boarders
To make the lift experience (and the inevitable falls) a little easier, I always recommend investing in two key pieces of gear for beginners:
- A Grippy Stomp Pad: This gives your boot something to hold onto when getting off the lift. I love the Burton Large Scraper Stomp Pad because it clears snow off your boot sole too.
- Impact Shorts: Let's be honest, beginners spend a lot of time sitting on the snow or falling on hard-packed ramps. A pair of Burton Total Impact Shorts can save a lot of tears (and bruises).
While we can't change every chairlift in the world to match the genius engineering at Baqueira Beret, we can certainly hope more resorts catch on. Until then, keep practicing that one-footed glide!
Source: Original story by Nolan Deck for Unofficial Networks.
