Ski Lift Safety

Ready to hit the slopes? Whether you’re carving a hill on skis or shredding on a snowboard, we want you to enjoy the thrill safely by following a few simple guidelines. Take Action. Think Safe.

Stay safe!

  • Getting to the top of the hill safely is the beginning of the fun to come. Make sure to ‘look’, ‘load’ and ‘lower’ properly and safely as most ski incidents are related to unsafe passenger behaviour. Take to the slopes safely by keeping these tips in mind:
  • Always use proper devices and obey all instructions, posted signs and warnings.
  • Avoid people uphill or ahead of you—they have the right of way.
  • Don’t stop where you obstruct a trail, or where other skiers can’t see you.
  • Keep off closed trails and closed areas.
  • Never use lifts or terrain if you are alcohol- or drug-impaired.
  • You must have the physical ability and knowledge to safely get on, ride, or get off any kind of lift. If you are unsure whether you should ride a lift, ask the lift operator.
  • If you are involved in an accident or witness one, remain at the scene and identify yourself to Ski Patrol.

Before You Start

  • Check the weather ahead of time to ensure that you dress appropriately. 
  • Inspect your gear to make sure it’s in good shape, up to safety standards, and properly fitted. 
  • Familiarize yourself with the resort’s layout, maps of any hills, and details of any possible advisories.
Chair Lift Safety

Chair Lift Safety

  • Always remember you must have the physical ability and knowledge to safely get on, ride, or get off any kind of lift. If you are unsure whether you should ride a lift, ask the lift operator. 
  • Most of all, be respectful of others when you are in line, getting on or off the chair, or riding the chair.

Getting On a Chairlift

When you want to get on a chairlift, ‘look”, “load”, and “lower” properly and safely.

Look

When it’s your turn, move up to the marked line and look over your shoulder to watch for an approaching chair. If you’re late, don’t rush—you might get hit. Wait for the next chair.

Load

Load safely, holding your poles in one hand. If you’re snowboarding, release your rear foot from your bindings before loading.

Grab onto the side or back of the chair and move your body towards the back of the seat. If you’re riding with children, you may need to pull them up onto the chair. Seat small children on the side of the chair closest to the operator.

If you need the chairlift slowed for loading, let the operator know before you start.

Lower

Once your skis or snowboards have left the snow, let the other riders on the chair know that you’re lowering the bar to avoid any head collisions. Keep the front tips of your skis or snowboard up as you move.

Other tips:

  • Keep long hair, hats, scarves, and bags secure so they don’t get tangled in the lift.
  • Remain seated far back in the chair.
  • Don’t bounce or swing on the chairlift.
  • If you are alone, sit in the middle of the chair.
  • Never throw or drop anything from the lift.
  • If the lift stops, don’t jump off.

Getting Off a Chairlift

When you want to get off a chairlift, lift, land, and leave.

Lift

Wait until you see the “Raise the bar” sign at the top of the hill, then lift the safety bar. Make sure that loose clothing, long hair, or bags don’t get caught on the chair.

Land

When you reach the “Unload here” sign, keep your tips up, stand on your skis or snowboard, and slide down the ramp. Remember: A typical chairlift may take up to 10 seconds to stop. Be patient and be aware.

Leave

Leave the unloading area immediately. If you happen to fall, keep your head down so you don’t get hit by the carrier. Clear out of the way as soon as you can. The lift operators will help you.

Let the lift operators know if you’ve left something behind. Don’t try to go back for it.

Surface Lift Safety

Surface Lift Safety

  • To stay safe on surface lifts such as T-bars, platters, conveyors, or rope tows, start only at the lift’s start area.
  • Start only at the lift’s start area. 
  • Secure all loose clothing, long hair, or bags. Remove your pole straps and hold the tips of your poles forward.
  • Stay straight and stay balanced. If you fall, clear the track as quickly as you can.
  • Stay standing for the entire ride—don’t sit down.
  • Unload in the specified unloading area. Don’t leave the lift before you reach the “Unload here” sign.

TSSA Keeps You Safe

In Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of passenger ropeways (ski lifts) in Ontario, including chair lifts, bar lifts, recreational conveyors, gondola lifts, reversible ropeways, passenger ropeways, rope tows, tube tows, belt tows, and aerial tramways.

TSSA reviews and registers lift designs, licenses lift devices, conducts inspections, performs incident investigations, and promotes public awareness of safe ski-lift behaviour throughout Ontario. In addition, TSSA certifies ski lift mechanics and registers contractors. When necessary, TSSA conducts investigations.

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you see anything at a ski resort or park that appears unsafe, report it to TSSA—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—by calling 1-877-682-8772. Choose Option 1 to be connected to our incident hotline (managed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Spills Action Centre).

If you see anything that appears unsafe, you may also report it to TSSA—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—by calling 1-877-682-8772. Choose Option 1 to be connected to our incident hotline (managed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Spills Action Centre). You may also report an incident to TSSA by email at ed-incident@tssa.org.

If you witness an accident, call 911 and stay on the line to provide information about your exact location. 

Resources

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