A new survey of 1,000 skiers from online ski instructor booking platform Maison Sport asked which is their favourite seat on a chairlift?
The survey found that on a quad chairlift, the coveted outside seat (furthest from the pylon) earned the top spot (50% of votes), praised for its scenic view and ease of getting out of the way of other skiers when you get off the lift.
The inside seat (nearest to the pylon) was second most popular receiving 22% of votes with voters stating they feel more stable by the pylon, whereas the middle outside seat received the least votes (10%) due to a feeling of being cramped between people who are also blocking the view. The middle inside seat scored 17%.
"There are pros and cons to the different chairlift seats, including having the most time to get on and off the chairlift, the best view and having more personal space. The cons include being more exposed to the weather, having less time to get on and off the chairlift and more sway with the chairlift feeling less stable," said Nick Robinson, Co Founder and CEO of Maison Sport, who added, "We see a lot of beginners feeling understandably nervous about getting on chairlifts, so choosing the right seat can make a big difference in building confidence. The ideal chairlift seat for you ultimately depends on your personal preference and experience level. Beginner skiers may prefer to be sat on the outside where it is easier to get on and off. Whereas, others may feel more comfortable sitting between people in one of the middle seats. If you are a chairlift newbie, try out a few different seats and see where you feel most comfortable."
Maison Sport's ski instructors are also highlighting the importance of proper chairlift etiquette, sharing some expert tips to ensure a smooth ride:
1. Don't skip the queue – unless you are with an instructor!
2. Don't stand on other people's skis in the queue
3. Move all the way to the indicated line before getting on the chairlift
4. Hold your poles in one hand when getting on the chairlift
5. If you have a rucksack, take it off and hold it in front of you when getting on the chairlift
6. Always use the safety bar – it's there for a reason
7. Be mindful of others on the lift with you – especially beginners and children who may need help getting on and off
8. Hold on to your poles tight when riding the chairlift
9. Don't sway the chairlift
10. Don't jump off the chairlift
11. Ski in a straight line when getting off the chairlift
12. Get out of the way of the exit zone as quickly as possible