Chairlift Chat: Episode 2! The most intimidating part of snowboarding for many is the lift, and rightfully so. Learning to balance on a snowboard is one thing but being asked to stand in front of a fast moving metal chair and then hop off that chair in motion and slide down a ramp with only one foot strapped in sounds crazy. We had Aubrin ride the chairlift with both feet strapped in through four years old as it is safer and easier for everyone but most resorts require you to load and unload with only one foot strapped in. This is so that it is easier for you to get to the loading line unassisted and to stand back up or push yourself out of the way if you fall while loading or unloading. While many lifties are lenient on this rule for young kids, you can expect to be asked to unstrap their back foot once they approach 4-6 years old so that is what we have been working on this season and this video was her first time ever loading and unloading with her back foot unstrapped. With the exception of her pushing up to the load line I treat the process just the same as when she used to have both feet strapped in. Because she’s still too small to safely hop up onto the lift unassisted I hold her under her arms and boost her up onto the seat. When it’s time to unload, I put my left arm under her left armpit and grab onto her suit material firmly. I count to 3 and she slides forward off the lift while I support her under her front arm with my left hand and use my right hand placed on the chair until it pushes us forward and clear of its path and then I put my other hand under her arm and we ride down the ramp together. Pro-top: if possible have your first loading/unloading experience on a high speed detachable chairlift as they load and unload at a slower, more consistent speed. (This video shows a regular fixed grip chairlift) Also, unlike skateboarding, pushing yourself with your back foot on the HEEL side of your snowboard is much easier than on the TOE side of your snowboard. 🤙#learnontiktok #fatherdaughter #raisingdaughters #snowboarding #pnw #fatherhood #dadlife