Overcoming your fear of chairlifts

Are you affected by vertigo? That sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height.

Or are you afraid of hurting yourself getting and off the chairlift on the ski slopes?

Chairlifts are a great way of accessing the top of the mountain quickly but not if they create anxiety and nerves before you have even started your skiing.

If the very thought of a chair lift creates anxiety we become focused on what can go wrong, creating tension the whole process even more challenging.

We would like to share some tips from our expert Ski Coach for Nervous Skiers, Louise Pode of ProAbility Ltd, to enable you to overcome your fear and manage the chairlifts in a safe and controlled way

Mastering the technique

Understanding how to get on and off a chairlift is important and the best way to learn is by observing others ahead of you.

Notice how they put their ski poles in one hand and reach back for the chair as it approaches.

Sitting at the end of the chair is helpful because you can ski off to one side avoiding others.

Happy skiers on ski lift

• When you’re on the chairlift sit well back, bring the safety bar down and avoid turning around.
• Its aways helpful to sit next to a friendly face to chat to and avoid wearing a backpack.
• When it comes to dismounting watch how those ahead of you do it – lifting the safety bar once you are over the safety net. Push yourself away from the chairlift as you dismount so you clear the area quickly.

What if the chair stops midway?

• Is vertigo a challenge for you? If so always travel with someone else on the chair to talk to and distract you.
• If the chair stops midway and you’re high in the air it can be nerve wracking. Focus on the horizon to minimise any vertigo and change your focus onto something completely different such as plans for the evening.
• Using techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness to calm your mind are effective if you start to feel the panic rising.

When you’re on the chair be in the moment and enjoy the amazing views of the beautiful mountain scenery and great perspective of your resort. It is a great way of spotting the wildlife as the eagles soar and marmots’ and chamois leave their imprints in the snow.