How to Use a Ski T-Bar?

Using a ski T-bar involves proper positioning, balance, and timing to be smoothly pulled up the slope.

T-bars, also known as Button lifts or Poma lifts (which use a single disc), are surface lifts that pull skiers or snowboarders uphill while they remain standing or slightly leaning on the bar. While seemingly simple, they require a bit of technique to master, especially for beginners.

Getting Ready

Before you even approach the loading area, prepare yourself:

• Poles: If you use ski poles, hold them together in one hand (usually the hand not needed to grasp the T-bar stem initially). This leaves your other hand free and prevents poles from dragging or getting caught.
• Position: Skiers should have skis parallel. Snowboarders typically unstrap their back foot.
• Signal: Make eye contact with the lift operator when it's your turn to signal you're ready.

Getting On the T-Bar

This is the trickiest part, requiring coordination with the operator.

• Approach: Glide forward to the loading point as instructed by the operator.
• Receive the Bar: The operator will hand you the T-bar. Grip the stem.
• Positioning: The T-bar should go behind your legs, just under your glutes. Crucially, do not sit down fully on the bar. You should be leaning back slightly against it, allowing the bar to pull you.
• Start Smoothly: As the bar connects to the moving cable, let it pull you away just like that. The lift does the work; your job is to maintain balance.

Riding the T-Bar

Once you're moving, focus on stability and balance.

• Balance: Keep your skis parallel (for skiers) or maintain a stable stance (for snowboarders). Look uphill and maintain your balance. Use your free hand or poles for slight adjustments if needed.
• Stay Relaxed: Tensing up makes it harder to balance. Stay loose and let the lift pull you.
• Handle Bumps: Be prepared for slight jerks or bumps in the snow surface, which can affect your balance.
• Avoid Sitting: Again, avoid sitting fully. The bar is meant to pull you from behind your legs/hips, not lift you from a seated position, which can cause you to swing or fall.

Getting Off the T-Bar

Exiting the T-bar is usually straightforward at the designated area at the top.

• Approach the Top: As you near the top, look for signs indicating where to get off.
• Exit Area: Move towards the side of the track in the exit area.
• Release the Bar: Simply let go of the T-bar stem. It will swing away and return down the slope.
• Move Away: Glide clear of the exit area quickly so the next person can dismount safely.
• Smooth or Jerky Release: Sometimes, as seen in the reference, you've come to a stop there [at the top], and then there it is it gave me a little jerk. It just pulled me off. This describes the lift mechanism releasing you at the dismount point, which can sometimes feel like a small tug or jerk.

Quick Tips for T-Bar Success

By following these steps, you can successfully use a ski T-bar to access the slopes.