You can’t ski the mountain without riding a chairlift – you have to go up to go down! The first chairlift was built in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1936. Today, chairlifts form an integral part of the network of ski lifts that whisk skiers up the mountain across ski resorts worldwide. As a key mode of transport for skiers and snowboarders, it is often debated which seat on a chairlift is the best, with divisive arguments formed over various factors from comfort to view. 

To answer this much-disputed question, leading ski lesson booking platform, Maison Sport, conducted a survey to find out which seat on a chairlift skiers and snowboarders prefer and why. Read on to discover the ultimate seat on a chairlift, along with a look at the different types of chairlifts in European ski resorts and the do’s and don’ts of chairlift etiquette.

Where Should You Sit for the Best Experience on a Chairlift? 

Have you ever found yourself debating which seat on a chairlift offers the best ride? It’s a question that sparks passionate discussion among skiers and snowboarders alike. Whether you’re seeking the perfect view, the smoothest ride, or the quickest exit, there’s plenty of debate over which seat is truly the best choice. 

To settle the debate, Maison Sport asked its 140k Instagram followers to vote for their favourite seat on a four-person or ‘quad’ chairlift, gathering insights from skiers and snowboarders of all levels to see which seat reigns supreme!

Results:

Outside seat (furthest from pylon) – 50% of votes
Inside seat (nearest to pylon) – 22% of votes
Middle inside seat  – 17% of votes
Middle outside seat – 10% of votes 

The Pros and Cons of Each Seat on a Chairlift: 

Outside Seat (furthest from pylon) 

What voters had to say (winner):

For: “I like being on the outside because you get an amazing view and you can easily get out of the way of other skiers when you get off the lift.”

Against: “I get scared on the outside because it can feel less stable in high winds and I feel more exposed to the elements!” 

Inside Seat (nearest to pylon)

What voters had to say (2nd place):

For: “I like the inside seat because I feel more stable by the pylon – I don’t like when the chairlift sways in the wind!” 

Against: “The inside seat is my least favourite because you have less time to get on and off the chairlift and I get scared that I’ll get hit by the chair as it swings back round!”

Middle Inside Seat 

What voters had to say (3rd place):

For: “I like having people on either side of me, it makes me feel more secure!”

Against: “I don’t like being in the middle inside seat because I feel squished and it’s hard to get off!”

Middle Outside Seat 

What voters had to say (last place):

For: “I like the middle outside seat because I feel secure sitting between people and I have more time to get on and off.”

Against: “On this seat, I’m cramped between people and they block the view, so it’s a lose, lose!”

Which is the Best Seat on a Chairlift for You?

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. 

Instructor Insights for the Best Chairlift Experience

Maison Sport instructors stress that chairlift seat selection isn’t just about preference—it’s also about enhancing your skiing experience based on skill level and comfort. Here are a few things instructors consider when recommending seats:

1. Wind and Weather Conditions

Ski instructors often advise opting for the inside seat (nearest the pylon) when the weather turns, as it provides more shelter from strong winds and snowfall. This is especially important for beginners or children, who are more likely to be affected by extreme conditions.

2. Confidence

For those new to skiing, chairlifts can be intimidating, and choosing the right seat can help ease those nerves. Instructors often recommend the inside seat for beginners, as it feels more stable and less prone to swaying in high winds. The close proximity to the pylon also helps beginners feel more secure, reducing the fear factor as they adjust to the sensation of being high above the slopes.

3. Skill Level

Getting off the chairlift can be challenging, especially for first-time skiers. Many instructors recommend the outside seat for beginners because it provides more room and extra time to dismount smoothly. This helps beginners avoid falls or collisions with other skiers.

Everything You Need to Know About Chairlifts 

Chairlifts can range from 1 person to 8 person in size, but the most common types found in European ski resorts are typically 4-6 person chairlifts. Since their introduction in 1936, chairlifts have undergone significant technical advancements, including the development of automatic safety bars, detachable lifts, high-speed functionality and even heated seats. 

Chairlifts range in length and duration, with some rides lasting as little as a few minutes. France is home to the two joint longest chairlifts in Europe; the Coulouvrier chairlift in Samoëns and the Pre St. Esprit chairlift in Les Arcs. Both chairlifts span 2.8km in length and take approximately 8 minutes to reach the top. 

At their highest point, chairlifts typically hover over 10 meters above the slope, which can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights. However, you’ll quickly get used to the feeling of riding a chairlift and embrace the thrill! If you are afraid of heights, perhaps avoid the Leissieres Express in Val d’Isère, France and the Alp Auris Express in Alpe d’Huez, France, dubbed the ‘scariest chairlifts in the Alps’ thanks to their stomach-lurching drops and roller-coaster-like rides. 

In Europe, there is generally no age restriction for using chairlifts, but children often need to be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons. You will need a valid ski pass to use the majority of chairlifts in European ski resorts. Check out Maison Sport’s ski pass pricing guide for the latest information on ski pass prices at some of the top ski resorts across Europe.

Essential Chairlift Etiquette: From the Experts

• Don’t skip the queue – unless you are with an instructor! 
• Don’t stand on other people’s skis in the queue 
• Move all the way to the indicated line before getting on the chairlift
• Hold your poles in one hand when getting on the chairlift 
• If you have a rucksack, take it off and hold it in front of you when getting on the chairlift 
• Always use the safety bar – it’s there for a reason!
• Be mindful of others on the lift with you – especially beginners and children who may need help getting on and off
• Hold on to your poles tight when riding the chairlift!
• Don’t sway the chairlift!
• Don’t jump off the chairlift! 
• Ski in a straight line when getting off the chairlift 
• Get out of the way of the exit zone as quickly as possible 

If you don’t feel confident using a chairlift or you have never ridden one before, Maison Sport’s expert instructors can teach you how to safely get on and off a chairlift and build your confidence until it becomes second nature! 

Book top-rated instructors across more than 430 European ski resorts today!