using a drag lift

I am writing this reference to my wife as i cannot help her!
We both began skiing together and both are what i like to think fairly competent skiiers both confident using red runs and thinking of using black runs on a more regular basis.However my wife cannot use a draglift and keeps loosing control of her skis and falling off.
The problem is that i can use them and find them no problem but cant explain to her how to use them because the truth is i dont really know myself i just get on and go so i dont really know what i am doing right and she is doing wrong.
The point of this thread is that i was hoping some kind soul will explain how to use them as it is getting to a stage where she will not consider going somewhere without the majority of lifts being gondolas or chairlifts so she can completely avoid having to use them
thanks for your time
jay

Oooh, I hope someone who is a ski teacher will be able to explain some tips for you to pass on. Is this problem on single Poma's or T-bar lifts as well?

jaycraig wrote:
The point of this thread is that i was hoping some kind soul will explain how to use them as it is getting to a stage where she will not consider going somewhere without the majority of lifts being gondolas or chairlifts so she can completely avoid having to use them

jay

It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many long drag lifts in Europe. This is the 21st century.
As pav keeps saying, complain. You go to a resort to ski, not to expend your energy on drag lifts. Going up should be the time to recover, relax and talk to friends in comfort. Even if you are very very good on a drag lift, it's hardly a relaxing experience.

I would say, go somewhere else and have a more relaxing time.

Trencher

Hi jaycraig,

A very interesting question!

Have you every been told NOT to think of Pink Elephants? Well of course you haven't but if you were, the chances are that the very thing you would think of are ... Pink Elephants!

Now when I'm teaching people to use a tow lift (T-Bar, Poma or whathaveyou) the most important instruction I give is "Stand-Up!" the temptation as an instructor is to say "Don't sit down" but that brings us back to our elephants ...

Many, MANY people who are new to drag lifts seem to think (or at least presume) that the lift will do the work. Well that's true in as much as it will "drag" you up the hill but it will never take control of your route or posture. That remains firmly with the user.

As you are happy using Red runs you should be familliar with the concept of a neautral posture ... Upright with ankles, knees and hips gently flexed and with your weight over the centre of your feet. This is exactly the same posture that is needed on a drag lift ... If you lean WAY back and hope the lift will somehow support you, you will very soon find youself on the floor. Equally, if you overweight the front of your skis they will snake about wildly and will probably unseat you ...

So, stand up, be neutral, and take control of your skis as if you were skiing down the hill ...

Please let us know if this helps!

Cheers

Jan

I was never taught how to get on a drag. I dont even think about it when I do, apart from obviously not leaning backwards. I would imagine its just a mental block, and that she actually has the right technique, as she is obviously a good enough skier.
Cant really help, other than suggest you chuck her on a few and keep trying. Or else make her wait at the bottom for you to ski down. I bet she tries harder then.....

Tony_H wrote:
Cant really help, other than suggest you chuck her on a few and keep trying. Or else make her wait at the bottom for you to ski down. I bet she tries harder then.....

or puts the kibosh on the next ski holiday....Majorca anyone ?

Trencher

Trencher wrote:

jaycraig wrote:
The point of this thread is that i was hoping some kind soul will explain how to use them as it is getting to a stage where she will not consider going somewhere without the majority of lifts being gondolas or chairlifts so she can completely avoid having to use them

jay

It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many long drag lifts in Europe. This is the 21st century.
As pav keeps saying, complain. You go to a resort to ski, not to expend your energy on drag lifts. Going up should be the time to recover, relax and talk to friends in comfort. Even if you are very very good on a drag lift, it's hardly a relaxing experience.

I would say, go somewhere else and have a more relaxing time.

Trencher

Surface lifts are often used in places where pylons for aerial lifts can't be installed like glaciers for example or where they'd be susceptible to wind or where low amounts of traffic make them more effective and efficient.

ise wrote:
Surface lifts are often used in places where pylons for aerial lifts can't be installed like glaciers for example or where they'd be susceptible to wind or where low amounts of traffic make them more effective and efficient.

Ise, what percentage of drag lifts do you think would fit the circumstances you mention ?. It's very easy for me to get the impression that drag lift are wide spread. Every other Euro skiing video I see on utube has a drag lift in the background.

Trencher