Bulgaria Ski discussion board
Tow lifts
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posts : 13 (Beginner)Date : 01-04-07 18:36Tow lifts
What is the initial jerk like on a tow lift? When you are learning to ski how soon do you get shown how to use the lifts?Fly 14th from Newcastle... really looking forward to it as have always wanted to go skiing
re: Tow lifts
Your ski instructor may find a quiet tow for you use for the first time on one of the nursery slopes - this way they can work with the operator to stop and start at will when people fall at the bottom....don't worry it a right laugh and all part of learning!KB
re: Tow lifts
They would have to be some jerk to get to the front of the queue.OK, it's not really bad, you only have to look at the little kids doing it to know it isn't painful and that you aren't going to dislocate anything.
We went last year for the first time, i think we were using the tows either at the end of the 1st day or the beginning of the 2nd, can't quite remember now. But they are nothing to be afraid of.
re: Tow lifts
It depends on the "tow" button/ t-bar lift. Some will give almost no jerk and others will literally launch you off the ground before slowing to a steady even pace (anyone not holding on tightly almost always falls off!). You will soon learn which ones are tame and which are just evil!Your ski instructor will always show you, on the nursery slopes, how to use the various tow lifts if you are in the beginners group.
Have fun and remember to hold on!!
re: Tow lifts
Thanks guys... not afraid of them, just wondering about how sharp the jerk is... i think i'll be ok when moving lol. Any advice for how to stand whilst awaiting the jerk? Like bend forwards or lean back a little???OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH i can't wait!!!
re: Tow lifts
Get a really tight grip - try and hold your pole so that your hands can grip the tow fully. Keep your skis pressed against the ground and just cling on at the beginning. If you do jerk - just smother the tow! and you will soon even out so that you are leaning back and moving smoothly. Always keep an eye for sudden rises as these can sometimes test you!After a while you will be crsusing from bottom to top - now worries!
KB
re: Tow lifts
if your on a board it can hurt as you put the T in between you legs, so if you left doot forward do not dress to the left!!!!!!!re: Tow lifts
Drag lifts:
Get in position, skis parallel, close to the cable, lean forward, knees bent. look and reach behind you for the handle to grab on to. LEave poles dangling from the wrist of the hand that is not grabbing the handle.
When it hits your hand, grab it, and yes, they can be very jerky, but with your knees bent and ready to go, its no problem. Remember to move away as quickly as possible once you get off (or fall off) because there will be people coming behind you.
Button ...
Get in position, skis parallel, close to the cable, lean forward, knees bent. look and reach behind you for the handle to grab on to. LEave poles dangling from the wrist of the hand that is not grabbing the handle.
When it hits your hand, grab it, and yes, they can be very jerky, but with your knees bent and ready to go, its no problem. Remember to move away as quickly as possible once you get off (or fall off) because there will be people coming behind you.
Button ...
Drag lifts:
Get in position, skis parallel, close to the cable, lean forward, knees bent. look and reach behind you for the handle to grab on to. LEave poles dangling from the wrist of the hand that is not grabbing the handle.
When it hits your hand, grab it, and yes, they can be very jerky, but with your knees bent and ready to go, its no problem. Remember to move away as quickly as possible once you get off (or fall off) because there will be people coming behind you.
Button lifts:
The operator will grab the button bit, and pull it down so you can place it between you legs. Again, skis parallel, leaning forward, knees bent. Again, a little jerky. Not too bad though.
Number one tip for button lifts: DON'T SIT DOWN on it, you will then fall over. Place it between your legs, and let it pull you along.
Get in position, skis parallel, close to the cable, lean forward, knees bent. look and reach behind you for the handle to grab on to. LEave poles dangling from the wrist of the hand that is not grabbing the handle.
When it hits your hand, grab it, and yes, they can be very jerky, but with your knees bent and ready to go, its no problem. Remember to move away as quickly as possible once you get off (or fall off) because there will be people coming behind you.
Button lifts:
The operator will grab the button bit, and pull it down so you can place it between you legs. Again, skis parallel, leaning forward, knees bent. Again, a little jerky. Not too bad though.
Number one tip for button lifts: DON'T SIT DOWN on it, you will then fall over. Place it between your legs, and let it pull you along.
re: Tow lifts
In Bansko The top right lift launches you off the ground. Still a b(gger even if you have been skiing for years. Just don't sit on the button. You will look like a prat then
re: Tow lifts
Sounds like these lifts can be the biggest test of your stamina! 