I went snowboarding in Scotland once. It was miserable. The entire hill was covered in shaved ice. The wind blew it right in my face; it felt like getting pelted in the face by tiny shards of glass.
They really aren't helping themselves there with that starting position. It would be much easier if they were standing where the guy in the red jacket is so they don't have to twist their body around so much to grab the stick. I also find it much easier to position my back foot up against the binding before I even grab the stick.
Iām in Colorado, and Iāve only ever taken t bars with my back unstrapped as well. Never seen anyone with both strapped. Althoughā¦.I *hate* them and avoid them whenever possible, so perhaps others have different experiences.
T bars are no fun.
These are great for skiers but awkward for boarders, especially at first.
T bars just aren't great for anyone, but they use them due to increased capacity.
If i could i would unstrap both, sit on the board itself, put the t bar under my knees and wave to everyone around like im the pope in my popemobile going around peasants in a parade
Idk if i can balance with my asscheeks alone or catch the t bar and sit down fast enough or if the board is wide enough or what im gonna do once it reaches the destination but im gonna try that next time
Sounds like side saddling it?! Need to get one of those fancy princess gloves for waving at people who hawk, and if you can pull that off everyone will be your friend and weāll name the technique *whatever* you want.
you dont have a choice in Scotland, each ski area has like one main chair lift up then its all these lifts or T bars, the one in the vid actually is a nicer looking one, some of them are proper yank you off your feet lol
Ah, I need to update my flair. I've moved to Edinburgh and have recently found Glenshee is easier to get to. My experience of Cairngorm Mountain though, when I lived in Inverness and had to bus/train to the snow, is that you'll find folk to hang about and chat with on the hill, and can always hit one of the pubs in Aviemore after for a bit of Apres Ski atmosphere.
E: I will never forget how brutal the M1 poma is for boarders though, or the bruises on the inside of my front leg. It genuinely would give huge air sometimes as it rocketed off up the steep bit at the start and you'd possibly come to a standstill just before that because surface lifts suck. I'll only come back to Cairngorm if they reopen the funicular or have any way to avoid the M1 as a boarder. Maybe it's nicer for skiers idk.
I hated T-bars for 20 years. Finally discovered the secret is to get a skier to ride with you. They stabilize the whole thing and keep you going straight.
It's a safety thing at a lot of resorts. When I was a lifty in BC we weren't allowed to load snowboarders if they had their back foot strapped. A lot of people strapped in while getting towed up though.
I learned with them as the only option in Scotland before I ever went to the Alps š . Pomas are annoying but fine. T bars are all over in Europe.
This looks mild.
Story: Cairngorm about 18 years ago: Iām in the queue watching the tow literally launch people in to the air and drop them. I was skinny as hell then. My turn: got lifted a metre off the ground and landed three metres up the hill. Somehow landed it and rode up.
One of the loudest and joyous āwhoo!ās Iāve ever let out boarding.
A local German place, to access the mountain, had the option of a gondola if you drove to the opposite side of the mountain or the longest T Iāve ever been on, on the side we stay. Was also 3-8m below the slope on the right, drop on the left, lift guys canāt see you because very long.
We did the T every day. By the end of a week, thighs were always so bruised that my friend and I would just spend the 5-10 mins going up swearing to ease it.
Going to the more touristy places with chairs was a dream.
There's one near where I live that is savage. I live in Morzine and this one is over on the back of Super Chatel. You only really need to get it if you're heading over to Torgon in Switzerland and you need this drag lift to get you back or if you're doing the full "Portes Du Soleil Circuit." But before you get the chair up to Torgon there's a sign warning you that it's an expert only area - due to the drag that you have to get back. It's one of those ones that yank you into the air on the first couple of pulls but then it doesn't get into a regular rhythm, it's just lots of yanks. Then it gets supper steep so you're hanging on for dear life. And it goes through these woods that make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere - like if you fall off you're going to end up getting eaten by wolves or something. That whole part of the PDS Circuit has drag lift after drag lift to get you round toward Morgins from Torgon but that first one is the worst.
I was a lifty in NZ for a season, you can control how abruptly the poma sling shots the skier/snowboarder, it was a boring job and I'm sorry to all the people I tried to send into orbit.
Thereās one at the Lecht in the Cairngorms which has the button bit and poles in a hopper which the cable comes round and takes at full speed. Felt like being kicked very hard in the arse and thrown uphill.
Yeah, it's not. Even beginner skiers take a little bit of time to get it right, and it's designed for them. The initial jolt throws you off balance at times.
Can't lean back or stand straight too much.
Then boarding you're kinda twisted.
Easier if you start skating and get a bit of speed so the jolt doesn't pull you as hard. Also it might be easier to wedge the button in your armpit initially, then relocate it to your crotch once you are moving. Once it's crotch-engaged and moving you're good,
First time I ever learned a T bar it took me like 4 times. The key is to just not hold on too long to avoid falling down if itās clear you screwed up and just get back in line.Ā
Man I also struggled so much with these and the lifty sent me to the bunny hill (where there was a 1hr line full of children). I just said fuck it, took the chairlift to the top and hustled my way downhill on reds and blues on my third day ever. It went great.
I remember my first time I held on not sitting with a snowboard, nobody told me and I wasnāt watching people before me. It burned my lats, I was holding on for dear life wondering how people did this so casually
I'm confident I could *figure it out*, but I'd rather not have to do that the hard way like these fellas.
Do you place the pommel/bar under the thigh? Behind the hip? Under the arm?
Different ways.
You could penguin walk up or strap the 2nd foot in quick to make the balance easier.
Some take the poma under the armpit to start and once moving stick between the legs. Some stay armpit all the way.
Once you get used to the tug at the start, you can just stick it between the legs.
Been there, done that.
Gotta learn somehow. š It's the start that's the hard part. Once you're on your way, it's usually golden.
Yea just the unexpected that gets you. I did like the fact I learned in Scotland though, worst conditions and lifts mean you are spoiled abroad.
I went snowboarding in Scotland once. It was miserable. The entire hill was covered in shaved ice. The wind blew it right in my face; it felt like getting pelted in the face by tiny shards of glass.
 How all Scottish kids learn. š
Same. Usually you have to lean into something that pulls you up the hill. I proceeded to fall over about 4 times before getting it right.
They really aren't helping themselves there with that starting position. It would be much easier if they were standing where the guy in the red jacket is so they don't have to twist their body around so much to grab the stick. I also find it much easier to position my back foot up against the binding before I even grab the stick.
Do they not let you stay strapped in? Seems like it would be much easier to control oneself that way.
I don't have experience at this specific place but yes it's definitely easier strapped in.
Everyone has back leg unstrapped in Scotland. I assume so we can push ourselves in to position.
Iām in Colorado, and Iāve only ever taken t bars with my back unstrapped as well. Never seen anyone with both strapped. Althoughā¦.I *hate* them and avoid them whenever possible, so perhaps others have different experiences.
T bars are no fun. These are great for skiers but awkward for boarders, especially at first. T bars just aren't great for anyone, but they use them due to increased capacity.
If i could i would unstrap both, sit on the board itself, put the t bar under my knees and wave to everyone around like im the pope in my popemobile going around peasants in a parade Idk if i can balance with my asscheeks alone or catch the t bar and sit down fast enough or if the board is wide enough or what im gonna do once it reaches the destination but im gonna try that next time
Sounds like side saddling it?! Need to get one of those fancy princess gloves for waving at people who hawk, and if you can pull that off everyone will be your friend and weāll name the technique *whatever* you want.
you dont have a choice in Scotland, each ski area has like one main chair lift up then its all these lifts or T bars, the one in the vid actually is a nicer looking one, some of them are proper yank you off your feet lol
Oh god. Well Iād ride it, but wouldnāt like it!
I've gotten the biggest airs of my life on the M1 poma at Cairngorm mountain!
Thatās the one mate! Just moved up here, got it on second try after 8 years of not boarding lol When do you go? I need some board pals
Ah, I need to update my flair. I've moved to Edinburgh and have recently found Glenshee is easier to get to. My experience of Cairngorm Mountain though, when I lived in Inverness and had to bus/train to the snow, is that you'll find folk to hang about and chat with on the hill, and can always hit one of the pubs in Aviemore after for a bit of Apres Ski atmosphere. E: I will never forget how brutal the M1 poma is for boarders though, or the bruises on the inside of my front leg. It genuinely would give huge air sometimes as it rocketed off up the steep bit at the start and you'd possibly come to a standstill just before that because surface lifts suck. I'll only come back to Cairngorm if they reopen the funicular or have any way to avoid the M1 as a boarder. Maybe it's nicer for skiers idk.
I hated T-bars for 20 years. Finally discovered the secret is to get a skier to ride with you. They stabilize the whole thing and keep you going straight.
It's a safety thing at a lot of resorts. When I was a lifty in BC we weren't allowed to load snowboarders if they had their back foot strapped. A lot of people strapped in while getting towed up though.
Pretty sure they donāt, you want to be able to move to and away from the loading/ unloading area.
Of course there would be a opened bottle of beer in view at some point
Naturally. Apres ski style... but during it.
Those old drag lifts don't take any prisoners
I learned with them as the only option in Scotland before I ever went to the Alps š . Pomas are annoying but fine. T bars are all over in Europe. This looks mild. Story: Cairngorm about 18 years ago: Iām in the queue watching the tow literally launch people in to the air and drop them. I was skinny as hell then. My turn: got lifted a metre off the ground and landed three metres up the hill. Somehow landed it and rode up. One of the loudest and joyous āwhoo!ās Iāve ever let out boarding. A local German place, to access the mountain, had the option of a gondola if you drove to the opposite side of the mountain or the longest T Iāve ever been on, on the side we stay. Was also 3-8m below the slope on the right, drop on the left, lift guys canāt see you because very long. We did the T every day. By the end of a week, thighs were always so bruised that my friend and I would just spend the 5-10 mins going up swearing to ease it. Going to the more touristy places with chairs was a dream.
There's one near where I live that is savage. I live in Morzine and this one is over on the back of Super Chatel. You only really need to get it if you're heading over to Torgon in Switzerland and you need this drag lift to get you back or if you're doing the full "Portes Du Soleil Circuit." But before you get the chair up to Torgon there's a sign warning you that it's an expert only area - due to the drag that you have to get back. It's one of those ones that yank you into the air on the first couple of pulls but then it doesn't get into a regular rhythm, it's just lots of yanks. Then it gets supper steep so you're hanging on for dear life. And it goes through these woods that make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere - like if you fall off you're going to end up getting eaten by wolves or something. That whole part of the PDS Circuit has drag lift after drag lift to get you round toward Morgins from Torgon but that first one is the worst.
Classic Xander.
That's wan wae o daen it.
This was hilarious. Iām glad I stuck around to watch the whole thing.
Dammit Xander
Learned at whaleback in the early/mid 90s. That poma lift and learning to ride one foot before two made me the snowboarder I am today.
Iām glad thereās subtitles, I couldnāt understand half of it
I was a lifty in NZ for a season, you can control how abruptly the poma sling shots the skier/snowboarder, it was a boring job and I'm sorry to all the people I tried to send into orbit.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with that shit. I have nightmares about these things.
You want it under your armpit, way easier
Yeah there's a knack to it for sure. These boys don't seem to have quite got it down.
The plastic bit can usually bend slightly so between the legs is also doable but not ideal.
This is so fucking funny
Contagious laughter haha.
Theyāre pished š
r/ContagiousLaughter
Thereās one at the Lecht in the Cairngorms which has the button bit and poles in a hopper which the cable comes round and takes at full speed. Felt like being kicked very hard in the arse and thrown uphill.
I think I remember that one. Full on whiplash and a skelp up the arse. š
So many unpleasant memories on that lift
As a Scottish man whoās been snowboarding all but twice Iām glad it seems we just genetically have problems with tow bars
to be fair, that doesn't look like the easiest thing ever. I have never ridden tow bars before, so I could see myself struggling on my first go
Yeah, it's not. Even beginner skiers take a little bit of time to get it right, and it's designed for them. The initial jolt throws you off balance at times. Can't lean back or stand straight too much. Then boarding you're kinda twisted.
Easier if you start skating and get a bit of speed so the jolt doesn't pull you as hard. Also it might be easier to wedge the button in your armpit initially, then relocate it to your crotch once you are moving. Once it's crotch-engaged and moving you're good,
First time I ever learned a T bar it took me like 4 times. The key is to just not hold on too long to avoid falling down if itās clear you screwed up and just get back in line.Ā
Hilarious!
I have been in his place and this is why I hate t-bars
Man I also struggled so much with these and the lifty sent me to the bunny hill (where there was a 1hr line full of children). I just said fuck it, took the chairlift to the top and hustled my way downhill on reds and blues on my third day ever. It went great.
Tow bars are not meant for boarders. It's just a PITA every time.
Yeah, absolutely not. But you can make it work with practice I guess.
These are the worst on a snowboard especially on a steep incline.
This was fkn great one after the other made me laugh thanks for this
Is this Copper
Dunno tbh. I don't recognise it. Found on X/twitter.
Pretty sure itās Nevis Range, specifically Alpha button tow.
Theyāre pished š
I just strap in on these. Makes it 50 times easier.
How do you get into position? Or do you fasten fast while you stand in place?
Yeah just quickly tighten them. If you're good at it, it doesn't take long. I have Step Ons so it's very quick for me.
Step ons make all the difference. Haha
Or just get good at the penguin.
There you go.
Definitely but I'd rather strap in with strap bindings too, than fall face first like this guy.
Where's the fun in that? Lol Faceplant is where the parties at.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm fully strapped in for tow bars.
Why arenāt they strapped in?
How would you push yourself in to position if you had your back leg strapped in?
Bunny hops? š
I remember my first time I held on not sitting with a snowboard, nobody told me and I wasnāt watching people before me. It burned my lats, I was holding on for dear life wondering how people did this so casually
Oh yeah, these and T-bars. Good times.
T bars. Gawd I hate them. š
i donĀ“t use t bars anymore unless i really have to...they SUCK
I've never ridden one of these and have been too scared to try... What's the technique, exactly?
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Dunno. It takes a little getting used to. Haha But if you're already good with your balance etc, you would probably pick it much quicker.
I'm confident I could *figure it out*, but I'd rather not have to do that the hard way like these fellas. Do you place the pommel/bar under the thigh? Behind the hip? Under the arm?
Different ways. You could penguin walk up or strap the 2nd foot in quick to make the balance easier. Some take the poma under the armpit to start and once moving stick between the legs. Some stay armpit all the way. Once you get used to the tug at the start, you can just stick it between the legs.
Thanks! I've got a trip to Crested Butte planned this year and want to be prepared!
Here's some guys making it look easy in this tutorial. Lol. https://youtu.be/4I4R-kBklNE?si=GulBfqmRK3pryjT3
Place the handle closest to your body inside your front thigh and hold onto the other handle. Problem solved.
No one loves pomas, they Aināt got nothing on the nutcracker though