Loading and Unloading Lifts
Riding a chairlift or carpet lift is an essential part of your trip to Shawnee Mountain, but it’s important to know how to load and unload properly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or hitting the slopes for the first time, these tips will help ensure you and everyone around you have a smooth ride. Watch the videos below for quick, easy tips to make every lift ride a fun one!
Chair Lifts
Chairlifts are the most common type of lift you will find here at Shawnee Mountain. Most of our lifts seat two people, with the exception of the Tomahawk Express, which seats four! When choosing which lift to ride, make sure you’re familiar with which part of the mountain it’ll bring you to so you don’t end up on terrain that’s above your skill level.

How to Load a Chairlift:
- Stop at the first red line, wait for the signal from a lift attendant, then slide up to the second red “Load Here” line.
- Look over your shoulder and sit onto the chair. Keep your tips up as the chair moves.
- Lower the bar.
How to Unload:
- Raise the bar when the signs tell you to.
- Keep your tips up until you reach the flat part of the ramp, then stand up.
- Glide down the unloading ramp and out of the way.
Carpet Lifts
Also known as surface or magic carpet lifts, these will only bring you to beginner terrain at Shawnee Mountain. We have three carpet lifts located on the beginner’s hill, in the learning area, and on our snowtubing hill.
How to Load a Carpet Lift:
Approach the moving carpet with your skis, ensuring they are parallel, and gently shuffle onto it. Let the carpet pull you up the hill while maintaining a stable stance; avoid shuffling your feet and do not try to walk on the carpet. Snowboarders can ride the carpet lift with one foot strapped in OR by carrying their board.
How to Unload:
At the top of the lift, slide off of the carpet and onto the snow, moving out of the way so that people behind you won’t run into you. Snowboarders should sit to strap in out of the way of traffic.

Chairlifts and carpet lifts are essential parts of the Shawnee Mountain experience, each designed to make your day on the slopes as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re gliding onto a carpet lift as a first-timer or confidently hopping onto a chairlift for your next adventure, knowing how to use these lifts safely and efficiently is key to maximizing your time on the mountain. Ready to put your skills to the test? Plan your visit to Shawnee Mountain and experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding with ease. See you on the slopes!
Written on: February 5, 2025Â |Â Written by: Michaela K., Marketing Asst.