This post may contain affiliate links where we earn from qualifying purchases from referring you to our favorite products and brands. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Find out more in our disclosure.
Skiing with kids is one of the most fun things you can do as a family in the winter. But what do you do when everyone else had the same idea and the mountain is PACKED and the lift lines are LONG?? Long lift lines, especially on busy weekends and holidays, can test the patience of even the most excited young skiers.
Through my years as a ski instructor, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true methods to make lift line waits smoother, easier, and even enjoyable for families. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your kids (and yourself) happy while waiting for that next run.
Note: While you absolutely can deal with long lines if you have to, you will get much more ski time in if you avoid the peak times of holidays and long weekends. If you are skiing then, make sure you also read How To Keep Kids Safe While Skiing in a Crowd.
1. Prepare Your Kids Before Hitting the Lift Line
Before you even step into the mountain and get in the lift line, prepare your kids for what to expect. If it’s a holiday or weekend, explain to them that lift lines are normal and that even though they can be long, being out on the ski hill is worth the wait. Explain that some lines may take a bit of time, but that they’ll get to ski again soon. Try keeping a positive tone and encourage patience as a part of skiing.
Parent Tip: Frame the waiting time as a chance for rest and fun. For example, let them know it’s a time to “recharge” their skiing power. This mindset can help young kids understand the purpose behind the wait, making it a little easier to bear.
2. Keep Energy Levels High with Snacks
Snacks can be a game-changer in lift lines, especially for young kids who need regular fuel to keep their energy going. We always have the kids throw a few energy filled snacks in their pockets and the lift line is the perfect time to eat them. We love to bring things like granola bars, trail mix, or apple slices. Not only does giving the kids snacks keep their blood sugar high, but it will also let you take a later lunch and avoid some of the lunch rush in the lodge.
Parent Tip: For really long lines, use snacks as a reward system. For instance, tell them that if they can make it halfway through the line without complaints, they’ll earn a bite of their favorite snack. This helps break the wait into manageable chunks and gives them something to look forward to.
3. Play Games That Keep Kids Engaged
Keeping kids entertained can make the time fly. There are plenty of games you can play in a ski lift line that don’t require equipment or much movement, making them ideal for crowded spaces.
Here are a few of our family favorites:
- I Spy: The classic game where each person takes turns finding something within the line (a blue jacket, someone’s helmet, etc.). It helps kids focus on their surroundings and keeps them occupied without much movement.
- Twenty Questions: One person thinks of something (could be a ski-related item), and the others have 20 chances to ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out.
- Alphabet Game: Take turns finding objects or things around the lift line and mountain that start with each letter of the alphabet. This game can go on as long as the line itself!
- Who’s That Skier?: Invent stories or funny identities for people around you, creating a little backstory for them. This is a hit with creative kids and can add a bit of humor to the wait.
- And Then…: This is a storytelling games where someone starts the story and tells as much as they want. When they say “and then” and point to another person, that person continues the story any way they want.
Parent Tip: Pick games that are easy to transition out of, so when it’s time to move forward in line, there’s no stopping the fun – you can play as you shuffle along.
4. Celebrate Small Milestones Throughout the Day
Waiting in line is often easier to manage when kids know there’s something positive waiting for them. Set small goals or rewards, like “After five runs, we’ll stop for hot chocolate,” or “Once we ride this lift, we’ll check out that new trail you wanted to try.” Having something to look forward to can make the wait seem shorter and give kids a sense of purpose.
Small, reachable goals are a great motivator for young kids and can be a handy tool to manage both line waits and overall energy throughout the ski day. It turns each line wait into part of an exciting countdown to the next milestone.
Parent Tip: If you’re skiing for a whole day, make a checklist of different runs or goals you’d like to hit as a family. Marking them off after each line can make every wait feel a little more productive.
5. Use This Time for Skill Practice and Ski Prep
Waiting in line doesn’t mean skiing has to come to a complete halt. For older kids or more advanced young skiers, you can use the line to work on balance drills, like standing on one foot for as long as possible, shifting weight from ski to ski, or even checking their stance.
Skill Ideas to Try in Line:
- Edge Shifting: Have kids practice shifting from their inside ski edge to their outside ski edge just by rolling their ankles.
- Balance Check: Challenge them to stand on one ski for 10 seconds or shift their weight to the balls of their feet.
- Stance Practice: Teach them to bend their knees and lean slightly forward, keeping a strong stance as they wait. This is especially great if they’re working on balance or trying to avoid backseat skiing.
- Pole Exercises: If they have poles, you can do simple drills to improve grip and stance by holding them lightly or planting them at different angles.
Parent Tip: Use this as a warm-up or a “secret training” that will make them better skiers by the time they hit the next run.
6. Create a Waiting Line Ritual
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged in the lift line is to establish a ritual that you repeat each time you wait. This can make the experience feel more predictable and familiar, and it also gives them something to look forward to.
For example, you might have a specific cheer you do together, a countdown to lift-off, or a silly song you sing. By making the wait something familiar, you can lessen impatience and build anticipation.
Our family always passes out a small treat when the kids are on the chairlift (an M&M or a couple of Tic Tacs), but when the lift lines are extra long, we pass them out in line to make it more fun.
7. Bring Fun Lift Line Props for Younger Kids
For young kids, a small item like a mini stuffed animal, hand puppet, or ski-themed sticker can be a surprisingly helpful distraction. These props can serve as little “friends” in line, giving them something to look at, play with, or even chat to about their ski day. It sounds simple, but a small novelty item can go a long way in keeping little skiers entertained.
Parent Tip: Use these props as rewards but only bring them out for the longest lines. This keeps them novel and special, so kids look forward to these items for the more challenging waits.
8. Stay Positive and Use Encouraging Language
Your own attitude can set the tone for the whole experience. If you’re visibly frustrated, it’s likely your kids will pick up on it and become irritable too. Instead, keep a positive attitude, and use encouraging language. Remind them that each lift ride brings them closer to the next fun ski run and that the wait is part of the day’s adventure.
Phrases like “We’re almost there!” “You’re doing so good at being patient” or “Just a little longer, and we’re back on the mountain!” can make a huge difference. Kids respond well to positivity, and they’ll often mirror your outlook.
Parent Tip: Sharing stories or talking about the runs you’ve done (or plan to do) can keep them excited and thinking forward rather than focusing on the current wait.
9. Strategize When to Ski to Avoid Lines Altogether
As much as I can teach you about managing lines, sometimes the best strategy is to avoid them altogether! Mid-morning and after lunch are peak times for long lines. Arriving early, taking a break during these peak hours, and skiing when lines are shorter (around lunchtime or near closing) can help you skip the hassle of long waits.
Many ski resorts now have apps that track lift line wait times, allowing you to plan your day around peak periods. Use these apps to anticipate the busiest lines and choose quieter lifts where you’ll spend less time waiting. If you know which lifts are shortest, you can alternate between them, keeping the family skiing with minimal line time.
Additionally, some resorts offer lift line shortcuts or special lanes for families or young children, so be sure to ask if the mountain has any family-friendly options that can help reduce your waiting time.
Parent Tip: Some ski areas have less popular lifts that are underused but still access great terrain. If you know your way around the mountain, you can often avoid the main lift lines by exploring these quieter options.
10. Dress Kids for Comfort in Long Lines
Even the most patient child will struggle with long lift lines if they’re uncomfortable or cold. Ensure your kids are dressed in quality, warm layers that keep them cozy even when they’re standing still. Make sure they have insulated gloves or mittens and that no gaps exist around their wrists or neck.
Heat packs in gloves or pockets can be great for longer lines, as can face masks or gaiters to keep out wind and snow. If kids stay warm and dry, they’ll naturally feel more patient and willing to wait.
Parent Tip: Cold toes are a big cause of discomfort in lift lines. Start off the day by putting on warm ski boots (storing them inside will keep them warm), wearing good quality ski socks, and using foot warmers when it’s super cold.
12. Teach Courtesy and Lift Line Etiquette
Waiting in a lift line is a valuable opportunity to teach kids about ski etiquette and courtesy on the mountain. Emphasize the importance of respecting personal space, not cutting in line, and being mindful of others around them. You can turn this into a positive lesson by pointing out good examples of behavior in the line and explaining why it’s important for everyone to be considerate.
Kids naturally mirror the behaviors they see around them, so this is a perfect time to model patience and politeness. Praise them when they’re showing good behavior, and reinforce that being respectful helps everyone enjoy the mountain more. This can be especially helpful in preventing boredom-related behavior, like poking or shoving siblings!
Parent Tip: Tell your kids they’re part of the “ski community,” a group of people who share a love for the slopes. Frame etiquette as part of being a responsible member of that community, which can foster a sense of pride and responsibility. This is also a great time to talk about the skiers responsibility code!
13. Make New Friends
When you’re waiting in a long lift line, you’re going to have a good chunk of time next to lots of new people. Have kids practice talking to strangers here and starting conversations with them. This is a great way for kids to learn how to talk to new adults with you beside them for support. We have our kids do this a lot, and nearly everyone they talk to is pleasant and engaging and gets so excited that the kids are chatting with them. Not only is it teaching your kids a great skill, but you’re probably making others people day more fun as well.
Parent Tip: If your kids are new to talking to adults, give them a few prompts and do some role play. Then they’ll have ideas for how to stick up a conversation and be more comfortable doing it on their own.
Final Thoughts About Lift Lines with Kids
Waiting in long ski lift lines with kids doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a little preparation, patience, and a few fun strategies, you can turn those waiting times into enjoyable, engaging moments that add to your family’s overall ski experience. From playing quick games to celebrating milestones, managing snacks, and even using tech, these tips help you keep the whole family entertained and energized. Remember, skiing is about more than just the runs—it’s also about the journey, and sometimes that journey means waiting a bit. Embrace it as part of the adventure, and your kids just might come to see it that way too.
So, the next time you’re at the back of a long lift line, try a few of these tricks to keep things smooth and fun. After all, the patience and resilience your kids practice in those lines will serve them well on and off the mountain.