Some Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be a skier/snowboarder?
Is it dangerous?
How do you stop?
Is there an engine?
How do use the different lifts?
Do I need ski boots?
Can you skibike on difficult pistes or off-piste?

Do I need to be a skier/snowboarder?

No you don't and we find that generally beginners pick the basics up as fast as expert skiers. However, it can of course help if you do ski or snowboard as you'll be more confident, will read the snow better and will know more about the techniques of using the edge of a ski.

Back to Top

Is it dangerous?

Skibiking is inherently safe as you the skibiker has a low center of gravity (more stable and less distance to the snow) and four points of contact with the snow - two foot-skis (that act as stabilizers) and the front and back skis.

Back to Top

How do you stop?

The basic way to stop is to turn back up hill as you'll stop before you reach the top! However the way to control your speed is to skid the back ski - the harder you engage the edge of the back ski, the quicker you'll stop.

Back to Top

Is there an engine?

No, you're thinking Ski-doo! Skibikes only use gravity!

Back to Top

How do you use the different ski lifts?

This is why we insist on an initiation! Here are some the basics.

Drag lift (Télé-ski) - Stand and go up on your foot-skis with the skibike between your legs and handle bars against your thighs.

Chair Lift (Télésiege) - Skibikers are ONLY allowed on the exterior places as the skibike hooks onto the armrest (or main bar that attaches to the seat) with the open frame resting on the corner of the seat and with most of the skibike outside the chairlift itself. The handle bars can then pass underneath the safety bar as it comes down. Please note that some resorts require safety ropes (on the lifts ONLY) when using chairlifts for safety and/or insurance reasons.

Cable Cars (Télépherique) and Gondolas - Collapse the skibike down and carry the skibike uder on arm and the handle bars in the other with the foot-skis hooked on them. In a Gondola, sit with the skibike upright in between your legs.

Back to Top

Do I need ski boots?

Yes, you do. They are essential as the foot-skis have ski bindings on them and do not accommodate snowboard boots.

Back to Top

Can you skibike on difficult pistes or off-piste?

Skibikes can be used on any piste in any snow condition - off piste and on piste alike. The steeper the piste the better your technique needs to be and in powder you need to keep the tips of your foot-skis up and as high as possible. Its just a matter of practice.