As the name indicates, a T-bar consists of a large inverted 'T' which hangs by a wire from its stem. Victims line up in pairs; the lift operator pulls down the T as it passes, placing the stem between the two skiers and half the T behind each backside. The pair are then pulled up side-by-side.

T-bars have been around for a long time though most resorts are slowly phasing them out in favour of more user-friendly lifts. They are now rare in the bigger resorts of Western Europe and almost extinct in North America, but are still frequently found in the rest of the world.

Try to find a partner of similar height.	Turn to grasp the stem of the T. [Photos: ifyouski.com]

Getting on

Line up with your partner, poles in the outside hand. As the operator places the T behind you, grasp hold of the stem.

Travelling

Follow the track, keeping your skis parallel. Don't push your partner's boot or ski. Remember, the other skier is your partner, not your opponent.

Let go of the T-bar carefully. [Photo: ifyouski.com]

Getting off

When approaching the end, decide which of you will hold the bar while the other disembarks: it should be the skier furthest from the ski-out route.

Be careful when letting go of the T: it can whip around and cause injury as the wire is sucked up into its holder. Move away from the top of the lift as soon as possible.

Tips

• Find a partner with the same backside height as yourself.
• If riding alone, or if you find you have to strain every muscle to stay on track, hold the end of the T under your outside buttock.
• Lean in towards your partner's shoulder, and tell him/her to lean in too.