fear of chairlifts

I don't think it's fear of falling when getting on/off the lift - which can be helped by lessons. It looks like a fear of heights/exposure (hence she feels better in gondolas - they are closed, "protected"). It's not very rational and maybe there are some tricks that can help to take mind off it, it may even subside by itself with more experience, get less accute. A bit like fear of flying some people may have, but then they don't have a choice but to fly.

Saas Fee, is good, there are lots of drags and gondolas, I think there is only one chair and that has a magic carpet and a wind cover, with that down she will feel like she is in a gondola!!

thanks for all the responses.
a few people have also mention wengen as there is atrain.
anyone been there !

Come across this on line ... might be of use......

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/chairlifts-anxiety-52002.html

Hurrah! Glad a lot of you are in agreement about my suggestion of instruction on how to use a chair!

Seriously though I have sometimes found that it is much easier being on a chair by myself - I can shuffle to the middle, I won't put the bars down and trap my leg (as has happened quite often on a 6 man chair, esp when you are all different nationalities! and the word for OUCH is not easily recognised!) I often find that you can sit down gently on the chair and get yourself comfortable for the ride up - and then once you are ready to disembark at the top, put your skis flat on the floor and just stand up - the chair will gently push you forwards - practice sitting and standing without using your hands on a normal chair.

I often wondered why the lift man at the bottom did not have some sort of indicator he could put on a lift with a terrified person on, so that the man at the top (or lady!) knew to slow the lift down or at least help in someway - and guide the person gently off? I also think it would be a good idea for those cautious skiers (I am one with over 20 ski holidays enjoyed) if people could wear some sort of tabard, so you knew to keep away from them and give them space and be courteous - and also assist if they fell over - as you never know what the person in front of you's skiing ability is like. I always stop, help, chat, share my Mars bar... makes a big difference to having someone cover you in show as they whizz past! :D

Hi dont know if this helps but I am afraid of heights too but I try to look in the distance at the scenery rather than straight down or talk to my friend to take my mind off how high up I am. Also most of the chairlifts I have been on slow down quite a lot at the top and to get off its just a case of standing up and skiing down a gentle slope. I am also in favour of taking a private lesson as it definitely helps with confidence. Ria :)