Many, if not all, resorts now want people to take off a backpack and put it in front of them on the chair. Enforcement varies quite a bit though.At Whitecap Mountains in northern WI, NONE of the chairs have bars. And they are so shallow, a backpack is impossible.
Key is to look at the center pole as the chair is approaching. If riding double, that means looking at the person you are riding with.The other fun thing with a center pole double is that you have to align yourself perfectly for pickup, or your glutes and hips are taking a THWACK.
My friends and I always pull down the bar when we ride together. The general idea is that the tallest person handles the bar. That way they don't get bonked . . . and they can reach it easier any way.I never complain when someone wants to lower the bar! Saves my overhead shoulder reach! I like safety
I heard the same, but want to emphasize that for the sake of being fair, I haven’t heard anything official, just hearsay. The rule is that all employees are supposed to use the bar, so the position of the bar might impact settlements. Certainly I have seen many people not use the bar on that lift, which I consider one of the of the scariest due to the dropThe ski-patrol-supported rumor is that the bar wasn't down, and that the patroller would have survived had they had the bar down as the chair didn't detach. (Things you learn sitting in the clinic....)
I put it down. I have needed a seat belt exactly once in 25 years of driving. Still was helpful when it happened. I've seen a kid topple out of a chair and the ensuing ski patrol mob to get the kid on a backboard. I know of someone who had a seizure on an old lift with no bar who didn't fall only because his daughter held on for dear life for the last minutes of the ride. I announce it as a courtesy but it's not really negotiable for me if I have the kids.