Abstract: A Method and apparatus for reducing stress on the body (e.g., foot, ankle, hip, spine) of a snowboarder while sitting on a chairlift. The apparatus includes a boot binding assembly adapted for mounting on the top surface of a snowboard including a boot retention member hinged for movement between a closed position and an open position. For typical downhill snowboarding activity, a user will place the retention member in the closed position to orient the sole of the user's boot substantially parallel, i.e. against the snowboard top surface. For sitting on a chairlift, the user will place the retention member in the open position so as to allow the snowboard to pivot around the hinge and hang substantially vertically from the retention member thus avoiding stressful torques on the user's supporting limb.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for reducing stress on the body (e.g., foot, ankle, hip, spine) of a snowboarder while sitting on a chairlift. The apparatus includes a boot binding assembly adapted for mounting on the top surface of a snowboard including a boot retention member hinged for movement between a dosed position and an open position. For typical downhill snowboarding activity, a user will place the retention member in the closed position to orient the sole of the user's boot substantially parallel, i.e. against the snowboard top surface. For sitting on a chairlift, the user will place the retention member in the open position so as to allow the snowboard to pivot around the hinge and hang substantially vertically from the retention member thus avoiding stressful torques on the user's supporting limb.