It's always the three-letter clues in the NYT Mini Crossword that puzzle people, and "Bad thing to drop while riding a chairlift" is the latest entry to cause a stir.
How to Complete a Crossword Clue You Don't Understand – December 3, 2021 New York Times Crossword
Clues lie within clues—that’s why crosswords are so addictive. You unravel one mystery to get to the heart of the real problem. In this case, figuring out what a chairlift is and what its purpose is will help you slalom your way to victory in the July 12 NYT Mini Crossword word game.
This is where I give you the answer if the above tips haven't led you to the holy grail.
The correct answer is "SKI". A chairlift is used to transport people with physical disabilities through a house to go up and down, but they are also a standard means of transport in ski resorts to take skiers to the top of the slopes to start a fast descent.