Snow Sports Merit Badge

Presented by: Curtis D. Stansfield

Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Req. #1: Discuss winter sports safety, and show that you know
first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while skiing,
including hypothermia, shock, dehydration, sunburn, fractures,
bruises, sprains, and strains.
• Tell how to apply splints.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Req. #2: Explain why every skier should be prepared to
render first aid in the event of a skiing accident.
• In any serious accident you should first ensure the safety of the injured skier,
planting a pair of crossed skis above the accident site to warn others and mark the
location. Then call the rescue service. One person should remain with the victim.

• Keep the victim warm, remove skis but not boots, and do not give any alcohol. If
there is any possibility of a spine or neck injury do not attempt to move them.
Obvious bleeding should be staunched by direct pressure on the bleeding point
and elevation if possible. Unconscious skiers should be carefully laid on their side,
ensuring their mouth is empty of snow and vomit. If there is no palpable pulse or
breathing, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is needed.

• Minor injuries on the slopes are much more common. Leg injuries, even if quite
trivial, often entail a ride down in the rescue sledge (or blood wagon), as do most
shoulder dislocations or broken arms. Arm injuries should be strapped with a scarf
or jumper to minimize movement until medical advice can be sought, and legs
splinted, using ski poles if necessary.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Req. #3: Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local ski patrol for
the area where you usually ski.

• Req. #4: Tell the meaning of the Your Responsibility Code for skiers and
snowboarders.
• Explain why you must follow this code.
• Priority order: Safety-Fun-Learning
• Snow sport Responsibility Code
• - Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects
• - People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• - You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible to on-coming skiers.
• - Whenever starting or merging into a trail, look both directions and yield to others.
• - Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails & out of closed areas.
• - When skiing at a downhill ski area use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• - Prior to using any lift, you must have the ability to load, ride and unload safely.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Ten Rules of Conduct
1. RESPECT - Behave in such a way that you do not endanger others using the slopes. Make sure your equipment is
appropriate and not defect as it can be part of the problem. Newly developed equipment should be tried out in a safe
place before getting into the traffic with it. Bad equipment is no excuse for endangering others.

2. CONTROL - Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability, the general conditions on the mountain and the
amount of traffic on the slopes. Stay in control and pay attention to what is ahead of you and slow down in crowded areas.

3. CHOICE OF ROUTE - The skier/snowboarder in front has priority - do not endanger those ahead of you: slow down if you
intend to go around. Skiing is a go-where-you-please sport so carefully go around anyone, especially those less
experienced or having trouble.

4. OVERTAKING - Leave plenty of space when overtaking so the other person doesn't have to get out of your way. They were
there first - respect them even if they are stopped.

5. ENTERING AND STARTING - Look up and down the mountain each time brfore starting or entering a marked run and
make sure you are not endangering yourself or others. If you have to enter slowly, then do it.

6. STOPPING - Do not stop in narrow places or where or where it is hard for you to be easily seen. If you fall in such a place,
move as quickly as possible out of the way. If you want to stop or have to stop, do it at the side of the trail.

7. CLIMBING - When climbing up or down always keep to the side of the trail. Someone moving against the general flow of
traffic is always a danger for those coming down.

8. SIGNS - Obey all signs and markings (they are there for your safety). A skier can ski on any slope he/she chooses with any
degree of difficulty but if a sign says a trail is closed, do not go there.

9. ASSISTANCE - In the case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service - this is the job of anyone on the slopes.

10. IDENTIFICATION - All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses. It is
your duty to do so if you even witness an accident.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Req. #5: Complete all of the requirements for ONE of the following options:
• downhill (Alpine) skiing
• cross-country (Nordic)
• snowboarding.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
Downhill (Alpine) Skiing
• A. Show how to use and maintain your own release bindings
and explain the use of two others.
• B. Explain the international DIN standard and what it means
to skiers.
• DIN Settings This scale - otherwise known as the;
“Deutsche Industry Norm” - is standardized across all makes of
bindings. The appropriate setting depends on your weight, boot size,
height and level of skiing. Any injuries should also be taken into
account. Front and rear bindings tend to be set on the same number
and both skis are usually set the same. Injuries may affect these.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• As a guideline the following chart can be used:
DIN Chart Example
Weight 77 88 99 110 121 132 143 154 165

DIN 3 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

• I strongly advise that you get a qualified or experienced technician to set

your bindings and always get it done with your own ski boot.
• Most makes of binding consist of three components: a heel-piece, a toe-piece
and a brake. Sometimes the heel and toe are mounted separately; sometimes
they are attached on one plate.
• In terms of safety, bindings are the most important piece of your
equipment.
• They need to hold the foot firmly to the ski and yet be sensitive enough
to release should a fall put excessive strain on your leg.
• They need to retain enough elasticity to pull your boot back to the
center of the ski in the event of a near-release.
• Bindings are well-designed, complex pieces of machinery and
need to be set correctly if they are to give maximum security. A
binding that releases early can be just as dangerous as a
binding that doesn't open at all.
• To set a binding, the position of the heel piece must first be
adjusted for correct forward pressure. The height of the toe
piece is adjusted next, so that the anti-friction device (AFD) can
effectively release the boot when necessary. If applicable, the
wings on the toe piece are then adjusted so that your boots are
centered.
• Finally, the DIN settings are adjusted.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Heel-piece: This releases upwards, opening in a forward
fall. Some models offer a diagonal or sideways heel
release
• Toe-piece: This allows sideways release in the event of
a twisting fall. A Teflon anti-friction pad under the toe
allows the boot to slide easily even when your weight is
pushing down on it during a fall.
• Brakes: When you step in, the brake lifts out of the
snow. If your binding releases, the brake springs back
down, preventing the ski from escaping down the
mountain and causing injury to other skiers.
• All bindings now have some sort of plate mounted
between the ski and the actual binding. The resulting
extra height increases the leverage you have onto your
edges. It also helps to prevent 'booting out' - a term used
to describe what happens when you go over onto your
edge and your boot touches the snow.
• Some of these plates are also designed to flex with the
ski, reducing the dead spot under the binding and
therefore improving the snow contact.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C. Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing
progression.
• A program, which aims to train and assess ski instructors, addresses three questions. Who are we
going to teach? What are we going to teach? And how are we going to teach? The American Teaching
System (ATS), consisting of the Learning Partnership and the Skiing Model centered on student goals,
needs and abilities, has provided a simple but useful format for any aspiring instructor. ATS still forms
the basis for any type of instructor verification. Excellent complete coverage of teaching and technical
methodology exists elsewhere in PSIA and snow sport literature.

A. Individual characteristics and backgrounds

• Past experiences with learning
• Age, sex, nationality, athletic ability, body type
• Past experiences with skiing
• Intelligence, common sense
• Physical abilities/disabilities
• Level of kinesthetic awareness
• Psychological factors (positive/negative)
• Range of attention (focus, concentration, and distractibility)
• Perceptual, motor and intellectual attributes
• Participation, knowledge and understanding of other sports
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C. Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing
progression.

B. Learning preferences
• Sensory preference: visual, auditory or kinesthetic (VAK)
• Learning style preference: innovative, analytical, dynamic learners; active experimenters.
• Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence type: Verbal-Linguistic, Logical- Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-
Kinesthetic, Musical-Rhythmic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal ( Core Concepts,2001)]
• Process versus outcome orientation
• Patience (low, medium, high)
• Amount of information needed (low, medium, high)
• Degree of interpersonal control required in the learning environment
• Feedback (intrinsic or extrinsic) and reinforcement (positive, negative, or equal amounts of each) needed
• Whole versus progressive part approach
• Expressiveness (ability to give verbal and physical feedback)
• Gifted/disabled
• Group learning/individual learning
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C. Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing
progression.

C. Motivation
• Intrinsic/extrinsic factors
• Process or outcome
• Future application and transfer
• Personal goals (style, function, perfection, security, social)
• Individual needs (physiological, security, social, esteem and growth)
• Fear of success and/or failure
• Trying hard and moving rapidly versus proceeding cautiously and accurately
• State of readiness

D. Attitudes and values

• Openness, willingness, ability and capacity to change and grow

• Attitude toward learning, teaching, and instructors

Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude
• Ski instructors must have the proper Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude to promote the sport of
Skiing. (Patients plays a large role in a students success) Students are usually frustrated
easily, and give up quickly. Attitude and encouragement play significant roles in making
skiing enjoyable.
• Beginner/Novice (Green Circles)
• Basic level of instruction. Introduction to equipment, wearing of Ski’s, Boots, etc Proper
Stance, Balance Points, Weight Distribution, and Controlled Movement down very shallow
slopes.
Note: Do not leave this area until you can control your speed and movement, if you
cannot stop or turn efficiently you are a hazard to yourself and anyone else on the
slopes.
• Intermediate (Blue Squares)
• Slightly more advanced level of instruction. An individual lesson can help a lot. Getting away
from wedge turning (Parallel Skiing), Side Stop (Hockey Stop) and Controlled Skiing in
Intermediate terrain.
• Advanced (Black Diamond)
• Much more advanced skiing techniques (Moguls, Racing, Freestyle Terrain, and Ariel
Maneuvers) Teaching methods are taught typically by a coach or a professional in this sport.
• Expert (Double Black Diamond)
• Backcountry skiing (glades, bowls, powder and typically very steep terrain)
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C1. Explain and discuss the following:
• Five types of Alpine skis
• The right pair of skis should feel like part of your body. The wrong pair can seem
viciously uncooperative. You need to take a lot of time and effort to get the right pair that
will suit your style and needs exactly. Shorter Skis are easier to learn on
• Alpine skis love the hard groomed pistes. They're precise, fast and high performing.
Suited to advanced through to race levels. Free ride skis are all mountain animals that
love the tough conditions. They float through powder, cut through crud and slice through
the slush. Usually 50% on-piste, 50% off-piste, they are suitable for advanced, expert
race skiers.
• All mountain, all terrain bandits are less demanding than the Free ride skis. They're
easy to handle off the piste, but still provide good performance on the piste. 70% on-
piste and 30% off-piste, these skis are suited to advanced and expert skiers.
• All mountain trailblazers are just that. They're easy turning piste carvers that love
blazing around the blues and reds. Suited to beginners and intermediates through to
advanced skiers.
• Just Cruising are very easy turning beginner and intermediate carving skis. They're
perfect for cruising along blues and greens.
• Carving carv-a-holics are short, fun, extreme carving skis. They will perform best if
used by advanced and expert skiers.
• Nu School means more of the funky stuff - twin tips, ski boards and jumping skis.
They're fun skis for the fun parks and are guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C2. Explain and discuss the following:
• Telemark skis
• Traditional Telemark skis are soft, with long tips. They are narrower than Alpine skis, but broader than cross country. They may have
edges for the whole length of the ski, or just for the part under the foot. Length would be 20-30cm longer than your height.
• Skis
• Telemark skis are similar to alpine skis, and many Telemarkers use alpine skis. In recent years, they have become significantly
wider. However, nowadays most telemark skiers use alpine skis, very often choosing extreme carving or free skiing skis and simply
mounting telemark bindings on them.
• Boots
• Leather boots are still used by some, but durable polymer is now the usual choice. Polymer boots feature a bellows above the toes to
allow the necessary flex for a telemark turn. All standard telemark boots have a trapezoidal "duckbill" at the front, which interfaces
with the binding. While most telemark skiers use cables to attach boots to bindings, the duckbill has three reinforced holes in the
bottom to attach three-pin bindings. As a general trend, telemark boot makers have been creating stiffer plastic boots each year, with
more buckles.
• Bindings
• Bindings hold the Telemark boot to the ski by the toe only. The oldest version of manufactured bindings, so called three-pin bindings,
had three pins pointing up from the ski for which boots had matching holes. The duckbill was placed on top of the pins and held down
with a locking mechanism.
• Later, cable bindings that have a spring-loaded cable to hold the boot in the binding became popular. These have a socket that the
duckbill fits into, but usually no pins. The spring-loaded cable is stretched onto the boot heel by a throw.
• Cable bindings are stronger than three-pin bindings and offer more control in turns, but they are heavier and therefore not as suitable
for cross-country skiing.
• Also available are hinged plate bindings, combining the lateral stiffness of a traditional alpine binding with the flexibility of a traditional
Telemark binding. This version, however, is used mostly for alpine touring, and to be locked down during downhill and ski with alpine
downhill technique
• Telemark bindings have followed the trend of boots, becoming more performance-oriented and stronger to stand up to the large, stiff
boots and skis. Most current bindings fit the 75mm "nordic norm" (refers to the width of the toe duckbill), however, binding
manufacturers have started to experiment with newer boot-binding interface methods.
• Skins
• For those taking to the wilderness, climbing "skins" (synthetic or mohair rather than sealskin) are used on the bottom of the ski to
climb uphill. "Harscheisen" (ski crampons — also called "couteau" or "cortelli") are sometimes used to assist when skinning on hard,
icy surfaces.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• C3. Explain and discuss the following:
• Snowboards
• Buying a snowboard these days can be confusing, but with the guidelines below things should be
easier. First thing to do is set your budget, then go out and have some fun.
• Research - Read through buyers' guides and reviews to see what's available. Find a reputable
shop that is staffed by boarders.
• Ability - Assess your level honestly or you could find yourself careering out of control.
• Type - It's very important to go for a board that suits you, so think about what type of boarding you
are going to do most of the time and go for a board in that range.
• Length - The type of boarding you do, your height and your weight are used as a guideline. In
general, taller heavier men take longer boards than smaller, lighter men and women. Freeriders
tend to go for longer boards, as do riders who want stability. Fun park freestylers go for shorter
boards.
• Width - Riders with larger feet now have an extensive choice of wider boards. This prevents toes
and heels catching the snow when the board is on an edge. Freeriders may also appreciate a wider
board for increased stability and flotation. However, as wider boards tend to be much slower edge
to edge, many riders prefer a narrower board. Riders with bigger feet that still want the precision of
a narrower board can set their binding angles steeper.
• Flex - Each board has its own individual flex pattern and, as a general guideline, the more
experienced you are, the stiffer the board you will be able to cope with.
• Demo boards - It may be possible to demo a board before buying it. But choice may be limited and
the state of the board should be taken into consideration.
• Finally - Don't buy a board just because you like its funky graphics...
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• D. Name the major ski organizations in the United States and explain their functions.
• United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA)
• Is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding. Founded in 1905, the nearly century-old
organization provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who
share an Olympic dream.
• International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA)
• The ISIA promotes collaboration in respect of Ski Technique, methodology, didactics and the question of
safety ensuring the highest standards of professional practice.
• US Demonstration Skiing Association
• Dedicated to the development of all Synchro Skiing/Riding, including the promotion of our athletes and the
development of funding to support them, the promotion of events designed to educate both the public and the
snow sports industry and the creation of new snow sports environments combining education, competition,
the uniqueness of team skiing and pure visual art."
• International Free Skiers Association (IFSA)
•
Is for anyone interested in the free skiing movement. The IFSA family was founded to support the growth and
success of the sport and lifestyle of free skiing.
• National Ski Council Federation (NSCF)
• Is made up of ski councils and ski clubs throughout United States that have chosen to belong to the National
Ski Council Federation. Ski councils regionally serve member ski clubs that belong to that council.
• National Standard Race (NASTAR)
• Racing is a program where recreational skiers of all ages and abilities can test their skills on courses set up
at resorts across the country.
• Any Others?
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• E. Explain the importance of strength, endurance, and flexibility in downhill
skiing. Demonstrate exercises and activities you can do to get fit for skiing.
• Being in good shape will improve on hill performance and make your skiing
and other sports activities safer and more enjoyable.
• F. Do the following:
• Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for downhill skiing. Discuss how the
clothing you have chosen will keep you warm.
• Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles safely and easily.
• G. Demonstrate how to ride one kind of lift and explain how to ride two
others.
• Chair Lift
• Gondola
• Tow Rope
• T-Bar
• Surface Lift
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Explain the international trail-marking system.
Trail Rating Symbol Level of Difficulty Description
The easiest pistes at a mountain. Green Circle trails are generally wide and groomed,
Green Circle Easiest typically with slope gradients ranging from 6% to 25% (a 100% slope is a 45 degree angle).
Typically Green Circle Trails are also the widest.
Intermediate difficulty slopes with grades commonly ranging from 25% to 40%. These
slopes are usually groomed and are narrower than Green Circle Trails. Blue Square runs
Blue Square Intermediate
comprise the bulk of pistes at most ski areas, and are usually among the most heavily-
trafficked.
Among the most difficult at a given mountain. Black Diamond trails tend to be steep
(typically 40% and up) and narrow with potential obsticles (rocks, trees, etc..) and may or
Black Diamond Difficult
may not be groomed, though the introduction of winch-cats has made the grooming of steep
slopes both possible and more frequent.
These trails are even more difficult than Black Diamond, due to exceptionally steep slopes
Double Black
Expert and other hazards such as narrower trails, exposure to wind, and the presence of obstacles
Diamond
such as steep drop-offs or trees. They are intended only for the most experienced skiers.
Variations such as doubling a symbol to indicate increased difficulty, or combining two
different symbols to indicate intermediate difficulty are occasionally used. One example is a
Variations Various
diamond overlapping a square to indicate a trail rating between a Blue Square and a Black
Diamond.
Terrain parks are whole or portions of trails that can offer a variety of jumps, half-pipes, and
other special "extreme" sporting obstacles beyond traditional moguls. The trails are typically
represented by an orange rectangle with rounded corners. Usually, the terrain park will carry
Terrain Parks Various
its own trail rating, indicating the level of challenge. A terrain park with a Black Diamond or
Double Black Diamond rating would contain greater and more challenging obstacles than a
park with a Blue Square rating.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• General Maintenance of Equipment:
• Wax
• Files (to sharpen ski or board edges).
• Corrosion (inspection).
• Storage (Boots, Skis, and other gear).
• Purchasing of gear.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• At the Ski Resort we will do the following:
• I. On a gentle slope, demonstrate some of the beginning maneuvers
learned in skiing. Include the straight run, gliding wedge, wedge stop,
sidestep, and herringbone maneuvers.
• J. On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.
• K. On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to 10 christies (turns in
succession).
• L. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate
the following:
• L1. Short-, medium-, and long-radius parallel turns.
• L2. Sideslip and safety (hockey) stop to each side.
• L3 Traverse across a slope.
• M. Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions, including changes
in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability
to turn.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Snow Boarders:
• On a gentle slope, demonstrate beginning snowboarding maneuvers. Show basic
ways to control speed and direction. Include the side slipping maneuver.
• On slightly steeper terrain, show traversing.
• On a moderate slope, demonstrate an Ollie, a nose-end grab, and a wheelie.
• Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the
following:
• Skidded, carved, and jump turns
• Stops
• Riding fakie
• Demonstrate your ability to ride in varied conditions, including changes in pitch,
snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.
Snow Sports Merit Badge
• Last Requirement
• Have Fun!