Snow Sports Merit Badge
Explain why every skier should be prepared to render first aid in the even of an accident
- answer Accidents can happen so if you are there you need to know how to proceed to
get help as efficiently and safely as possible. If ski patrol isn't there you may need to
help.
Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local ski patrol for the area
where you usually ski. - answer First see if person is injured. If they are hurt cross skis
at least 20 feet up hill sticking out of snow. Do not remove injured persons equipment
because it can cause more injury. Alert someone such as ski area employee or ask a
passing skiier to call ski patrol or other authority. Be sure they know the location of the
accident. Look for landmarks if you don't know the trail name. Tell messenger the
probable injuries so that they can report it. Keep person warm, comfy and calm and
watch for shock. Reassure person by talking and tell them help is on the way. Stay with
them until ski patrol arrives. They may have questions for you.
Tell the meaning of the "Your Responsibility Code" for skiers. - answer1. Always stay in
control.
2. people ahead of you have right away - you need to avoid them. 3. Do not stop where
you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above. 4. When merging into a trail, look uphill
and yield to the others. 5. Use safety devices to prevent runaway equipment (bindings
with brakes)
6. Observe all signs and warnings and stay off closed trails and out of closed areas. 7.
Know how to load/ride/safety procedures on the ski lifts.
Explain why each rider must follow this code - answerCourtesy, Caution and common
sense that comes from the code will help a skiers have an enjoyable time and reduce
the risk of accidents or injury
Explain the SS (Smart Style safety program - answerSnowboard and freestyle skiers
safety and park etiquette.
1. Look before you leap (know the park well before you ride the features - inspect the
run/park or pipe. Make sure landings are clear, use spotter on features where you can't
see the landing - use signals to indicate landings are clear)
2. Easy styles it (work on small features and work your way up to bigger ones. Warm up
and monitor your energy levels so you don't get hurt)
3. Respect gets respect (Use in all stages of your park experience from lift line to
features - understand rules and procedures - get in line and call out "dropping" so
everyone knows you are next.
, Tell why it is important and how it applies to skiers in terrain parks and pipes -
answerThis applies the same to skiers and it prevents accidents from happening. It
makes for a better experience.
Explain the precautions pertaining to avalanche safety, including the responsibility of
individuals regarding avalanche safety. - answer1. Avalanches usually happen on
slopes of 40-60 degrees 2. Avalanches usually happen after a snow storm when the
snow is unstable. 3. The quality of snow layers vary. Avoid these dangers. If you must
cross - close your clothing and put on your hat. Wear bright colored avalanche cord tied
to yourself and let trail behind you.
Tell the meaning of the "Wilderness Use Policy" - answerShow respect for the outdoors,
animals. All private and public backcountry are considered wilderness and "leave no
trace" policies should be followed.
Explain why each skier must adopt this policy - answerWe need to avoid damaging the
environment and protect it for future generations.
Show how to use and maintain your own release bindings and explain the use of two
others. - answerBindings should be maintained by certified binding technicians
Explain the international DIN standard and what it means to skiers - answerThe amount
of force required to release a ski boot from a ski binding is called the DIN setting and
should be adjusted by a certified binding tech. DIN means Deutsche Industrie Normen,
an organization that sets internationally recognized industrial standards. It has greatly
reduced the chances of skis accidentally releasing from bindings and has been
important in skier safety.
Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing progression. -
answerThe American Teaching System promotes safety, fun and learning.
Most teaching progressions include flatland movements, straight runs, gliding wedges,
wedge turns, christies, wedge christies, skidded parallel turns and carved parallel turns.
Name the major ski organizations in the US and their functions. - answer1.The
Professional Ski Instructors of America - for Ski instructors
2. US Ski Coaches Association developed to certify and educate ski coaches and
athletes
3. US Ski and Snowboard Association - The national governing body for Olympic skiing
and Snowboarding - they provide a pathway for aspiring young athletes to develop their
skills through competitions and programs that provide them with opportunities to
achieve athletic success.
4. The National Ski Patrol - voluntary organization that promotes safety in snow sports
and trains and certifies volunteer ski patrollers.
Discuss the five types of Alpine skis. Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles
safely and easily. - answer1. Sport Models - soft flex/moderate side cut.
Explain why every skier should be prepared to render first aid in the even of an accident
- answer Accidents can happen so if you are there you need to know how to proceed to
get help as efficiently and safely as possible. If ski patrol isn't there you may need to
help.
Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local ski patrol for the area
where you usually ski. - answer First see if person is injured. If they are hurt cross skis
at least 20 feet up hill sticking out of snow. Do not remove injured persons equipment
because it can cause more injury. Alert someone such as ski area employee or ask a
passing skiier to call ski patrol or other authority. Be sure they know the location of the
accident. Look for landmarks if you don't know the trail name. Tell messenger the
probable injuries so that they can report it. Keep person warm, comfy and calm and
watch for shock. Reassure person by talking and tell them help is on the way. Stay with
them until ski patrol arrives. They may have questions for you.
Tell the meaning of the "Your Responsibility Code" for skiers. - answer1. Always stay in
control.
2. people ahead of you have right away - you need to avoid them. 3. Do not stop where
you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above. 4. When merging into a trail, look uphill
and yield to the others. 5. Use safety devices to prevent runaway equipment (bindings
with brakes)
6. Observe all signs and warnings and stay off closed trails and out of closed areas. 7.
Know how to load/ride/safety procedures on the ski lifts.
Explain why each rider must follow this code - answerCourtesy, Caution and common
sense that comes from the code will help a skiers have an enjoyable time and reduce
the risk of accidents or injury
Explain the SS (Smart Style safety program - answerSnowboard and freestyle skiers
safety and park etiquette.
1. Look before you leap (know the park well before you ride the features - inspect the
run/park or pipe. Make sure landings are clear, use spotter on features where you can't
see the landing - use signals to indicate landings are clear)
2. Easy styles it (work on small features and work your way up to bigger ones. Warm up
and monitor your energy levels so you don't get hurt)
3. Respect gets respect (Use in all stages of your park experience from lift line to
features - understand rules and procedures - get in line and call out "dropping" so
everyone knows you are next.
, Tell why it is important and how it applies to skiers in terrain parks and pipes -
answerThis applies the same to skiers and it prevents accidents from happening. It
makes for a better experience.
Explain the precautions pertaining to avalanche safety, including the responsibility of
individuals regarding avalanche safety. - answer1. Avalanches usually happen on
slopes of 40-60 degrees 2. Avalanches usually happen after a snow storm when the
snow is unstable. 3. The quality of snow layers vary. Avoid these dangers. If you must
cross - close your clothing and put on your hat. Wear bright colored avalanche cord tied
to yourself and let trail behind you.
Tell the meaning of the "Wilderness Use Policy" - answerShow respect for the outdoors,
animals. All private and public backcountry are considered wilderness and "leave no
trace" policies should be followed.
Explain why each skier must adopt this policy - answerWe need to avoid damaging the
environment and protect it for future generations.
Show how to use and maintain your own release bindings and explain the use of two
others. - answerBindings should be maintained by certified binding technicians
Explain the international DIN standard and what it means to skiers - answerThe amount
of force required to release a ski boot from a ski binding is called the DIN setting and
should be adjusted by a certified binding tech. DIN means Deutsche Industrie Normen,
an organization that sets internationally recognized industrial standards. It has greatly
reduced the chances of skis accidentally releasing from bindings and has been
important in skier safety.
Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing progression. -
answerThe American Teaching System promotes safety, fun and learning.
Most teaching progressions include flatland movements, straight runs, gliding wedges,
wedge turns, christies, wedge christies, skidded parallel turns and carved parallel turns.
Name the major ski organizations in the US and their functions. - answer1.The
Professional Ski Instructors of America - for Ski instructors
2. US Ski Coaches Association developed to certify and educate ski coaches and
athletes
3. US Ski and Snowboard Association - The national governing body for Olympic skiing
and Snowboarding - they provide a pathway for aspiring young athletes to develop their
skills through competitions and programs that provide them with opportunities to
achieve athletic success.
4. The National Ski Patrol - voluntary organization that promotes safety in snow sports
and trains and certifies volunteer ski patrollers.
Discuss the five types of Alpine skis. Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles
safely and easily. - answer1. Sport Models - soft flex/moderate side cut.
