Snow Sports


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Snow Sports Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of June 6, 2026
as of June 6, 2026
1.
Do the following:
a.
Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to
encounter while participating in snow sport activities, and what
you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond
to these hazards.
b.
Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or
illnesses that could occur while participating in snow sports,
including hypothermia, frostbite, shock, dehydration, sunburn,
concussion, fractures, bruises, sprains, and strains. Tell how
to apply splints.
2.
Do the following:
a.
Explain why every snow sport participant should be prepared to
render first aid in the event of an accident.
b.
Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local
ski patrol or local emergency personnel.
3.
Explain the international trail-marking system.
4.
Discuss the importance of strength, endurance, and flexibility in snow
sports. Demonstrate exercises and activities you can do to get fit for
the option you choose in requirement 7.
5.
Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for the option you choose
in requirement 7. Discuss how the clothing you have chosen will help
keep you warm and protected.
6.
Do ALL of the following:
a.
Explain the elements of the Your Responsibility Code that
is in effect at the location where you will ski, snowboard, or
snowshoe. Explain why each person must follow this code.
b.
Explain the SMART Style safety program. Tell why it is
important and how it applies to participants at snow sport
venues like terrain parks and pipes.
c.
Explain the precautions pertaining to avalanche safety,
including the responsibility of individuals regarding avalanche
safety.
7.
Do ONE of the following options:
Option A—Downhill (Alpine) Skiing. Do ALL of
the following:
NOTE: Generally, a gentle slope will be a trail
designated by a green circle, a slightly steeper slope will be a
green circle or blue square trail, and an intermediate slope
will be a blue square trail. However, your counselor should
determine what type of hill is most suited to your skill level
and allows you to demonstrate each of the required skills.
1.
Show how to wax and maintain your skis and use/maintain
your release bindings. Explain the international DIN
standard and what it means to skiers.
2.
Explain the American Teaching System and a basic
snowskiing progression.
3.
Discuss the different types of Alpine skis. Demonstrate
two ways to carry skis and poles safely and easily.
4.
Demonstrate how to ride one kind of lift and explain how
to ride two others.
5.
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.
6.
On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.
7.
On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to 10 christies.
8.
Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope.
9.
Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions,
including changes in pitch and snow conditions. Maintain
your balance and ability to turn.
10.
Name the major ski organizations in the United States
and explain their functions.
Option B—Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing. DO ALL
of the following:
1.
Show your ability to select, use, and maintain equipment
for cross-country skiing in safety and comfort.
2.
Explain the reasons for common rules, including no
walking on ski trails, one-way ski direction, no pets,
and no skiing on snowmobile trails.
3.
Discuss classic, skating, touring, and telemark skis.
4.
Discuss the basic principles of waxing for cross-country
ski touring.
5.
Discuss the differences between cross-country,
backcountry/ski touring, ski mountaineering, and
downhill/telemark skiing.
6.
List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.
7.
Demonstrate the proper use of a topographic map and
compass.
8.
On a gentle, packed slope, show some basic ways to
control speed and direction. Include the straight run,
traverse, side slip, step turn, wedge stop, and wedge
turn maneuvers.
9.
On a cross-country trail, demonstrate effective
propulsion by showing proper weight transfer form ski to
ski, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.
10.
Demonstrate your ability, on a 4-mile tour, to cope with
an average variety of snow conditions.
NOTE: Adaptive skiers may complete a 1-mile
tour with prior approval from their counselor.
11.
Demonstrate several methods of dealing with steep hills
or difficult conditions. Include traverses and kick
turns going uphill and downhill, sidesteps, and pole
drag.
Option C—Snowboarding. Do ALL of the following:
NOTE: Generally, a gentle slope will be a trail
designated by a green circle, a slightly steeper slope will be a
green circle or blue square trail, and an intermediate slope
will be a blue square trail. However, your counselor should
determine what type of hill is most suited to your skill level
and allows you to demonstrate the required skills.
1.
Discuss forward-fall injuries.
2.
Show your ability to select the correct equipment for
snowboarding and to use it for safety and comfort.
3.
Show how to use and maintain your own bindings, and
explain the use of the different binding methods.
Explain the need for leashes.
4.
Discuss the four types of snowboards. Demonstrate how to
carry a snowboard easily and safely.
5.
Demonstrate how to ride one kind of lift and explain how
to ride two others.
6.
Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing a snowboard.
7.
Do the following:
a.
On a gentle slope, demonstrate beginning
snowboarding maneuvers. Show basic ways to
control speed and direction. Include the
sideslipping maneuver.
b.
On slightly steeper terrain, show traversing.
8.
On a moderate slope, demonstrate an ollie, a nose-end
grab, and a wheelie.
9.
Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope.
10.
Demonstrate your ability to ride in varied conditions,
including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls.
Maintain your balance and ability to turn.
11.
Name the major snowboarding organizations in the United
States and explain their functions.
Option D—Snowshoeing. Do ALL of the following:
1.
Name the parts of a snowshoe.
2.
Explain how to choose the correct size of snowshoe.
3.
Describe the different types of snowshoes and their
specialized uses. Discuss factors to consider when
choosing a snowshoe.
4.
Explain how to properly care for and maintain snowshoes.
5.
List the items you would take on a one-day snowshoe
hike.
6.
Describe areas that are best for snowshoeing. Discuss
some advantages and dangers of backcountry snowshoeing.
7.
Discuss the benefits of snowshoeing.
8.
Demonstrate the most efficient ways to break trail,
climb uphill, travel downhill and traverse a slope.
9.
Demonstrate your ability, on a 2-mile snowshoe hike, to
cope with an average variety of snow conditions.
10.
Demonstrate the proper use of a topographic map and
compass.