Skiing
To earn this merit badge doing downhill (Apline) skiing a
Scout must:
- Tell the meaning of the Skier's Responsibility Code.
Explain why it is important to follow this code.
- Explain the procedure used to report an accident to your
local ski patrol at the area you usually ski.
- Show how to use and maintain your own release bindings.
Explain the operation of two others. Explain the
international DIN standard and what it means to skiers.
- Explain the American Teaching Method and a basic
snow-skiing progression.
- Explain and discuss the following:
- Five types of Alpine skis
- Telemark skis
- Snowboards
- Name the five major ski organizations in the U.S. and
explain their functions.
- Explain the parts played by strength, endurance, and
flexibility in Alpine skiing. Demonstrate exercises
and activities you can do to get fit for skiing.
- Do the following:
- Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for
Alpine skiing. Discuss how the clothing you have
chosen will keep you warm.
- Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles
safely and easily.
- Demonstrate how to ride one kind of ski lift and
explain how to use two others.
- Explain the international trail marking system.
- On a gentle slope, demonstrate some of the beginning
maneuvers learned in skiing. Include the straight
run, gliding wedge, wedge stop, side step, and
herringbone maneuvers.
- On a slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.
- On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to ten christies.
- Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and
demonstrate the following:
- Short-, medium-, and long-radius parallel turns.
- A side-slip and safety (hockey) stop to each side.
- Traverse across a slope.
- Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions,
including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and
moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.
To earn this merit badge doing cross-country (Nordic) skiing a
Scout must:
- Tell the meaning of the Wilderness Use Policy.
Explain why each skier must adopt this policy.
- Explain why every skier must be prepared to render
first aid in the event of a skiing accident. Tell
the first aid measures for shock. Show how to apply
splints.
- Discuss hypothermia. Tell about symptoms and what
action must be taken in the event of hypothermia.
- Show your ability to select, use, and repair, if
necessary, the correct equipment for ski touring
in safety and comfort.
- Demonstrate the basic principles of snowcraft,
including avalanches.
- Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing for
cross-country ski touring.
- Discuss the differences between cross-country skiing
ski touring, ski mountaineering, and Alpine skiing.
- Explain the parts played by strength, endurance, and
flexibility in Nordic skiing. Demonstrate exercises
and activities you can do to get fit for skiing.
- List items you would take on a 1-day ski-tour.
- Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for
a one-day ski tour. Discuss the correct use of your
clothing and equipment.
- Demonstrate your ability to use properly a topographic
map and compass.
- Show a degree of stamina that will enable you to keep up
with an average ski-touring group your age.
- 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.
- On a cross-country trail, demonstrate effective
propulsion by showing proper weight transfer from
ski to ski, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.
- Demonstrate your ability, on a tour, to cope with an
average variety of snow conditions.
- Demonstrate several methods of dealing with steep
hills or difficult conditions. Include traverses
and kick turns going uphill and downhill, side steps,
pole drag, and ski-pole "glissade."