Snow Sports

Scouts BSA · Merit Badge · Sports

Snow Sports is about enjoying winter on skis, a snowboard, or snowshoes while staying safe. You will learn how to prepare, read trail signs, and follow the rules everyone on the slopes uses. Then you'll get out and show off your skills.

Why it's worth it

Snow Sports turns the coldest months into the best ones. On skis or a snowboard you'll learn to read the mountain, choose runs that match your skills, and look out for the people around you. Those habits make winter trips safer and a lot more fun, and they lead to backcountry touring, winter camping, ski patrol, and instructor jobs that many teens start in high school.

Start this week

Decide whether you'll focus on downhill skiing, snowboarding, or another option your counselor offers.
Ask your Scoutmaster for the name of a Snow Sports counselor, and send them a short message with a parent copied to set up a first meeting.
Start simple leg and core exercises at home, like squats, lunges, and planks, a few times a week.
Lay out your winter layers and check what you have, what you can borrow, and what a ski area might rent.

Stay safe

Wear a helmet, ski or ride runs within your ability, and stop where you can be seen from above.
Stay inside ski area boundaries; avalanche terrain is only for groups with training, rescue gear, and a qualified leader.

Requirements · 7

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab) (updated 2025).

Requirement 1
Snow sports hazards and first aid
Tips for this section: Talk about cold injuries, falls, and collisions, and the first aid for each.
Example for this section: Be ready to explain the first aid for frostbite (warm the area slowly, don't rub it), hypothermia (get the person dry and warm and call for help), and a fall or collision (keep them still and get the ski patrol).
1. Requirement 1a
  Explain to your counselor the hazards you're most likely to meet in snow sports and how to anticipate, help prevent, reduce, and respond to them
2. Requirement 1b
  Discuss how to prevent and give first aid for snow sports problems, including frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, shock, concussion, broken bones, bruises, sprains, and strains. Explain how to put on a splint
Requirement 2
Being ready to help after an accident
Tips for this section: Pack the right gear before going out, and learn how to report an accident to ski patrol.
Example for this section: Explain your plan if you see an accident on the slope: stay with the injured person, cross your skis or plant your board uphill to warn others, and send someone to the nearest lift attendant or ski patrol.
1. Requirement 2a
  Explain why everyone who takes part in snow sports should be ready to give first aid if an accident happens
2. Requirement 2b
  Explain the steps for reporting an accident to the ski patrol or local emergency responders
Requirement 3
Explain the international system for marking trails
Tip: Learn the trail difficulty symbols and what each means before you hit the slopes.
Requirement 4
Discuss why strength, endurance, and flexibility matter in snow sports. Show exercises and activities that will get you in shape for the option you pick in requirement 7
Tip: Do simple leg and core exercises at home for a few weeks before your trip.
For example: Plan a few weeks of exercises before your trip, like wall sits, squats, and side planks, and show your counselor two of them. Explain how strong legs and core help you turn, balance, and avoid injuries.
Requirement 5
Show up correctly dressed and equipped for the option you pick in requirement 7, and discuss how your clothing will keep you warm and protected
Tip: Lay out your clothing and gear in layers, and ask your counselor to check it before you go.
For example: Show up in layers: a base layer that wicks sweat, a warm middle layer, a waterproof shell, plus a helmet, goggles, gloves, and warm socks. Avoid cotton, which stays cold when wet.
Requirement 6
Slope safety codes and avalanches
Tips for this section: Learn the Responsibility Code and SMART Style rules, and talk about how to stay safe from avalanches.
Example for this section: Go through each point of the Your Responsibility Code and give an example for each, like "People ahead of you have the right of way." Then explain why avalanche terrain is only for trained, equipped groups.
1. Requirement 6a
  Explain each part of the Your Responsibility Code used where you'll ski, snowboard, or snowshoe, and why everyone has to follow it
2. Requirement 6b
  Explain the SMART Style safety program, why it matters, and how it applies at places like terrain parks and pipes
3. Requirement 6c
  Explain avalanche safety precautions, including what each person is responsible for
Requirement 7
Choose a snow sport. Choose 1 of 4
Tips for this section: Take a lesson at a ski area to sharpen your skills in the option you choose.
1. Requirement 7a
  Option A: downhill (alpine) skiing
  1. Requirement 7a1
    Show how to wax and care for your skis and how to use and care for release bindings. Explain what the international DIN standard is and why it matters to skiers
  2. Requirement 7a2
    Explain the American Teaching System and a simple step-by-step path for learning to ski
  3. Requirement 7a3
    Discuss the different kinds of alpine skis, and show two safe, easy ways to carry skis and poles
  4. Requirement 7a4
    Ride one type of lift to show how it's done, and explain how to ride two other types
  5. Requirement 7a5
    On a gentle slope, show beginner moves including the herringbone, sidestep, straight run, gliding wedge, and wedge stop
  6. Requirement 7a6
    On somewhat steeper ground, ski linked wedge turns
  7. Requirement 7a7
    On a moderate slope, ski 5 to 10 christies
  8. Requirement 7a8
    Ski under control from top to bottom of an intermediate slope
  9. Requirement 7a9
    Show you can ski through changing pitch and snow conditions while keeping your balance and turning well
  10. Requirement 7a10
    Name the main US ski organizations and explain what each one does
2. Requirement 7b
  Option B: cross-country (Nordic) skiing
  1. Requirement 7b1
    Show that you can choose, use, and care for cross-country ski equipment so you stay safe and comfortable
  2. Requirement 7b2
    Explain why common trail rules exist, such as no walking on ski trails, skiing one way only, no pets, and staying off snowmobile trails
  3. Requirement 7b3
    Discuss classic, skate, touring, and telemark skis
  4. Requirement 7b4
    Discuss the basics of waxing skis for cross-country touring
  5. Requirement 7b5
    Discuss how cross-country, backcountry or ski touring, ski mountaineering, and downhill or telemark skiing differ
  6. Requirement 7b6
    List what you'd bring on a one-day ski tour
  7. Requirement 7b7
    Show the correct way to use a compass and a topographic map
  8. Requirement 7b8
    On a gentle, groomed slope, show simple ways to manage your speed and direction, including the wedge stop, wedge turn, step turn, side slip, traverse, and straight run
  9. Requirement 7b9
    On a cross-country trail, show good propulsion with proper weight shift between skis, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide
  10. Requirement 7b10
    On a 4-mile tour, show you can handle a typical mix of snow conditions (adaptive skiers may do a 1-mile tour with the counselor's approval in advance)
  11. Requirement 7b11
    Show several ways to handle steep hills or tough conditions, including uphill and downhill traverses and kick turns, sidestepping, and pole drag
3. Requirement 7c
  Option C: snowboarding
  1. Requirement 7c1
    Discuss injuries from falling forward
  2. Requirement 7c2
    Show you can choose the right snowboarding gear and use it for safety and comfort
  3. Requirement 7c3
    Show how to use and care for your own bindings, explain the different binding methods, and explain why leashes are needed
  4. Requirement 7c4
    Discuss the four kinds of snowboards, and show a safe, easy way to carry a snowboard
  5. Requirement 7c5
    Ride one type of lift to show how it's done, and explain how to ride two other types
  6. Requirement 7c6
    Show the basics of waxing a snowboard
  7. Requirement 7c7
    Beginner riding skills
    Requirement 7c7a
    On a gentle slope, show beginner snowboarding moves and simple ways to manage speed and direction, including sideslipping
    Requirement 7c7b
    On somewhat steeper ground, show traversing
  8. Requirement 7c8
    On a moderate slope, do a wheelie, an ollie, and a nose-end grab
  9. Requirement 7c9
    Ride under control from top to bottom of an intermediate slope
  10. Requirement 7c10
    Show you can ride through changing pitch, snow conditions, and moguls while keeping your balance and turning well
  11. Requirement 7c11
    Name the main US snowboarding organizations and explain what each one does
4. Requirement 7d
  Option D: snowshoeing
  1. Requirement 7d1
    Name the parts of a snowshoe
  2. Requirement 7d2
    Explain how to pick the right size snowshoe
  3. Requirement 7d3
    Describe the kinds of snowshoes and what each is made for, and discuss what to think about when choosing one
  4. Requirement 7d4
    Explain how to care for and maintain snowshoes
  5. Requirement 7d5
    List what you'd bring on a one-day snowshoe hike
  6. Requirement 7d6
    Describe the best places for snowshoeing, and discuss some benefits and dangers of snowshoeing in the backcountry
  7. Requirement 7d7
    Discuss why snowshoeing is good for you
  8. Requirement 7d8
    Show the most efficient ways to go uphill, go downhill, cross a slope, and break trail
  9. Requirement 7d9
    On a 2-mile snowshoe hike, show you can handle a typical mix of snow conditions (adaptive snowshoers may do a 1-mile hike with the counselor's approval in advance)
  10. Requirement 7d10
    Show the correct way to use a compass and a topographic map

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

A ski area with a beginner lesson program
Lessons are the fastest, safest way to build skills, and instructors know exactly what to fix.
How: Have a leader call about group lessons, rentals, and any youth or Scout discounts. Many areas have lower prices on weekdays or at night.
A ski patrol station
Patrollers can show you their sleds, first-aid gear, and how they respond to accidents.
How: During a trip, have a leader ask guest services if a patroller can talk with your group for a few minutes.

Where it can lead

Ski patrollerKeeps slopes safe, responds to injuries, and helps with avalanche control.
Ski or snowboard instructorTeaches lessons; many start as teens in junior instructor programs.
Avalanche forecasterStudies snowpack and weather to warn backcountry travelers of danger.
Ski area operations or lift mechanicRuns snowmaking, grooming, and lifts; often a hands-on trade.

Ask yourself

What were you most nervous about before your first day on snow, and how did it go?
How do you decide whether a run is right for your skill level?
What did you do when you got cold, tired, or frustrated on the hill?
How did you look out for your buddy or other people on the slope?
What winter adventure do you want to try next?

Good questions to ask a ski patroller or ski instructor

What are the most common injuries you see, and how could people avoid them?
How do you decide whether conditions are safe enough to open a run?
What should I do if I get separated from my group on the mountain?
How did you get started on ski patrol or as an instructor?
What should someone learn before heading into the backcountry?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

Plan a winter trip to a ski area with lessons for beginners.
Check gear and clothing before the trip so every scout is warm and safe.

People & places that can help

Merit badge counselor — Talk with them early; they can explain what's expected.
Local ski area — Offers lessons and ski patrol help.
National Ski Patrol — Information on slope safety and first aid.
National Ski Patrol (opens in a new tab) — What ski patrollers do and how they keep slopes safe.
Avalanche.org (opens in a new tab) — Avalanche forecasts and beginner lessons on how avalanches happen.

Into this? Explore more

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.