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Requirements June 1972 until February 1979

1. Do the following:

(a) Give the meaning of the Skier's Safety Code. Explain how you use it.

(b) Present yourself properly equipped and clothed for skiing. Show how to adjust your gear. Describe two kinds of ski bindings (including one release type). Talk over their merits.

(c) Show four exercises that help make a person fit for skiing.

(d) Make a list of the first aid equipment, food, other gear, and clothing you would carry in your pockets and pack on a day ski trip.

2. Do the basic and standard tests of the United States Ski Association listed:

(a) Walk on skis on the level. Use a one-step and a gliding step. Use your skis properly.

(b) Show a kick turn to the left and right on the level.

(c) Show side step up hill (about 15 degrees). Using the forward side step, go up a hill of 100 feet. Use a kick turn between traverses.

(d) Herringbone 50 feet up a 10-degree hill.

(e) Show straight running in a downhill position for 50 feet or more on a 10-degree hill.

(f) Show braking speed for 50 feet on a 10-degree hill. Show a double stem from a standing start, slowing down and speeding up while remaining in the double-stem position. End at named spot.

(g) Show four linked snowplow turns.

(h) Show four linked stem turns on a hill of 15 degrees or more.

(i) Go straight down a hill of 15 to 25 degrees. Show sideslipping, first in one direction and then the other. Link such slipping with turns.

(j) Show right- and left-stop christiania and four linked christiania turns on a hill of 15 degrees or more.

3. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Run a slalom course without faltering or a fall. The course will cause you to mix turns with parallel running. The course will be simple. The gates will allow smooth running. There will be 10 or 12 turns in a drop of about 150 feet.

(b) Make a cross-country ski run of 4 miles in 1 hour. This is to be over country of different kinds of terrain. There shall be travel on the level as well as up and down.

(c) Make four jumps on an official junior ski jumping hill. Show good form. Get good distance.

4. Describe the program and services of the United States Ski Association and the National Ski Patrol. Tell how they affect your skiing activities.

Requirements February 1979 until August 1982.

To earn this merit badge doing DOWNHILL (ALPINE) skiing a Scout must:

1. Give the meaning of the National Skier's Courtesy code. Explain how it is used and why.

2. Explain the procedure used to report an accident to your local ski patrol at the area you usually ski.

3. Show how to use and adjust your own release bindings. Explain the operation of two other general types of release bindings.

4. Tell about the two general methods of learning to ski used in the United States.

5. Explain and discuss three types of alpine skis and how they differ from nordic equipment.

6. Name the five major ski organizations in the U.S. and explain their functions.

7. Show four exercises to help make a person fit for skiing.

8. Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for alpine skiing. Discuss how the clothing you have chosen will keep you warm.

9. Demonstrate two ways to safely and easily carry skis and poles.

10. Demonstrate how to ride one kind of ski lift and explain how to use two others.

11. On a gentle slope, demonstrate a straight run, gliding wedge, and braking wedge to a complete stop.

12. On a slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.

13. Demonstrate the basic christies linked 5-10 turns.

14. Do the following:

(a) Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope showing wide-track christies.

(b) Linked, short radius, parallel turns near the fall line showing good control even through steepening terrain.

15. Explain "avalement" and how it is used in modern skiing. Demonstrate the technique using either a straight run or traverse. Show how it applies to turning in moguls.

To earn this merit badge doing CROSS-COUNTRY (TOUR) skiing a Scout must:

1. Tell the meaning of the "Wilderness Ethic." Explain why each skier must adopt this ethic.

2. 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.

3. Discuss hypothermia. Tell about symptoms and what action must be taken in the event of hypothermia.

4. Show your ability to select, use, and repair, if necessary, the correct equipment so you can ski tour in safety and comfort.

5. Demonstrate the basic principles of snowcraft, including avalanches.

6. Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing for cross-country ski touring.

7. Discuss the difference between ski touring, ski mountaineering, and alpine skiing.

8. Demonstrate four exercises that assist in keeping a person fit for tour skiing.

9. List items you would take on a 1-day ski-touring trip.

10. Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for a 1-day ski tour. Discuss how your clothing and equipment will be used correctly.

11. Demonstrate your ability to use properly a topographic map and compass.

12. Show a degree of stamina that will enable you to keep up with an average ski-touring group your age.

13. On a slope of 15 to 20 degrees, demonstrate:

(a) Straight run
(b) Sideslipping to right and left in a continuous straight path
(c) Kick turns to right and left
(d) Step turns to right and left
(e) Wedge turn and stop

14. On a cross-country trail, demonstrate:

(a) Good form and effective propulsion on the level
(b) Rhythm and glide on the level
(c) Ability to climb uphill

15. Demonstrate your ability, on a tour, to cope with an average variety of snow conditions.

16. Demonstrate several methods of controlling speed on a descent, including a ski pole "glissade." Explain how this technique is used when carrying a large pack on an icy, steep trail.