Snow Motion Program A Volunteer’s Guide:

For Teaching Skiing & Snowboarding By Brian Godfrey, Greg Andrews & Barbrara Ann Cochran

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The RES Snow Motion Program at Cochran’s began during the 2013/2014 school year. The purpose behind the program is simple, to inspire kids to be active for life while making skiing and snowboarding accessible to all students at Richmond Elementary School. In the summer of 1998, Cochran’s Ski Area became a non-profit organization with a mission “to provide area youth and families with affordable skiing and snowboarding, lessons and race training, in the Cochran tradition.” Cochran’s is the nation’s first IRS 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt ski area. “No child will be denied the opportunity to ski or ride”. For more information about the Snow Motion Program contact Brian Godfrey at [email protected]

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This guide is meant to assist all Snow Motion volunteers in using common language and having similar teaching practices when working with first time skiers and snowboarders. High quality instruction is an essential part of giving first time skiers and riders a positive experience on the slopes. The students participating in the Snow Motion Program will have a vast spectrum of ability levels. Many will have no prior experience skiing or snowboarding and this will be their first time on the slopes. This guide will give parent volunteers a brief overview of the progression of skills that should be taught to beginner skiers & snowboarders as recommended by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) I would like to give a big thank you to Otie Filkorn and Sara Lane for all that they have done as founding members of the Snow Motion Program. Thank you to Barbara Ann Cochran for sharing your passion of skiing with the kids of Richmond. Also for supporting our efforts of making skiing and snowboarding accessible to all of the young scholars at Richmond Elementary School. Lastly a big thank you to Jeff Boliba from Burton Snowboards and Greg Andrews for all that they have done to promote snowboarding at RES. Burton has donated thousands of dollars of snowboard equipment to RES. We thank you for your partnership! Greg Andrews is an amazing snowboard instructor who has given me tremendous insight on how to best create this guide. Thank you Greg for your assistance and for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for your support and sharing in my mission to inspire kids to be active for life. Brian Godfrey P.E. Teacher Richmond Elementary School 4

Common Sense, it’s one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) believes education, helmet use, respect and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. NSAA developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and boarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snowsports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Seven Points to Your Responsibility Code 1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. 2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. 3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above. 4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. 5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. 6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. 7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. 5

Section One: Learn To Ski 8 Equipment 10 Boot Camp 12 Sidestepping 14 Handle Tow Lift & Magic Carpet Lift 16 Stopping 18 Wedge Turns 20 Reading the Terrain 22 Parallel Turns

Section Two: Learn To Snowboard 26 Equipment 28 Stance & Balance

Learn To Ski

30 Staking & Gliding 32 Sidestepping 34 Straight Runs 36 Strapping In 38 J-Turns 40 Handle Tow Lift & Magic Carpet Lift 42 Garlands 44 Traversing & Side Slipping 46 Basic Linked Turns

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Equipment

One of our goals of the Snow Motion Program is to teach students to be able to ride safely and independently down the slopes. In order for them to be independent, they must first be able to get into their equipment without help. This might be a challenge for some in the beginning but just like many things in life it will take some practice.

How to put on skis Ski binding consists of two parts: the toe part and the heel part. When students are learning to put their boots into their bindings for the first time, remind them that their toe goes first. Some helpful hints are to make sure all the snow is cleaned out of their bindings and from the bottom of their boots. Most students will need a shoulder to lean on or a helpful hand to assist with balance.

Equipment Parts of a Ski Tip- Top of ski Tail- Bottom of ski Boot-Footwear that links body and skis. Binding- Device that connects boot to ski Tail

Tip

Boot Tip

Binding

Carry skis over your shoulder for safe transportation from lodge to lift.

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Boot Camp

Mastering the fundamental movements of skiing is essential in developing proper skiing mechanics. Developing proper movement patterns early on will help with muscle memory and will teach the students how to ski, fall, stop and turn safely. Boot camp teaches beginner skiers first in boots, and progress to one ski ,and finally to two skis before hitting the slopes.

Checklist __ Independently put on own skis __ Lift leg, tip, and tail

How to Fall Safely

Games Follow the leader Simon Says Duck-duck-goose

__ Walk and glide on one ski

Before students begin taking runs down the mountain they first must know how to fall safely. Always fall Uphill and avoid using your hand to brace your fall. Students should make an imaginary circle on their hip and practice falling uphill. To get up point your skis across the hill, press your downhill edge into the snow and walk your hands toward the tip of your skis.

__ Demonstrate difference between Duck & Pizza stance __Skate and glide on two skis __ Know difference between uphill, downhill, and across the hill

Skating & Gliding This is exactly what it sounds like. Just as in ice skating, we will learn how to move on skis using the skating technique . Students can begin by walking on one ski. When ready have them progress to skating on two skis. Have them push off on the inside edge of the ski and then onto the other to move forward. The skis should form a V when skating and is also called a Duck Walk. Once they get the hang of skating, practice gliding so they can practice moving with some forward momentum.

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Boot Camp Skills

__ Demonstrate safe falling with stop signs up

Tip Hold hands up like stop signs when falling to avoid injuring wrist.

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Sidestepping

Sidestepping is helpful skill in learning how to climb up hills. Before we can learn how to ski down a hill, we first must learn how to get up a hill. An easy way for students to learn how to get up hill is by taking small side steps.

How to Sidestep

Sidestepping Skills Checklist __Fall uphill and getup with skis across hill __Sidestep uphill and downhill 5 steps

Games Hokey Pokey Simon Says What time is it Mr. Fox

__Perform 360 turn while on a hill

Have students begin by putting skis sideways across the hill. Next students should take small side steps with their uphill ski. Emphasize to them that their steps should be small and that they can place their downhill ski on its inside edge to prevent from sliding down the hill.

Tip Make sure that your skis are parallel across the hill. .

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Handle Tow Lift

Once a beginner skier demonstrates control on flat ground, they then progress to skiing down a beginner hill. Many ski areas have either a handle tow lift or a magic carpet for easy access to the slopes. The steps listed below are for a handle tow lift that is accessed from the right hip side.

Keys to using Handle Tow Lift * Begin by pointing walking over to loading area. * Point skis uphill. * Sidestep so that right hip is as close to the wire as possible.

Magic Carpet Lift Many ski areas today make learning to ride easier by providing a lift called a magic carpet. This lift resembles a conveyor belt and allows the user easier access on and off the lift then the handle tow lift.

Using the Magic Capet Lift

When lining-up to use the magic carpet lift, have your student point their skis up the hill. Have them skate forward until the carpet grabs their skis and begins to pull them up the hill. When exiting the magic carpet, allow the lift to push you into the unloading area.

* Get into athletic stance. * Look over right shoulder. * Grab handle while it’s slightly behind you. * Once taking hold of handle, extend arms and lean back. * If you fall let go and move away from wire so other riders can go past you and ski down the hill.

Magic Capet Tips * Point skis uphill * Let magic carpet pull you up the hill * Allow carpet to push you into unloading area

* When getting off Mighty Mite, pivot with downhill ski and slide away from lift.

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Stopping

One of the most important skills to learn when skiing is how to stop. Students will use the snowplow/wedge/pizza position to control their speed. Another way to stop is to fall uphill onto your hip. In order to control their stopping speed, students will learn to use different sized pizza wedges. The bigger the pizza, the harder the stop.

How stop using Pizza A classic beginner position, the snowplow also is called the wedge, or pizza. In this position, the front tips of the skis are kept closer together than the back ends of the skis, creating a “V” shape, like the shape of a pizza slice. Remind students to not let their skis cross each other and to maintain an athletic stance. Encourage students to push into the inside edges of the skis for more control: knees come together, heels out, boots and skis rolled inward.

Stopping Skills Checklist __ Keep head up while stopping __ Big pizza to complete stop

Games Red Light Green Light Eye Spy Follow the Leader

__ Small pizza while controlling speed __ Combination of big and small pizza __ Able to demonstrate control of speed from variety of pitches.

Tip Always master stopping from the lowest cone before progressing upward.

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Wedge Turns

Now that we have learned how to control our speed using the pizza wedge, it’s time to introduce students to turning. Turning is the smoothest way to control speed while going down a hill. Students will begin in the pizza position and apply subtle amounts of pressure to their skis to make wide wedge turns.

Traversing Our goal is to give students the skills and confidence to ski safely. Traversing allows students to control their speed by learning to ski across the hill rather than straight down it. Begin with skis across the hill. Get into the pizza wedge position and begin skiing at a slight angle across the hill. Once across the hill, pivot the opposite direction and repeat until you reach the bottom.

How to Wedge Turn * Begin in Pizza position. * Traverse across the hill (slightly downward). * Make airplane arms * Lean on your downhill ski. * As you begin a new turn, your uphill arm should point toward the ground. * When turning right, the left arm is pointed uphill, and left turns the right arm is pointed uphill * Complete turn and traverse the opposite direction.

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Wedge Turn Skills Checklist __ Ski straight downhill in a wedge __ Ski straight downhill in a wedge while controlling speed and making a stop in middle of hill.

Games Follow the leader Eye Spy How many turns Red Light Green Light

__ Traverse across the hill in a wedge __ Wedge turn going right, left arm pointed down through the turn __ Wedge turn going left, right arm pointed down through the turn. __ Link wedge turns with traverse

Tip Keep your head up and your eyes looking ahead of you.

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Reading the Terrain

After students are able to demonstrate control with wedge turns, the next step is for a skier to be able to read changes in terrain independently. Being able to independently assess the terrain on the slopes is essential for being able to navigate their own course down the hill while under control.

Skiing Independently Changes in terrain occur often when skiing. For example the pitch can change from flat to steep, which will require the skier to adjust in order to control their speed. Another change might occur such as bumps, ice, or unevenness of the surface of the snow. Skiers must also be able to identify changes in the slope such as a side hill. Finally, when skiing independently, a skier must keep an eye out for obstacles such as fences, trees, lifts, rocks, and other skiers. Skiing is a fun lifetime sport. In order to make skiing enjoyable for everyone make sure to follow the skiers responsibility code found in the beginning of this manual.

Reading the Terrain Skills Checklist __ Controlled wedge stop on various pitches __Wide and tight wedge turns

Games Follow the leader Eyes spy

__ Ski independently while linking wedge turns __ Ski with head up and eyes looking forward __ Be able to read terrain by traversing across a hill that goes from flat to steep.

Tip Have fun and stay warm. Keep practicing the basics

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Parallel Turns

One of the most challenging things for students to do is transition from wedge turns to parallel turns. While it may be scary, the best way to progress is to allow a skier to do so when ready. When transitioning from wedge turns to parallel turns skiers must have control and ski with confidence. As soon as their comfortable with wedge turns, have them start making their wedge smaller until their skis become parallel.

How to Parallel Turn The basic premise of parallel turning is that both skis should remain straight and at a fixed distance apart throughout all phases of the turn. As students become comfortable with their wedge turns have them begin to make tighter wedge turns and practice balancing on their downhill ski through the turn. The next step is to go back to wide turns and gradually make pizza smaller and smaller until skis become parallel. Practice shifting weight and balancing on downhill ski during turn. Wider turns will be easier at first and gradually tighten turns.

Parallel Turn Skills Checklist __ Traverse parallel across the hill, turn using a wedge turn __ Continue traversing parallel across the hill while making smaller wedge turns

Games Follow the leader Eye Spy How many turns Red Light Green Light

__ On fairly flat terrain ski parallel while shifting weight from ski to ski __ Link parallel turns

Tip

Completing a parallel turn too slowly will make it much harder to control,

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Smart Style

Learn to Snowboard

The National Ski Areas Association and Burton Snowboards have developed the “Smart Style” Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain resorts, while also delivering a unified message that is clear, concise, and effective. The Snow Motions mission is to provide a positive and safe experience skiing and boarding while making skiing & snowboarding accessible to all students . The Smart Style video along with the TerrainParkSafety.org work together to emphasize the importance of safety in terrain parks across the country. Please visit the www.TerrainParkSafety.org for a comprehensive look at the Smart Style program.

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Equipment

One goal of our Snow Motion Program is to teach students to ride safely and independently down the slopes. In order for them to be independent, they must be able to get in and out of their gear without help. This may be a challenge for some at first, but it will become easier with practice and repetition.

Strapping In Strapping in to a snowboard for the first time is best done while sitting down. Begin by placing the front foot, heel first, into the front binding. Each student will have a different preference of whether their left or right foot is the lead. Leave it up to the student to decide if they prefer riding regular (left foot forward) or goofy footed (right foot forward). Once their foot is in the binding, you can fasten the straps over the boot until they are snug

Riglet Reel For boards equipped with the Riglet Reel, you can utilize this tool in two ways. You can use the Riglet Reel to gently pull students around flat terrain and over/around small obstacles. You can also shorten the length of the rope and use the reel as a handhold for the student.

Equipment Parts of a Snowboard Nose/Tail- Front and back of board Toeside/Heelside- Edges of board Boot-Footwear that links body and board Binding- Device that connects boot to board

Nose

Heelside

Boot Binding Toeside

Tail

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Stance & Balance

Stance is the foundation of snowboarding. Developing a proper stance from the beginning is crucial to the instruction process. It will help with muscle memory and set the rider up to safely and successfully learn new snowboarding movements. In the beginning stages the rider will also develop their sense of balance over different parts of the board.

Athletic Stance

Stance & Balance Skills Checklist __ Balance on both feet

Games Simon Says

__ Shift body weight from foot to foot

A proper snowboarding stance should begin with the feet about a shoulder width apart (adjustments to stance width can be made by adjusting the bindings). The knees should be slightly bent with the upper body held upright. The rider should be evenly centered over both feet. Students should have their shoulders in-line with their boards with their heads turned toward their front shoulder to look where they are going. This athletic stance is the foundation for the movements to come.

__ Show athletic stance __ Stand tall and small __ Shift body weight onto toes and heels __ Hop __ Safe sitting __ Standing up via toeside and or heelside

Balance In order to develop a sense of balance on the board practice balancing on both feet. Then place body weight onto front foot and then practice shifting body weight to back foot. Next the rider can lean forward onto their toes and back onto their heels

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Tip Jump into the air and land in an athletic stance. This will be your snowboard stance.

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Skating & Gliding

Now that we have our gear on, students need to learn how to navigate safely on flat ground. Skating and gliding are easy ways to move around the base area, load and unload from the lift, and move through other flat parts of the mountain.

Skating Learning to skate on a snowboard can be a bit awkward at first. Students will have their front foot strapped in to their snowboard, and will propel themselves with their back foot. Instruct your students to push themselves along with their back foot using small steps at first. They should balance on their front foot, and use their back foot just to push. Have them try to skate with their back foot both in front of, and behind, their snowboard. Have them choose which orientation is most comfortable for them. Practice Skating in different directions, keeping the nose of the board pointed in the direction of movement.

Gliding Gliding is as simple as placing the back foot on the snowboard. The foot should be pressed against the inside of the back binding with the student standing in the athletic position. To slow down from the glide, simply drag the back foot until stopped.

Skating & Gliding Skills Checklist __ Push with back foot __ Push with back foot in front of the board and in back of the board

Games Follow the leader Duck-duck-goose Fewest pushes race Gliding contest

__ Decide which is most comfortable and demonstrate proper pushing technique __ Balance over front foot __ Push and step on the board __ Multiple pushes then step on the board to glide

*Don’t let your back foot get too far away from the back binding to avoid losing your balance.

Tip If students are having trouble skating in a straight line, have them tilt their board on edge

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Sidestepping

Sidestepping is a helpful skill for climbing up hills on your snowboard. Before your students are ready to use the lifts, they will climb up the hill by taking small side-steps.

Sidestepping Skills Checklist __Sidestep forward and backward on flat ground

Games Red Light Green Light What time is it Mr. Fox

__ Sidestep uphill and downhill

How to Sidestep Begin this exercise by having your students face uphill with their boards pointed across the hill. The back foot should be uphill of the snowboard on the toeside edge. With the snowboard on its edge, have your students take a step uphill with their back foot. Follow this step by bringing the snowboard up to the front foot digging the toeside edge into the snow once more. Continue this process to climb up the hill.

__ Step over the board and pivot so that board is pointing downhill

*Make sure the snowboard is lifted completely off the snow, and re-set across the hill each step to avoid sliding back down the hill.

Tip Dig edge of the snowboard into snow for traction.

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Straight Runs

Now that the students have climbed up the hill with the side-step maneuver, it is time to take some straight runs. A straight run will show the kids what it feels like to slide on a snowboard. For beginners, straight runs should start only a few feet up the hill to keep your students moving slowly at first.

Checklist (One Foot Strapped In)

__ Straight run into a terrain/natural stop __ Straight run and slow down with back foot

Learning to Ride

__ Straight run from a variety of different pitches

It will be helpful for your students to take their first few straight runs with only their front foot strapped in. With their back foot off the snowboard, have the students begin by pointing the board down the hill. Emphasize looking around for safety and for a clear path. Have them place their back foot on the board next to the back binding and stand in an athletic stance. Students will glide down the hill and stop naturally due to the terrain, or will stop by dragging their back foot in the snow. Once this is mastered try with both feet strapped in.

Straight Runs Skills Games Balance front, center, back Eye spy Ride tall & small Turtle race

Checklist (Two Feet Strapped In)

__ Review strapping in, one foot vs two foot riding __ Straight run into terrain/natural stop

Keys to Successful Straight Run * Make sure your students are looking where they are going! * Start slow and gradually work your way up to build their confidence

__ Straight run from a variety of different low angle pitches

Tip Begin with one foot strapped in before progressing to two feet.

* Keep the upper body still for this exercise

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Strapping In

Strapping In Skills

One Foot vs Two Foot Riding

Once your students have taken a few straight runs one footed have them sit down and strap in their back foot. Do this in a flat area and use this as an opportunity to learn how to stand up. Try standing up on the heelside edge, and on the toeside edge. Once they have figured out how to stand up, have them begin taking straight runs with both feet strapped into the board. Resume a balanced and athletic stance while riding. Riders should practice completing their straight run to a terrain/natural stop.

Checklist __ Strap in independently __Stand up via toeside or heelside plus balance on uphill edge

Games Turtle race Eye spy

__Twist front of the board independently __ Complete checklist from two feet strapped in on previous page

Strapping in Both Feet Once students have familiarized themselves with riding with one foot strapped in, have them repeat straight runs with both feet strapped in.

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Tip Keep your knees bent ,while standing tall, and your eyes looking forward.

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J-Turns

Heelside & Toeside

J-turns will be your students first look at direction change and speed control. The first few J-turns will be done with one foot strapped in, and in the same area as the straight runs. Students should practice their J-turns on both their heelside edge, and toeside edge before moving on.

How to J-Turn A J-turn Starts with a straight glide down the hill. Once the board is in motion your student will twist the front of the board with their feet and ankles to get the board to turn across the hill and eventually up the hill to a stop. The resulting track in the snow will look similar to a J. To do a Toeside J-turn, press the lead toe down into the snow and lever the ankle forward to press against the ankle-strap. The lead heel should come out of the snow a little. Riding in an athletic stance, maintain this toe edge pressure through the turn until the board comes across the hill to a stop. A heelside J-turn is made through pressing the heel edge into the snow. Keeping the knees bent, lift the toe-strap upwards with the foot by closing the ankle joint. The toe edge under the front foot should lift a little. Again hold this pressure through the turn until the board comes across the hill to a stop.

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J-Turns Checklist

Checklist __ Twist and hold the board with lead foot __ While in a straight run make a J in the snow __ Make a J heelside and toeside

Games Big J/ Little J Red Light Green Light How many turns can you do Electric Eels High 5 low 5

__ Complete a J-Turn without spinning out __ Make a J-Turn from a variety of different pitches to slow down/ change direction

Tip Make sure to look where your going and not at your feet.

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Handle Tow Lift

Once a rider feels comfortable making J-turns and demonstrates control, they can start using the handle tow lift. The handle tow lift can be very difficult for beginner riders and should be done with only front foot strapped in.

Using the Handle Tow Lift

When lining-up to use the handle tow lift, have your student get close to the line with their snowboard pointed up the hill. Have them look for the handle moving towards them. Once the handle has reached them, the student should skate uphill for one or two pushes with their front hand on the handle. The act of moving forward with the handle keeps the student from being pulled over. The back foot is then placed on the board next to the back binding, and the back hand is placed on the rope behind them. This will keep the shoulders in-line with the board and the tow line.

Practice Before Using Lift __ This whole process can be, and should be, practiced away from the handle tow first. Walk past your students having them skate with you. Have them grab your hand with just their front hand and give them a short pull uphill to get the feeling of the handle tow. __ If the student happens to fall, have them let go of the rope and move away quickly so the handle doesn’t catch them.

Magic Carpet Many ski areas today make learning to ride easier by providing a lift called a magic carpet. This lift resembles a conveyor belt and allows the user easier access on and off the lift then the handle tow lift.

Using the Magic Capet Lift

When lining-up to use the magic carpet lift, have your student point their snowboard up the hill with only their front foot strapped in. Have them skate forward until the carpet grabs their board and begins to pull them up the hill. When exiting the magic carpet, allow the lift to push you into the unloading area.

Magic Capet Tips * Use one footed * Point board uphill * Let magic carpet pull you up the hill * Allow carpet to push you into unloading area

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Garlands

A garland is made up of a chain of turns on the same edge. There are heelside garlands and toeside garlands. You start by letting the board down the hill from a stopped position. Once the board is down the hill the student turns the board across the hill like a J-turn. After the board has come to a near stop, the process is repeated on the same edge. The track left by the snowboard will look like garlands, or waves.

How to Garland

Tips __ It will take repetition and comfort to let the board all the way down the hill. Have your students move at their own pace. Slow is okay! __ Have your students do heelside garlands all the way across the hill to the other side. When the run out of room they should sit down, roll over, and stand up on their new edge. Have them work to the other side of the hill with their toeside garlands. __ Be sure your students have mastered this exercise before moving on.

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A Garland can be started from a stopped position with the board across the hill. The downhill edge should be raised slightly to keep the student from moving. The front foot should slowly press down the hill to get the board to move downhill. Once the board is moving, the front foot starts to lift back up causing the board to turn back across the hill. Once across the hill the student can then sideslip to a stop and repeat the process. This should be practiced on the toeside and the heelside edge. This exercise builds control and shows the students how to let the board down the hill from a stopped position.

Garlands Skills Checklist __Link two J-turns together __ Perform above skill both heelside and toeside

Games Follow the leader Red Light Green Light Ride in the track Eye spy

__ Control speed through garland so board doesn’t spin out __ Link more than two J-turns together __ Perform garlands on a variety of terrains

Tip Garlands are a series of linked J-Turns and are a great way to control spped

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Traversing & Side Slipping Skills

Traversing & Side Slipping

Learning to traverse and side slip is important for new snowboarders. These skills will help students control their speed through turns on difficult terrain. Both the traverse and the side slip are useful tools for speed control, and the proper blending of the two will be useful in your students 1st skidded turns.

How to Side slip

How to Traverse

Gently lower the edge angle to slide, and raise the edge angle to slow down. It is important to keep the hips forward, and upper body held upright, to have control on the toeside edge.

A traverse is when the board is riding on the edge across the hill. By doing this the rider reduces speed by keeping the board out of the fall line.

Using both of their ankles together, have them lower the edge angle. The board should slide down the hill. Have them slowly raise the edge angle to slow down and stop. The back heel can drag in the snow at first to slow the board down.

Checklist __ Side slip heelside __ Side slip toside __Traverse going both directions

Games Follow the leader Magic eraser Who can turn the most Traverse race

__ Traverse from different pitches

Sometimes if the edge angle is too low, the board won’t hold its edge and will begin to slip. Resulting in a side slip.

Tip Keep your knees bent ,while standing tall, and your eyes looking forward.

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Basic Linked Turns

Your students have mastered a lot of different skills which all build up to this final achievement. These basic linked turns are made up of alternating garlands. Have your student let the board down the hill then make a heelside turn to slow down. Then let the board down the hill and turn toward the toeside to slow down. Continue this process until the turns become smooth and controlled. Make sure the board points all the way down the hill before making the next turn. Once the turns become smooth and controlled, the students can start to travel higher up the rope tow to get a longer run.

Basic Linked Turns Skills Checklist __ Is body relaxed and balanced __ Able to turn toeside and heelside __ Are turns smooth

Games Follow the leader Relay race Who can turn the most Powder turns

__ Controlling speed while turning

Tip Keep good balance an alignment by keeping arms at your side and shoulders parallel to board.

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Games • Follow the leader- Select a leader to lead the small group down the hill. • Simon Says- Simon instructs the group to perform different movements (ie snowboard stance, stand on one ski, etc • Duck-duck-goose- Same way you would normally play. • Hokey Pokey- Students perform the Hockey pokey while in skies on a side hill. • What time is it Mr. Fox- Instructor is the Fox, students say what time is it Mr. Fox. Fox says a time (two o’clock). Student take that many steps. When the Fox says lunch time, students glide back to safe starting point. • Red Light Green Light- Instructor calls out “green light” to get group to start, then “red light” to stop. • Eye Spy- Focus on keeping head up • How many turns- How many turns can be made during a run. • Fewest pushes race- Go from point “A” to point “B” with fewest pushes. • Gliding contest- Who can glide the farthest/fastest. • Balance front, center, back- Practice balancing on front foot, center, and on back foot. • Ride tall & small- Stand up straight and then bend knees to make body small. • Turtle race- How slow can you get down the hill. • Big J/ Little J- Make big j-turns and small j-turns during run. • Electric Eels- Lay poles in snow to guide students through a turn. Tell students poles are electric eels, and if they stray off course they get zapped. • High 5 low 5- Students “high- 5” during straight run and “low- 5” as they turn. • Ride in the track- Students follow in the instructor’s tracks as the group traverses across the hill. • Magic eraser- Instructor plays the evil graffiti villain, and puts X’s in the snow. The students must ride over the X’s and scrub them out with their magic snowboard erasers. • Traverse race- Traverse with a partner down the hill • Powder turns- How much power can be made during a turn.

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