Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

To earn this merit badge doing downhill (Alpine) skiing a Scout must:

1. Tell the meaning of the Skier's Responsibility Code. Explain why it is important to follow this code.
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 maintain your own release bindings and explain the use of two others. Explain the international DIN standard and what it means to skiers.
4. Explain the American Teaching Method and a basic snow-skiing progression.
5. Explain and discuss the following:
   1. Five types of Alpine skis
   2. Telemark skis
   3. Snowboards
6. Name the five major ski organizations in the U.S. and explain their functions.
7. Explain the parts played by strength, endurance, and flexibility in Alpine skiing. Demonstrate exercises and activities you can do to get fit for skiing.
8. Do the following:
   1. Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for Alpine skiing. Discuss how the clothing you have chosen will keep you warm.
   2. Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles safely and easily.
9. Demonstrate how to ride one kind of ski lift and explain how to ride two others.
10. Explain the international trail marking system.
11. 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.
12. On a slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.
13. On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to ten christies.
14. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the following:
    1. Short-, medium-, and long-radius parallel turns
    2. A side-slip and safety (hockey) stop to each side
    3. Traverse across a slope
15. Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions, including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.

1. Tell the meaning of the Wilderness Use Policy. Explain why each skier must adopt this policy.
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 for ski touring in safety and comfort.
5. Discuss the basic principles of snow craft, including avalanches.
6. Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing for cross-country ski touring.
7. Discuss the differences between cross-country skiing, ski touring, ski mountaineering, and Alpine skiing.
8. Explain the parts played by strength, endurance, and flexibility in Nordic skiing. Demonstrate exercises and activities you can do to get fit for skiing.
9. List items you would take on a one-day ski tour.
10. Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for a one-day ski tour. Discuss the correct use of your clothing and equipment.
11. Demonstrate the proper use of 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 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.
14. On a cross-country trail, demonstrate effective propulsion by showing proper weight transfer from ski to ski, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.
15. Demonstrate your ability, on a tour, to cope with an average variety of snow conditions.
16. 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."

BSA Advancement ID#: 104
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1994

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