Scouting/BSA/Snow Sports Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Requirement 1

Do the following:

A. Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter while participating in snow sport activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

B. Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in snow sports, including hypothermia, frostbite, shock, dehydration, sunburn, fractures, bruises, sprains, and strains. Tell how to apply splints.

Requirement 2

Do the following:

A. Explain why every snow sport participant should he prepared to render first aid in the event of an accident.

B. Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local ski patrol for the area where you usually ski, ride, or snowshoe.

Requirement 3

Explain the international trail-marking system.

Requirement 4

Discuss the importance of strength, endurance, and flexibility in snow sports. Demonstrate exercises and activities you can do to get fit for the option you choose in requirement 7.

Requirement 5

Present yourself properly clothed and equipped for the option you choose in requirement 7. Discuss how the clothing you have chosen will help keep you warm and protected.

Requirement 6

Do EACH of the following:

A. Tell the meaning of the Your Responsibility Code for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. Explain why each rider must follow this code.

B. Explain the Smart Style safety program. Tell why it is important and how it applies to participants at snow sport venues like terrain parks and pipes.

C. Explain the precautions pertaining to avalanche safety, including the responsibility of individuals regarding avalanche safety.

D. Tell the meaning of the Wilderness Use Policy. Explain why each skier and snowboarder must adopt this policy.

Requirement 7

Complete ALL of the requirements for ONE of the following options: downhill (Alpine) skiing OR cross-country (Nordic) OR snowboarding OR snowshoeing.

Downhill (Alpine) Skiing Option

A. 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.

B. Explain the American Teaching System and a basic snow-skiing progression.

C. Discuss the five types of Alpine skis. Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles safely and easily.

D. Demonstrate how to ride one kind of lift and explain how to ride two others.

E. On a gentle slope, demonstrate some of the beginning maneuvers learned in skiing. Include the straight run, gliding wedge, wedge stop, sidestep, and herringbone maneuvers.

F. On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.

G. On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to 10 christies.

H. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the following:

1. Short-, medium-, and long-radius parallel turns

2. A sideslip and safety (hockey) stop to each side

3. Traverse across a slope

I. Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions, including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.

J. Name the major ski organizations in the United States and explain their functions.

Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing Option

A. Show your ability to select, use, and repair, if necessary, the correct equipment for ski touring in safety and comfort.

B. Discuss classical and telemark skis. Demonstrate two ways to carry skis and poles safely and easily.

C. Discuss the basic principles of waxing for cross-country ski touring.

D. Discuss the differences between cross-country skiing, ski touring, ski mountaineering, and downhill skiing.

E. List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.

F. Demonstrate the proper use of a topographic map and compass.

G. 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.

H. On a cross-country trial, demonstrate effective propulsion by showing proper weight transfer form ski to ski, pole timing, rhythm, flow, and glide.

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

J. Demonstrate several methods of dealing with steep hills or difficult conditions. Include traverses and kick turns going uphill and downhill, sidesteps, pole drag, and ski-pole "glissade."

Snowboarding Option

A. Discuss forward-fall injuries.

B. Show your ability to select the correct equipment for snowboarding and to use it for safety and comfort.

C. Show how to use and maintain your own bindings, and explain the use of the different binding methods. Explain the need for leashes.

D. Discuss the four types of snowboards. Demonstrate how to carry a snow-board easily and safely.

E. Demonstrate how to ride one kind of lift and explain how to ride two others.

F. Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing a snowboard.

G. Do the following:

1. On a gentle slope, demonstrate beginning snowboarding maneuvers. Show basic ways to control speed and direction. Include the side slipping maneuver.

2. On slightly steeper terrain, show traversing.

H. On a moderate slope, demonstrate an ollie, a nose-end grab, and a wheelie.

I. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the following:

1. Skidded, carved, and jump turns

2. Stops

3. Riding fakie

J. Demonstrate your ability to ride in varied conditions, including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.

k. Name the major snowboarding organizations in the United States and explain their functions.

Snowshoeing Option

A. Name the parts of a snowshoe.

B. Explain how to choose the correct size of snowshoe.

C. Describe the different types of snowshoes and their specialized uses. Discuss factors to consider when choosing a snowshoe.

D. Explain how to properly care for and maintain snowshoes.

E. Describe how to make an emergency snowshoe.

F. Describe areas that are best for snowshoeing. Discuss some advantages and dangers of backcountry snowshoeing.

G. Discuss the benefits of snowshoeing.

H. Demonstrate the most efficient ways to break trail, climb uphill, travel downhill and traverse a slope.

I. Take a two-mile snowshoe hike with a buddy or your troop.

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

External links

• Snow Sports Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.