Req 7 — Pick Your Snow Sport
You have completed the safety, first aid, fitness, and equipment requirements that every snow sport participant needs. Now it is time to go deep on one specific discipline. Choose the option that best fits your access, interests, and skill level.
Your Options
Req 7a — Downhill (Alpine) Skiing: Demonstrate ski maintenance (waxing, bindings, DIN), the American Teaching System, lift riding, and a full progression of skills from beginner wedge maneuvers through christies and a controlled run on intermediate terrain.
Req 7b — Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing: Select and maintain Nordic equipment, understand trail rules and ski styles, plan a one-day tour, navigate with map and compass, and complete a 4-mile tour demonstrating propulsion technique and steep-terrain skills.
Req 7c — Snowboarding: Know fall technique and injury prevention, select and maintain snowboard equipment, ride lifts, wax your board, and complete a skills progression through an ollie, nose-end grab, wheelie, and a controlled run on intermediate terrain.
Req 7d — Snowshoeing: Name snowshoe parts, select the right size, understand types and terrain, care for your equipment, plan a day hike, navigate with map and compass, and complete a 2-mile hike demonstrating uphill, downhill, and traversing technique.
How to Choose
Choose Alpine Skiing (7a) if you have access to a ski resort with chairlifts and groomed runs, and you want to develop the most widely recognized ski skills.
Choose Nordic Skiing (7b) if you are interested in backcountry travel, have access to cross-country trails, or want a snow sport that combines fitness with navigation. Note: 7b has 11 sub-requirements and you must complete 10 of them.
Choose Snowboarding (7c) if you already skateboard or surf, prefer a single-board feel, or are drawn to freestyle terrain. Note: 7c also has 11 sub-requirements with a minimum of 10 required.
Choose Snowshoeing (7d) if you want the most accessible option — snowshoeing requires no special technique to start and can be done anywhere there is snow. It is also ideal if ski resort access is limited.