Req 7a — Downhill (Alpine) Skiing
7.
Option A—Downhill (Alpine) Skiing. Do ALL of the following: Note: Generally, a gentle slope will be a trail designated by a green circle, a slightly steeper slope will be a green circle or blue square trail, and an intermediate slope will be a blue square trail. However, your counselor should determine what type of hill is most suited to your skill level and allows you to demonstrate each of the required skills.
Downhill (Alpine) Skiing
You have chosen Alpine (downhill) skiing. Work through all ten requirements below in order. The first few are knowledge and demonstration requirements you can prepare for at home or at the ski shop; the rest are on-snow skills you will demonstrate with your counselor.
What You’ll Complete
- Req 7a1 — Wax, Bindings & DIN: Show how to wax skis, maintain release bindings, and explain the DIN standard.
- Req 7a2 — American Teaching System: Explain the ATS and a basic snowskiing progression.
- Req 7a3 — Types of Alpine Skis: Discuss different ski types and demonstrate two safe ways to carry skis and poles.
- Req 7a4 — Riding a Lift: Demonstrate one lift type and explain two others.
- Req 7a5 — Beginning Maneuvers: On a gentle slope, demonstrate straight run, gliding wedge, wedge stop, sidestep, and herringbone.
- Req 7a6 — Linked Wedge Turns: On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.
- Req 7a7 — Christies: On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to ten christies.
- Req 7a8 — Controlled Run: Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope.
- Req 7a9 — Varied Conditions: Ski in varied conditions — different pitch and snow types — while maintaining balance and turning ability.
- Req 7a10 — Major Ski Organizations: Name the major U.S. ski organizations and explain their functions.
Before You Head to the Slope
Requirements 7a1, 7a2, 7a3, and 7a10 can be researched and discussed before you get on snow. Use the official resources on each page to prepare your explanations. The on-snow requirements (7a4 through 7a9) progress from the gentlest terrain to intermediate — do not rush ahead.