Snow Sports Merit Badge (Boy Scouts)

• 1: Do the following:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
• 2.: Do the following:
  1. Explain why every snow sport participant should be prepared to render first aid in the event of an accident.
  2. Explain the procedure used to report an accident to the local ski patrol for the area where you usually ski, ride, or snowshoe.
• 3. : Explain the international trail-marking system.
• 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.
• 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.
• 6.: Do EACH of the following:
  1. Tell the meaning of the Your Responsibility Code for skiers and snowboarders. Explain why each rider must follow this code.
  2. Explain the Smart Style safety program. Tell why it is important and how it applies to skiers and snowboarders in terrain parks and pipes.
  3. Explain the precautions pertaining to avalanche safety, including the responsibility of individuals regarding avalanche safety.
  4. Tell the meaning of the Wilderness Use Policy. Explain why each skier and snowboarder must adopt this policy.
• 7.: Complete ALL of the requirements for ONE of the following options: downhill (Alpine) skiing OR cross-country (Nordic) OR snowboarding OR snowshoeing