Supervision

• For Grade 4-12, in-the-area supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• For Grades K-3, on-site supervision is recommended i.e., students stay in a group with supervisor.
• Suggested guidelines:
  • 1:8 ratio (Grades K-3) of certified instructors/supervisors to students.
  • 1:15 ratio (Grades 4-6) of certified instructors/supervisors to students.
  • 1:20 ratio (Grades 7-9) of certified instructors/supervisors to students.
  • 1:30 ratio (Grades 10-12) of certified instructors/supervisors to students.
• Teacher or supervisor from school should carry a mobile phone and leave the number with the ski school and ski patrol so they may be contacted in case of an incident.
• Teacher or supervisor should establish check-in times during the day for all students.
• Lifts and appropriate runs should be specified for each group.
• Supervisors’ duties should be clearly outlined, e.g., circulating to all areas that students are using for skiing and snowboarding.
• Teacher/instructor must postpone activity if there is an indication of inclement weather severe enough to put student safety at risk.

Terrain Park Supervision

• A certified instructor should be supervising the terrain park at all times. Terrain park should be closed to students when supervision by a certified instructor is not available.
• Instructor should have a CSIA Snow Park Certification or a CASI Park Instructor certification or a CFSA Club Coach certification. A regular CSIA certification plus in-house training for teaching in terrain parks is also acceptable.

Instructional Considerations

• Students should be informed of the ski area boundaries.
• Students should be familiar with and be instructed to follow the Alpine Responsibility Code (including lift procedures), slope ratings and the role of the ski patrol.
• Students should be taught the importance of skiing/snowboarding in control at all times.
• Students should be taught what to do if they or one of their fellow students is injured, i.e., assign someone to stay with injured student until ski patrol arrives, how to signal for help, how to contact ski patrol and how to contact teacher or supervisor.
• Long hair should be tied back or tucked in. Loose articles such as scarves, long hats, or toggles should be removed or tucked in.
• Students should be in groups of similar ability and must participate in a lesson.
• Students should ski in areas identified as appropriate by the ski instructor.
• Students should ski with others, preferably in groups of 3 or 4.
• Students should not engage in freestyle moves or jumping activities unless properly skilled and supervised in a terrain park.

Terrain Park Instructional Considerations

• Students should be instructed to read and follow all posted rules in the terrain park.
• Use of half-pipes, jumps larger than 1 m and inversion moves (flips) must not be permitted.
• Students should be introduced to basic skills related to safe participation in the terrain park. A progression-based teaching method should be used.
• Students should only use features that are identified as appropriate by a qualified instructor.
• Students should inspect all aspects of a feature before using it.
• Only one person should use a feature at a time. Instruct students to wait their turn. If view of the landing area is obscured, position a spotter to watch and indicate when a feature is clear to use.

Equipment/Facilities

• Bindings must meet with current approved guidelines, e.g., be in working order and set to the proper tension.
• Students must use boards, skis and poles of the proper length and in good condition.
• Boots and bindings must be thoroughly compatible.
• Students must wear approved ski/snowboard helmets when skiing or snowboarding.
• Only commercially operated ski facilities with suitable teaching areas (gentle slopes) should be used.

Terrain Park Equipment/Facilities

• Features must be inspected and maintained on a daily basis.
• Instructor should inspect features throughout the day for changing conditions. Features should be closed to students if they become unsafe.
• Take offs should be clearly marked with dye.