Introducing The Big 4
Written by Coach Charity Russell
Ski and snowboard coaches are trained just like any educational teacher. Powered by the guidelines that are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, snow safety is quickly turned into snow fun.
Check out this chart or the link above to get a better idea of what needs are met for your children during the teaching process on snow.
There is even more that goes into playing on snow with your kids than you may realize. Ski and snowboard coaches:
empower kids
increase awareness
grow confidence
teach skill
And so much more! To sum it up, I have come up with the BIG 4:
SAFETY. FUN. INCLUSION. HEALTH.
It takes ALL FOUR of these to have the best time possible. we couldn’t do all that we do on snow as ski and snowboard coaches without THE BIG 4!
SAFETY
Every day a child walks out the front door of their home, a parents biggest desire is that they are safe. Skiing and snowboarding is no different.
As with any sport, parents are expecting their ski or board coach to teach their children how to safely navigate the ski runs. This is where The Responsibility Code comes into play.
In 1962 the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) was formed, headquartering in New York. Then in 1966 NSAA established “Your Responsibility Code” as a code of ethics for all skiers on the mountain. Today, the code reflects not only skier safety, but snowboarder and lift safety as well. Following in 1989, the NSAA joined with Snowsports Industries America (SIA).
Know the code and live to ski or board another day!
FUN
Ski and board instructors are all about fun! In fact, we know that your child will respond better in ski or board lessons and retain more where snow play is happening.
Once a child feels safe, trust builds, play happens. Kids learn with all their might. All of their energy is thrown into each sensory input. Ski and board instructors work hard to keep them engaged because of this. When play and exploring happen, confidence is built, and safety is the brains behind it all.
And what a lot of fun there is to be had! If you happen to witness your child and instructor just playing in the snow, having a snowball fight, don’t jump to conclusions. Your child’s lesson is not going to waste. Trust is being built and snow play makes skiing and boarding fun for ALL ages.
Click here for more ideas to incorporate snow play at home so that your child wants to keep going on those ski and ride family vacations.
INCLUSION
By definition, inclusion is the “state of including or of being included within a group or structure”. This also refers to the “practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized”.
As with any other teaching job, ski and snowboard coaches have a big responsibility to include all of their students in snow play and learning. How do you know if the coach you hired is doing this?
Heres a list that all good teachers and coaches live by:
Looks the child in the eyes
Gets down on the child’s level
Doesn’t always talk above the child and only to the parent
Speaks the child’s learning language through laughter, play, jokes, antidotes, imagery
On time and prepared for the day
You will know you have hired the right ski or board coach for your child when they sense it is a safe space where they can be themselves, and they want to go back to play on the mountain.
HEALTH
When your kids are out in the elements, on snow learning, a new skill and building confidence, they are not only using a lot of muscles, they are using a lot of brain power as well.
An averaged sized adult burns 320 calories A DAY just thinking. Now imagine how many calories your growing child is burning while on the snow with their coach.
So, the next time you’re packing up for that family ski trip, remember it’s ok to indulge a little. Pack everyone’s favorite snacks TIMES 10!
Here are some helpful tips to make things quick and easy when it comes to Snacks 4 Snow:
have everyone write down their top 3 favorite snacks
buy in bulk
freeze in bulk
buy reusable baggies - Click Here
visit our Pinterest for more ideas
If you’re like we are and you’d like to understand more on how the brain and body work to burn those calories, then check this out from Health Line.
After all, we get it. Our number one job as coaches is teaching and caring 4 your kids. Coaching outdoor risk management and navigation with SAFETY, FUN, INCLUSION, and HEALTH is what we do best!
