The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 1

Articles In This Section:

· The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 1

· The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 2

· The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 3

· The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 4

· The Ski-Mountaineering Test - part 5

The ski-mountaineering test is a measure of the ability required for safe ski mountaineering. This manual comprises as much of the technique of the art as can be briefly explained by the printed page. To indicate the parts of the technique which are most important to requirements of the test, the test itself, and the suggested interpretation, are given here. They may serve as an informal examination on the manual for those who have no opportunity to take a formal test. It is suggested that the parts of a formal test not be taken too soon after instruction. For it is not the purpose of the test, or of its detailed interpretation, to encourage memorizing. It is intended, rather, to bring out the resourcefulness and to weigh the judgment inherent in every skier, and vital to the meeting of frequent challenges to ingenuity that ski mountaineering so happily provides.

The formal wording of each test part is below in italics, and is followed by explanation of the aspects which require emphasis. Chapter references are in parentheses.

The candidate must prove to the satisfaction of the judges that he has: (1) Passed the third-class test (3, 6).

The purpose of this test is to stimulate and measure the ordinary touring ability every skier should be ambitious to attain in order to enjoy all-day tours over mountain terrain. Fluency, assurance, steadiness are required, rather than speed. The demonstrations required are:

a) Four linked stem turns on a slope of 15-20°, de pending on snow conditions, executed slowly under com plete control and separated by traverses with skis parallel, upper ski leading.

b) A right and left christiania to a standstill from a direct descent, starting the turns at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour. Stem, open, or pure christianias may be used; inside ski must not be lifted.

(Parts a and b may be on either hard or soft snow, but must be on such character of surface and must be executed with such stability and assurance that they indicate clearly an ability to execute these turns on either hard or soft snow. Judges may require execution on both types of snow.)

c) Sideslipping to right and to left down a smooth slope, traveling far enough in each direction to demon strate control of sideslip and speed by edging and weight shifting.

d) Kick-turns to right and left, both uphill and down hill, on a slope of at least 30°.