| Lesson Class Teaching Ratio | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Group | Ski Beginning | Ski Experience | Snowboard Experience | Snowboard Experience |
| 3 yrs - Supervised Terrain Area | 3:1 | 3:1 | N/A | N/A |
| 4-5 yrs | 5:1 | 6:1 | N/A | N/A |
| 6-8 yrs & 9-14 yrs | 8:1 | 10:1 | 6:1 | 8:1 |
| 15 yrs+ | 8:1 | 10:1 | 6:1 | 8:1 |
| 9-14 & 15 yrs+ - Specialty Programs | N/A | 10:1 | N/A | 10:1 |
Program ratios may be altered as necessary. Group lesson ratios are subject to change at the discretion of the program supervisor. We will ensure lesson quality and progression and will attempt, where possible, to manage group lessons to the set ratios.
To ensure you register in the correct level use the program structure below. By looking at the Current Ability column you can figure out what level suits your present skill. For assistance with this call an Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Representative at 416-395-7931. You can also view the Goals to Complete Level which will give you an idea of what skills will be worked on and what you need to achieve in order to pass the level.
| Terrain Garden Program (3-5 yrs) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| This exciting method of teaching allows preschoolers to learn how to ski in a fun and safe environment. Games and different activities are used to develop the important motor skills and balance required for good ski technique. Part of this program takes place indoors. Ensure your child is dressed warmly with appropriate ski socks. | |||
| Step | Age | Current Ability | Goals to Complete Level |
| Penguin | 3 yrs | Never skied before. | Walks with skis Balances weight over the feet while gliding down Participates in indoor component |
| Panda | 3 yrs | Skis with assistance |
Snowplows without assistance Stops in a wedge Balances weight over feet during the run Successful with indoor component |
| Panda | 4-5 yrs | Non-skier |
Snowplows without assistance Stops in a wedge Balances weight over the feet during the run Participates in indoor component |
| Giraffe | 4-5 yrs | Able to snowplow without assistance |
Pressure on outdoor ski Control of speed while keeping skis in a wedge Introduction to turning Successful with indoor component |
| Zebra | 4-5 yrs | Able to make a direction change with skis in a wedge |
Demonstrates pressure over downhill ski Executes snowplow turns by turning the skis until completion of turn Executes a series of snowplow turns |
| Dinosaur | 4-5 yrs | Links snowplow turns |
Executes snowplow turns without traverse Demonstrates mobility in ankle knee and hip joints Varies speed according to terrain |
| Tiger | 4-5 yrs | Executes rhythmical snowplow turns and varies turn shape |
Executes part of the turn with the skis parallel on flatter terrain Demonstrates pressure over the downhill ski Controls speed by completing turns Demonstrates a mobile stance/balance |
| Ski "Step" Program Structure (6 yrs+) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Step | Age | Current Ability | Goals to Complete Level |
| Step 1/2 | 6 yrs+ | First time skier | Linked wedge turns Wedge stop Can ski on green terrain confidently |
| Step 3 | 6 yrs+ | Limited experience | Linked rhythmical wedge turns Balances weight over the feet while gliding forward Stops in a wedge Stops by turning (both directions) |
| Step 4 | 6 yrs+ | Links rhythmical snowplow turns | Skis are parallel for part of the turn Pressure on downhill ski Demonstrates movement in ankle, knee, and hip joints Controls speed according to terrain Uses ski poles |
| Step 5 | 6 yrs+ | Executes most of the turn with skis in a parallel position | Mobile balanced stance Pressure on downhill ski Turns both skis at the same time Controls speed by completing turns on blue runs |
| Step 6 | 6 yrs+ | Executes turns on main run while constantly keeping skis parallel | Executes turns on main hill while keeping skis parallel Centered stance/balance at start of the turn Turns both legs while putting pressure on downhill ski Makes round parallel turns Introduction to the pole plant |
| Step 7 | 9 yrs+ | Executes turns on blue runs, while constantly keeping skis parallel at high speed | Linked parallel turns Balance on the edges towards the end of the turn Controls speed with turn shape Coordinates the pole plant with the right phase of the turn. |
| Snowboard "Step" Program Structure (6 yrs+) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Step | Age | Current Ability | Goals to Complete Level |
| Step 1/2 | 6 yrs+ | First time snowboarder | Able to side slip on both edges |
| Step 3 | 6 yrs+ | Snowboarded a few times, has balance on a snowboard and/or completed step 1, able to side slip independently. | Able to pendulum and fall line edge change on both edges. |
| Step 3 | 6 yrs+ | Able to complete a fall line edge change- ready to start turns. | Able to link toe and heel side turns. |
| Step 4 | 6 yrs+ | Able to link 4-6 consistent turns, able to use lift with snowboard on. | Able to link turns with vertical movement. |
| Step 5 | 9 yrs+ | Able to link novice turns with flexion/extension | Able to link rounder turns with edging and steering from knees. |
| Step 6/7 | 9 yrs+ | Able to link intermediate
turns with steering from
the knees and demonstrate
improving edging skills. Able to complete basic carved turns on flatter terrain and demonstrate strong edging and steering skills on steeper terrain. |
Able to leave a narrow track in the snow (carving) and complete short radius turns. |