SNOWSMART 2: On-piste - Safety & mountain weather for all skiers and snowboarders

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

Ok, great to see you here. Now, let's find out just how Snowsmart you are!

BE SURE TO ENJOY THIS PROCESS!
Most people like to challenge themselves, at least a little, learn more about the sport they love and hopefully develop their knowledge and skills! Snowsmart offers you the opportunity to do exactly that, in your own time and the comfort of your own home... and both:-

1. Gain confidence by realising how much you already know, and

2. Build your enthusiasm and motivation by developing new skills and information.

FIRST, A LITTLE BACKGROUND:
Snowsmart is Snowsport Scotland's online learning resource, assessment and awards system, brought to you in collaboration with UK Snowsport and Glenmore Lodge, Scotland's National Outdoor Training Centre.

It's a free resource, designed to help reinforce your current knowledge and provide a platform for you to further develop the skills and knowledge.

Snowsmart can be used by you, for yourself or with your family or, if you are a coach or instructor, with your trainees.

THIS SNOWSMART MODULE...

is designed for everyone that skis or snowboards. It provides a platform for testing and developing knowledge about weather at altitude, and the straightforward safety considerations of participating in snowsports on-piste, in a patrolled ski resort.

The assessment offers a range of questions in 5 subject areas, relevant to the on-piste environment:-
1. Weather
2. Piste Hazards
3. Equipment
4. Navigating in resort
5. Incident Management

It is an open-book assessment, so if you do not know an answer, you are encouraged to research the subject matter.

All questions are multiple choice. Each question is worth 1 mark and the assessment has a pass mark of 75%.

FINDING OUT YOUR RESULTS
After submitting your answers you will be presented with a screen with a button called "VIEW SCORE". This allows you to see exactly which questions you got right or wrong. For any questions you got wrong you will be presented with further information to help you learn and understand the correct answer. Then, when you feel ready, you can use the button and "EDIT YOUR RESPONSE" to amend and resubmit your answers. You will also receive an email with these function buttons.

GAINING THE OFFICIAL AWARD
Once you achieve a score equating to 75% or higher you will automatically be accredited with the SNOWSMART 2 ONPISTE SAFETY AWARD provided you have a Snowsport Scotland membership profile. The award will then also entitle you to public liability insurance cover for on-piste snowsports. If you do not yet hold a membership with Snowsport Scotland you can sign up here: https://snowsportscotland.org/membership/

Please note that if you choose to not take out a Snowsport Scotland membership, the governing body has no mechanism to formally accredit you with the award, and you therefore do this exercise purely for your own learning and development - which is, of course, still a very valuable exercise!

Let us help you become Snowsmarter every day!

Email *

Full Name *

Date of Birth *

YYYY

Official Award? (Yes/No) *

Once you pass this online assessment, do you wish to be officially recognised as holding this SNOWSMART AWARD by the governing body, Snowsport Scotland, and granted annual public liability insurance for snowsports? If YES, YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT you have created a membership profile with Snowsport Scotland to which we can attach your award. If you don't already hold a valid Snowsport Scotland membership, you can join here: https://www.snowsportscotland.org/supporter-member This will not only enable you to be officially recognised as holding your Snowsmart Award, but it will also provide you with the above insurance. Please confirm below Yes/No if you are seeking official recognition.

Member? *

Are you already signed up as a Snowsport Scotland Member

SECTION 1: WEATHER & CONDITIONS

This section includes questions on temperature and wind and light.

TEMPERATURE: As a general rule of thumb, the higher you go... (Select 1) *

1 point

The calmer and warmer it gets

The calmer and colder it gets

The windier and warmer it gets

The windier and colder it gets

TEMPERATURE: As a general rule in Scotland (where its regularly cloudy), by how much does temperature change with every 100m gain in altitude? (Select 1) *

1 point

-0.25°Celsius per 100m ascent

-0.5°Celsius per 100m ascent

-1°Celsius per 100m ascent

-2°Celsius per 100m ascent

TEMPERATURE: What is the term used to describe temperature change with altitude? (Select 1) *

1 point

Lapse Rate

Scale Rate

Temperature Gradient

TEMPERATURE: In what height range are most Scottish Mountain Ski Centres? (Select 1) *

Here is an Ordnance Survey map of Cairngorm as a clue https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=59e26a56-c9ac-4a0b-bbcb-08a7207f787b&cp=57.125131~-3.659519&lvl=14&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

1 point

400-650 metres

650-1250 metres

1250-2000 metres

2000-3000 metres

TEMPERATURE: If the temperature is 4°C at 200m in the valley floor, what would the temperature be on a summit 1000m above sea level? (Select 1) *

1 point

+10°C

0°C

-2°C

-8°C

TEMPERATURE: If the temperature is 1°C in the Glencoe car park at 360m, what will the approximate temperature be at the summit @1108m? (Select 1) *

1 point

Approx +0 to -2°C

Approx -2 to -3°C

Approx -4 to -5°C

Approx -6 to -7°C

TEMPERATURE: At what negative temperature is snowsports not recommended for children under 15yrs in the UK? (Select 1) *

1 point

-5°C

-10°C

-20°C

There is no rule - but it is critical that they are equipped with adequate layers and gloves for the expected temperature

TEMPERATURE: If the weather forecast is predicting an inversion what does this mean? (Select 1) *

1 point

The temperature will be warmer at night than during the day

The temperature will swing from -5°C to +5°C in one hour

It is likely to be warm clear and sunny on the top slopes but cold and cloudy in the valleys

TEMPERATURE: What are freeze-thaw cycles? (Select 1) *

1 point

A new brand of mountain bikes

When the temperature fluctuates between negative and positive temperatures

When your hands get cold and then warmer again and start to ache

WIND: Which of the following are correct with reference to wind? (Select 1) *

1 point

It doubles every 100m of ascent

It generally increases with altitude

It's generally calmer on the summits as it is closer to the sun

It generally decreases with altitude

WIND: If the wind speed in the car park of a Scottish ski resort is approx 15mph what likely strength range might you expect on the summit? (Select 1) *

1 point

Calm & windless

15-20mph

30-40mph

>50mph

WIND: As a general rule, on the mountains in winter, winds and precipitation will make it feel:- (Select 1) *

1 point

Warmer

Colder

The same

WIND: At which of the following wind speed ranges might you expect to start feeling the influence of wind, with it potentially impeding your riding and cooling you down quickly when you stop moving? (Select 1) *

1 point

Up to 10mph

10-20mph

25-50mph

50-80mph

WIND: Wind chill... (Select 1) *

1 point

Occurs when moving air passes over exposed skin

Occurs when moving air passes over windproof and waterproof layers

WIND: Please confirm your understanding of the 2 items that most influence wind chill. (Select 2) *

1 point

The speed of the wind

The moisture content of the air

The time of day

The storm name

Required

WIND: Does air temperature have to be below zero for wind chill to affect unprotected skin? (Select 1) *

1 point

Yes

WIND: If your skin is wet (from sweat or precipitation) will it cool down faster or slower? (Select 1) *

1 point

Faster

Slower

WIND: As a general rule north facing ski slopes (on the north side of the mountain) will be most sheltered in what wind direction? (Select 1) *

1 point

Easterly

Southerly

Westerly

WIND: In which wind direction is Cairngorm ski resort likely to be most exposed? (Select 1) *

For a helpful map click this link:- https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c8411e2a-97df-46eb-9826-9d9d997769a6&cp=57.129415~-3.674829&lvl=13&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

1 point

Westerlies

South Easterlies

Northerlies

WIND: In which wind direction is Glencoe ski resort likely to be least exposed? (Select 1) *

For a helpful map click this link:- https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=730af67c-fb85-4f10-9770-994eef06c7d8&cp=56.622096~-4.837323&lvl=13&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

1 point

South Westerlies

Northerlies

Easterlies

WIND: In which wind direction is the front (pisted) side of Nevis Range ski resort likely to be least exposed? (Select 1) *

For a helpful map click this link:- https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=39a3b3d4-b2a5-487f-b6be-9282d3dd6fd3&cp=56.840171~-4.975245&lvl=13&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

1 point

Northerly

South + Southeasterlies

Westerlies

WIND: At what wind speed range will most drag tows start to be closed for safety reasons? (Select 1) *

1 point

10-15mph

15-30mph

30-50mph

WIND: At what wind speeds are chairlifts or Gondolas likely to start being closed for safety reasons? (Select 1) *

1 point

>10mph

>20mph

>30mph

WIND: Where is the best place to find out the likely impact of today's forecast on uplift? (Select 1) *

1 point

At the Met Office website

At the specific ski resort website report

SNOWFALL: As a general rule, on which side of the mountain will a snowstorm most likely deposit snow? (Select 1) *

1 point

The side that the wind blows ONTO (Wind exposed side)

The side that the wind blows AWAY FROM (Sheltered side)

SNOWFALL: Select all websites that offer useful information on snow conditions and forecast? (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Met Office

BBC Weather

Snowforecast.com

Metcheck

Scottish Avalanche Information Service

Mountain Weather Infromation Service (MWIS)

Required

LIGHT: What is flat light in relation to snowsports? (Select 1) *

1 point

Flat light is when the snow surface seems completely flat and you cannot see undulations. It is caused when cloud cover reduces the direct light creating contrast on the snow surface

Flat light is midwinter low sunshine that dazzles you and makes it hard to see terrain features

LIGHT: Why is flat light hazardous? (Select 1) *

1 point

Because, without contrast on the snows surface you lose perspective and it can therefore be easy to lose balance as you cannot prepare for undulations

Because you often can't see other skiers

Because you can't find your way to the cafe

SECTION 2: PISTE HAZARDS

This section includes questions about on-piste hazards.

HAZARD: What are moguls? (Tick all that apply) *

1 point

Irregular mounds of snow that form naturally on busy pistes

Man made regular bumps created in the snow for moguls competitions

Required

HAZARD: What are Traverse Lines? (Select 1) *

1 point

Horizontal lines across the slope, which when used by many skiers can create a hard ridge that can be challenging to cross

Features that build up on the piste to allow snowmobiles to cross

HAZARD: Where on a run might you be more likely to find softer, more forgiving snow (for newbies) that is less scraped and icy? (Select 1) *

1 point

The side of the runs

The middle of the runs

Required

HAZARD: Please tick ALL of the following items that might indicate icy patches. (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Louder scraping noises of ski or snowboard edges on the snow

Shiny sections of a slightly different colour

Black and yellow hazard poles put in by ski patrol

Required

HAZARD: What weather patterns tend to make the snow more icy... (Tick all that apply) *

1 point

Temperatures hovering around freezing

Freeze thaw cycles

Persistent very cold temperatures

Required

HAZARD: What are indicators of likely areas of softer snow that can be easier to ski or snowboard on? (Tick all that apply) *

1 point

People crossing the area silently

Areas nearer to snow fences

The sides of pisted areas where fewer people have been

Required

HAZARD: What is the purpose of a snow fence? (Select 1) *

1 point

They help retain snow on main runs and uplift tracks

Are used to control deer movement across runs

HAZARD: What is the correct etiquette and protocol for a skier and snowboarder to share a T-Bar? (Select 1) *

1 point

The skier should move to the side that allows the snowboarder to face outwards

The skier should move to the side that allows the snowboarder to face inwards

The skier should ask the snowboarder if they have a preferred side

HAZARD: What is the correct process for 2 people to dismount a T-bar? (Select 1) *

1 point

The first one to slip off is the winner and doesn't have to hold it :-)

As you approach the top you should agree who should dismount first and the second person should continue to hold the T-bar until it reels in

Snowboarders and children should always dismount first

HAZARD: If you see yellow and black poles crossed on a slope what might this mean? (Select 1) *

1 point

Beginning of a race course

Meeting point

Ski Patrol have identified a hazard and marked it, and the area should be avoided

HAZARD: If the top of a piste has a rope or tape across it what should you do? (Select 1) *

1 point

Duck under it

Try to jump it

Not cross the rope as the piste has been closed by ski patrol

HAZARD: If a marked piste becomes covered in deep, fresh snow select all the items below that you should consider (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Snow fences may have become hidden just below the surface

Rocks might have become hidden just below the surface

It will be easier to lose a ski or pole in the soft snow

It might be harder to turn if the snow is heavy

Required

HAZARD: After significant depths of snow have fallen what extra hazards arise at lifts? (Tick all that apply) *

1 point

The snow level may be so close to the drag tow cable that returning (downbound) pomas and T-bars could easily hit someone standing in their line

Unused pomas can drag on the uptrack causing it to be rough and bumpy

Required

HAZARD: What are 2 of the most significant challenges and hazards you can expect on drag lifts in strong cross winds? (Select 2) *

1 point

The uplift track can become very bumpy with cross drifts

You can't see those skiing downhill

The returning pomas and T-bars may pose a greater hazard and be swinging about

Required

HAZARD: If 2 skiers are descending which has the right of way, the faster or slower skier? (Select 1) *

1 point

Faster

Slower

HAZARD: Don't be a hazard! Being sensible, where on a slope is the best place to stop? (Select 1) *

1 point

On the downhill side of a blind summit

In the middle of the slope

Entry or exit to lifts

At the side of the piste

HAZARD: Select 3 sensible reasons to slow right down when approaching a blind summit (Select 3) *

1 point

There could be a fallen skier on the downhill side of the summit

There could be rocks on the downhill side of the summit

There could be a significant drop on the downhill side of the summit

It might be a great selfie location

Required

HAZARD: Select 2 important reasons why you should NEVER traverse a slope above a piste basher (Select 2) *

1 point

In case you fall and slide downhill into it

In case it is using a winching cable to pull itself up the hill

Because the pisted snow will be smoother downhill

Required

SECTION 3: PLANNING & EQUIPMENT PREPARATION

This section includes questions on planning a day in resort plus ski and snowboard equipment preparation for skiing on-piste.

EQUIPMENT: Before planning a trip to a Scottish Ski Area what checks should you perform? (Select ALL that apply!) *

1 point

Check the resort ski report

Check the forecasted wind and temperature

Check road conditions

Ensure that your ski and/or snowboard equipment is in good working order

Check you have adequate layers and supplies

Required

INFORMATION: What does FIS stand for? (Select 1) *

1 point

Forties In Snowsports - An Australian organisation that promotes snowsports participation by 40 year olds... mate!

Federation International Du Ski - French for the International Ski Federation

Fellowship of International Snow Supporters - A underground movement of snowsports loving philanthropists

Required

INFORMATION: In the FIS Code of Conduct, which rule number relates to exchanging names and addresses if involved in a snowsports accident ? (Select 1) *

Here's a help! https://assets.fis-ski.com/image/upload/v1536910200/fis-prod/assets/en_FIS_Rules_for_Conduct_and_Environment.pdf

1 point

Rule 3

Rule 7

Rule 10

Required

EQUIPMENT: Which of these is the better base layer to encourage sweat to wick away from the body? (Select 1) *

1 point

Cotton

Synthetic materials

EQUIPMENT: If a skier mentions DIN settings - what are they referring to? (Select 1) *

1 point

A measure of sound volume in their headset

The gear ratios of uplift tows

The numerical release setting on ski bindings

EQUIPMENT: Why is it important that skiers DIN settings are set correctly? (Select 1) *

1 point

Because if they're set too low or high bindings might not release at the right time and can cause injury

They can be stiff to get your boots in

EQUIPMENT: If a skier in your group has had both skis come off, is it easier to click into the uphill or downhill ski first? (Select 1) *

1 point

Uphill ski

Downhill ski

EQUIPMENT: Select 3 reasons why bindings might not close? (Select ALL that apply) *

1 point

Compacted snow stuck to the sole of your boot

Compacted snow within the binding mechanism

Binding set to the wrong size

Required

SECTION 4: NAVIGATING IN RESORT

This section includes questions on piste maps and route planning.

NAVIGATION: In order of easiest to hardest what are the colour codes used to mark pisted runs on a resort piste map? (Select 1) *

1 point

Green, Red, Blue, Black

Green, Blue, Red, Black

Black, Red, Blue, Green

Black, Green, Blue, Red

NAVIGATION: Can you measure distance using a piste map i.e. is it to scale? (Select 1) *

1 point

Yes

NAVIGATION: What is the yellow dotted line on this map (Select 1) *

1 point

The resort boundary beyond which ski patrol do not operate

The cross country loop

NAVIGATION: If you were at Nevis Range car park and wanted to take uplift to the summit and then ski or snowboard back down to the gondola and return back to the carpark, assuming no significant delays or lift queues and skiing or snowboarding down at a recreational pace, how long do you think a round trip might take? (Select 1) *

1 point

Under 1hr 15mins

1hr 15mins - 2hrs

>2hrs

NAVIGATION: Same question but at Glencoe. What's the likely duration for a round trip to the summit and skiing or snowboarding back down AND using the access chair for descent... *

1 point

Under 1hr 15mins

1hr 15mins to 2hrs

>2hrs

NAVIGATION: Same question for Glenshee, from base station cafe, using uplift and skiing or snowboarding to get to the summit of Glas Maol and back! (Select 1) *

1 point

Under an hour

Over an hour

NAVIGATION: What makes the Lecht an ideal location for beginners? (Select 1) *

1 point

It's beginner area is at car park level, just a short walk from the cafe and toilets with a magic carpet!

All lifts lead back to the centre

It offers ski or snowboard hire

SECTION 5: MANAGING INCIDENTS & SITUATIONS

This section includes questions on managing whiteouts, hypothermia, injury and rescue.

WHITEOUT: Select any techniques that you believe will help you get yourself or a group safely down the hill in a whiteout (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Ride/Ski more slowly and in a close chain so all followers have a visual reference

Stop regularly to re-gather

Ski as fast as possible to reduce the time in the whiteout.

Adopt a buddy system

Required

HYPOTHERMIA: What are the common symptoms of hypothermia? (Select 1) *

1 point

Looking cold and exhausted, being withdrawn and switched-off, and shivering

Runny nose and red cheeks

HYPOTHERMIA: If you suspect someone in your group may be becoming hypothermic which of the following, should you do? (Select 1) *

1 point

Encourage them and give them a warm drink and something to eat.

Add extra layers of clothes, a hat or warmer gloves

Make it a priority to get them to shelter

All the above.

INJURY: You have an injured person in your group - what should be your next steps (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Ensure you and the rest of group are safe.

Insert crossed skis or a snowboard into the snow above the casualty

Administer appropriate first aid to the casualty and keep them as warm as possible.

Get someone to inform ski patrol that you need assistance by alerting the nearest member of resort staff

Keep yourself and others in the group warm.

Required

INJURY: What is this position and when should you use it? (Select 1) *

1 point

The Fredrickson position - to be used when someone has a knee injury

The recovery position - to be used when a casualty is breathing but unconscious

The recovery position - used to help warm a hypothermic victim

INJURY: Should you put a casualty into the recovery position if you suspect a spinal injury but they are breathing and conscious? (Select all that apply) *

1 point

Yes - You should move them into the casualty position

No - You should move a suspected spinal casualty as little as possible

Required

INJURY: Given Ski Patrol are your first responders to incidents in resort, what is the quickest way to contact them for assistance? (Select 1) *

1 point

Messaging on Social Media

Get someone to go to the nearest lift operator or member of staff and ask them to radio

Phoning 999

Phoning 112

A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.

Submit