Ability Levels

Snow School Programs Ability Levels for Sammy’s Kid’s

Red Riders

Riders are using the novice lift and are refining turning and stopping skills while working towards mobility and a balanced stance. Red’s are usually 4-5 years old. At this stage they spend time with the instructor learning about a class environment, skiing in a line, waiting for the class at the top of the lift, riding hills, and gaining mileage in an organized fashion. Now that the children are mobile, we need to be sure they understand safety while exploring the green runs (Lover’s Lane, Banana & Dingle Dangle) in a fun class environment.

Green Gliders

These skiers have mastered the novice lift and have the skill and confidence to explore the green and select blue runs of Sir Sam’s. Before advancing to Blue Bombers, they should be sliding with the skis parallel, from the fall line to the completion of the turn, on blue terrain. Green’s are usually 4-7 years old and graduating from Lover’s Lane moving to Cash Register. These keen skiers now need a multitude of games and exercises to develop the muscles and muscle memory required to ski comfortably and in control. This is a fun period for your child and should not be rushed. Your child my take 2-3 seasons to develop physiologically before advancing to Blue Bombers.

Blue Bombers

As the name suggests, Blue Bombers are ready to rip. A strong Blue will be able to balance over the outside ski, ski parallel often, ski in racecourses, smaller moguls, and ride the chair lifts independently. Before progressing to Black Busters, a Blue Bomber will be skiing parallel with a pole plant on blue terrain (Cash Register, Kingston Road & Parkway). Blues are usually 6-9 years old. We are now approaching advanced skiing; this level may take your child 2-3 seasons to complete.

Please Note: After Blue Bomber, children have the options of Juvi Racing or Black Busters

Black Busters

These advanced skiers are ready to Rock ‘n Roll. The whole hill is their playground; high- speed cruisers, bumps, and the terrain park are all within their range. Parents are now normally envious of their child’s skiing ability. Short radius turns using pole plant along with some lateral movement is a goal to strive for with these young skiers. Black Busters are usually 8-10 years old.

Ability Levels for Snowboarding

Learn to Board

This program is for the beginner or the new rider who has never been on a snowboard. This is where the magic begins and your child is introduced to the world of snowboarding. Ideally we recommend a series of private lessons over the holiday period before the eight week program starts, and then register into the Red Pack. A private would be more effective for your child due to the one on one nature of teaching a new rider to stand, slide and gain mobility on their board.

Red Pack

The Red pack rider has learned to link turns and stop. It’s time to refine the turns before advancing to the Green Pack using techniques to make snowboarding more enjoyable and to build confidence. Reds are usually 6-8 years old.

Green Pack

These riders mastered basic turns and ride in control, they are now expanding their repertoire to include, introduction to the moguls or rolls, develop air awareness, and basic carved turns, before advancing to the Blue Pack. Greens are usually 7-8 years old. Your child will be in Greens for approximately one season.

Blue Pack

Blue Pack riders are ready to rip. Their goal will include an introduction to advanced moguls, 180’s with grabs, introduction to carve turns with speed control. Dynamic turns on blue runs should be consistent before advancing to the Black Pack.

Black Pack

These riders are ready to Rock it on their boards; the whole hill is their terrain park. Black Pack riders have goals such as fall line bumps or moguls, a variety of 360’s, and dynamic carved turns. This crew likes to ride fast and hard and are the envy of most Sir Sam’s riders. Black level riders can now register for and enjoy Slopestyle & Snow Angels programs.