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What it is
Guide to skiing and snowboarding including technique progression, equipment selection, resort selection, fitness preparation, mountain safety, lesson value, gear rental vs buying, and terrain park basics.
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SKILL.md
395 lines · 2,687 words
Use this skill when:
User asks about skiing snowboarding techniques or best practices
User needs guidance on skiing snowboarding concepts
User wants to implement or improve their approach to skiing snowboarding
Guide to skiing and snowboarding including technique progression, equipment selection, resort selection, fitness preparation, mountain safety, lesson value, gear rental vs buying, and terrain park basics.
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What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Questions to Ask First
Choosing: Skiing vs Snowboarding
Technique by Level
Equipment Selection
Resort Selection
Fitness Preparation
Mountain Safety
The Value of Lessons
Gear: Rent vs Buy
Terrain Park Basics
Safety Considerations
Progression Path
Resources
Process
Output Format
Edge Cases
Example
The request falls outside the scope of skiing snowboarding
User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
Before hitting the slopes:
Which sport interests you? (Skiing, snowboarding, or unsure)
Have you ever skied or snowboarded before? (Never / A few times / Intermediate / Advanced)
Are you athletic? What other sports do you do?
Where do you plan to ride? (Local hills, regional resorts, destination resorts)
How often will you go per season? (1-2 times / Monthly / Weekly / Season pass)
What is your budget? (Day trips $100-200 / Season investment $500-2,000+)
Are you going alone, with friends, or family?
Are there children learning too?
Do you have any knee, back, or wrist injuries?
Are you interested in terrain parks, powder, groomed runs, or all of it?
Learning curve: Easier first day (can pizza/snowplow to slow down), harder to advance
Gear: More equipment (boots, skis, poles, bindings)
Terrain: Better on flat sections, easier to traverse, versatile in varied snow
Physical: Requires knee and quad strength, lower back flexibility
Common injuries: Knee (ACL, MCL)
Learning curve: Harder first day (more falling), faster to intermediate level
Gear: Fewer pieces (boots, board, bindings)
Terrain: Excels in powder and parks, struggles on flat terrain (requires unstrapping)
Physical: Requires core strength, leg endurance, flexibility
Common injuries: Wrist (wear wrist guards), tailbone, shoulder
Choose skiing if: You prefer independent leg control, have knee confidence, want versatility
Choose snowboarding if: You enjoy board sports (skateboarding, surfing, wakeboarding), want a different challenge, are drawn to park riding
Either way: Take a lesson on day one
Level 1: First Timer
Stance: Feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent, weight centered over feet, hands forward
Pizza/Snowplow: Tips together, tails apart creates a wedge shape that slows you down
Speed control: Wider pizza = more braking. Pressure one foot to turn
Getting up: Roll to knees, push up, or use poles for leverage
Chairlift: Ski to loading zone, sit as chair arrives, ride with tips up, stand at the top
Level 2: Beginner (Green Runs)
Wedge turns: Pressure one ski to turn in the opposite direction
Linked wedge turns: S-turns down green runs
Speed management: Turn across the hill (perpendicular) to slow, point downhill to go
Terrain: Groomed green (easiest) runs only
Level 3: Intermediate (Blue Runs)
Parallel turns: Both skis parallel throughout the turn (the breakthrough moment)
Edge awareness: Roll ankles/knees into the turn to engage edges
Pole plant: Rhythmic pole touch initiates turn timing
Speed: Comfortable at moderate speed on blue runs
Terrain: Groomed blue runs, easy blacks on good days
Level 4: Advanced (Black Runs)
Short turns: Quick parallel turns for steep terrain
Carved turns: Skis on edge throughout, leaving clean arc tracks (no skidding)
Moguls: Absorption technique (knees compress on bumps, extend in troughs)
Variable snow: Ice, crud, powder, wind-blown
Terrain: All groomed terrain, moderate off-piste
Level 5: Expert
Steep and deep: Confident on any run in any conditions
Powder technique: Wider stance, equal weight distribution, rhythmic bouncing turns
Trees and glades: Tight turns, quick decision-making
Backcountry: Off-resort skiing with avalanche safety knowledge
Level 1: First Timer
Determine stance: Regular (left foot forward) or Goofy (right foot forward)
Test: Have someone gently push you from behind - the foot you step forward with is your lead foot
Falling: Fall forward on knees and forearms (not hands) or backward on butt and back (tuck chin)
Skating: One foot in binding, push with free foot (like a skateboard)
Sideslipping: Both feet strapped in, facing downhill, slide down on heel edge controlling speed
Level 2: Beginner (Green Runs)
Heel edge turns: Facing downhill, shift weight to heels, board turns across hill
Toe edge turns: Facing uphill, shift weight to toes, board turns across hill
Falling leaf: Sideslip left and right on one edge (heel side first, then toe side)
Linking turns: Transition from heel edge to toe edge and back (the fundamental skill)
Level 3: Intermediate (Blue Runs)
Linked turns with confidence: Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
Speed control through turn shape: Rounder turns = slower, more direct = faster
Carving introduction: Less skidding, more edge engagement
Riding switch: Learning to ride with non-dominant foot forward
Level 4: Advanced (Black Runs)
Carved turns: Clean edge-to-edge transitions, no skidding
Steep terrain: Confident edge control on black runs
Powder: Back foot weight, keep nose up, surf sensation
Trees: Quick reactions, planning ahead, managing speed
Level 5: Expert
All terrain, all conditions
Freestyle: Park jumps, rails, halfpipe
Backcountry: Splitboarding with avalanche training
Boots (Most Important Piece)
Fit: Snug but not painful, no heel lift, toes touching but not curled
Flex rating: 60-80 (beginner), 80-100 (intermediate), 100-130 (advanced), 130+ (expert)
Get fitted at a specialty ski shop (not a big-box store)
Custom footbeds dramatically improve comfort and performance ($40-100 add-on)
Cost: $200-500
Skis
Length: Chin to forehead height for beginners, forehead to above head for advanced
Waist width: Under 80mm (groomed focus), 80-100mm (all-mountain), 100-120mm (powder)
Turning radius: Short (under 16m = quick turns), medium (16-22m), long (22m+ = big carves)
Types:
All-mountain: Most versatile, best for one-ski quiver
Carving: Narrow waist, groomed run focus
Powder: Wide, rocker profile, float in deep snow
Park: Twin tip (ride switch), flexible, durable
Cost: $300-800
Bindings
DIN setting corresponds to your ability, weight, and boot size (shop sets this)
Must be adjusted by a certified technician
Match binding to boot and ski compatibility
Cost: $150-400
Poles
Length: Stand on flat ground, flip pole upside down, grip under basket - forearm should be parallel to ground
Cost: $30-80
Boots
Fit: Snug, minimal heel lift, comfortable flex
Flex: Soft (beginner/park), medium (all-mountain), stiff (carving/freeride)
Boa or traditional lacing (Boa is convenient, traditional is precise)
Cost: $150-400
Board
Length: Generally chin to nose height (shorter = more maneuverable, longer = more stable)
Width: Boot should fit without excessive overhang (wide boards for size 11+ boots)
Types:
All-mountain: Directional twin or directional, versatile
Freestyle: True twin, centered stance, flexible
Freeride: Directional, stiffer, designed for powder and speed
Powder: Wide, set-back stance, short and surfy
Profile: Camber (responsive, carving), rocker (forgiving, powder float), hybrid (best of both)
Cost: $250-600
Bindings
Flex should match boot and riding style
Rear-entry vs strap (strap gives more control, rear-entry is faster)
Cost: $100-300
Terrain breakdown: Percentage of green/blue/black runs matching your ability
Vertical drop: More vertical = more skiing per run
Snow quality: Natural snowfall vs snowmaking dependency
Crowd levels: Weekdays are dramatically better; popular resorts sell out weekends
Amenities: Lodging, restaurants, ski school quality, night life
Cost: Lift tickets $50-250/day depending on resort
If skiing 5+ days at one resort: Season pass usually pays off
Multi-resort passes: Ikon Pass, Epic Pass cover dozens of resorts ($500-1,000)
Day tickets are most expensive option per day
Half-day tickets: Good for first-timers (morning or afternoon, save money)
Legs: Squats, lunges, wall sits, step-ups (ski/snowboard is leg-dominant)
Core: Planks, Russian twists, dead bugs, side planks (stability in turns)
Cardio: Running, cycling, stair climbing (altitude and sustained effort)
Balance: Single-leg stands, balance board exercises, yoga
Flexibility: Hip flexors, hamstrings, calves, ankles (crucial for both sports)
Warm up with easy runs before pushing yourself
Take breaks before exhaustion (most injuries happen when fatigued)
Stay hydrated (altitude + cold + exercise = dehydration you may not notice)
Eat lunch (maintain energy for afternoon skiing)
Know when to call it a day (afternoon ice + fatigue = injury risk)
Green circle: Easiest - gentle slope, wide, groomed
Blue square: Intermediate - moderate slope, may have steeper sections
Black diamond: Difficult - steep, may be moguls, narrow, variable conditions
Double black diamond: Expert only - extreme steepness, cliffs, tight trees, mandatory air
Orange oval: Terrain park features
Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people
People ahead of you have the right of way (your responsibility to avoid them)
Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above
Look uphill before starting downhill or merging onto a trail
Use devices to prevent runaway equipment (leashes or brakes)
Observe all posted signs and warnings
Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
Relevant for backcountry and some inbounds terrain
Never go out of bounds or into backcountry without avalanche training
Avalanche safety gear: Beacon, shovel, probe (all three required)
Take an avalanche safety course (AIARE Level 1, 3 days) before backcountry
Check avalanche forecasts (avalanche.org) before every backcountry outing
Dress in layers: Base layer (moisture-wicking), mid layer (insulation), outer layer (wind/waterproof)
Protect extremities: Warm gloves/mittens, warm socks, helmet, goggles, neck gaiter
Frostbite warning signs: Numbness, white or gray skin, hard/waxy feeling - get inside, warm gradually
Hypothermia signs: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech - get inside immediately
Self-taught skiers/snowboarders develop bad habits that limit progression
Professional instruction on day one prevents falls, frustration, and injury
One lesson can equal weeks of self-practice
Group lessons are affordable ($50-100) and social
Private lessons ($200-600+) provide rapid personalized improvement
Day 1: Always. Do not have a friend "teach" you (rarely works well)
Plateaus: When you stop improving, a lesson breaks through
New terrain: Before attempting moguls, steeps, or powder for the first time
Video analysis: Some instructors offer video review for technique refinement
You are trying the sport for the first time
You go fewer than 5 days per season
You are still growing (children)
You want to try different equipment types
You go 5+ days per season (rental costs add up quickly)
You know your preferences for fit and performance
You want consistent, properly fitted equipment
You plan to ski/snowboard for years to come
Ski swaps (fall events at resorts and shops) offer great deals
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for local used gear
Used boots: Risky (fit is personal and boots pack out to previous owner's foot)
Used skis/boards: Good value if in good condition (check edges and base)
Have bindings checked and adjusted by a certified technician
Wait your turn (do not drop in on someone)
Start with small features and work up
Check landings are clear before dropping in
If you fall, move out of the way quickly
Do not stop in the middle of a feature line
Rollers and small bumps: Get comfortable with air
Small jumps (tabletops): Speed check, pop off lip, land on downslope
Boxes: Wide, flat surface, slide straight first, then add rotation
Rails: Narrower than boxes, requires balance. Start with wide flat rails
Larger jumps: Once comfortable with small features, gradually size up
Wear a helmet (always, but especially in the park)
Wrist guards for snowboarders
Start small - ego injuries are real injuries
Practice on flat ground: Ollies, presses, spins
Watch experienced riders to learn proper technique and speed
Helmet: Non-negotiable, for every ability level, every day. Reduces head injury risk by 35-60%
Goggles: Protect eyes from UV, wind, snow; improve visibility in flat light
Sunscreen: Apply to face even on cloudy days (UV reflects off snow, intensified at altitude)
Hydration: Drink water regularly (altitude increases dehydration)
Know your limits: The most common injury trigger is fatigue on the last run of the day
Buddy system: Especially in trees, backcountry, or unfamiliar terrain
Medical: Know location of ski patrol and first aid
Phase 1: Take a lesson, rent gear, learn to stop and turn on green runs
Phase 2: Link turns comfortably, advance to blue runs, develop confidence
Phase 3: Parallel/carved turns, explore entire resort, begin challenging terrain
Phase 4: All conditions (moguls, powder, ice), terrain park introduction
Phase 5: Expert terrain, backcountry introduction (with avalanche training), teaching others
Phase 6: Backcountry touring, multi-day hut trips, international skiing, racing or freestyle
Lessons: Resort ski/snowboard schools, PSIA/AASI certified instructors
Books: "Breakthrough on Skis" by Lito Tejada-Flores
YouTube: Stomp It Tutorials, Deb Armstrong, SnowboardProCamp
Apps: Slopes (tracking), OnTheSnow (conditions), Epic/Ikon (passes)
Websites: Evo.com (gear reviews), TGR (Teton Gravity Research - community and films)
Avalanche: avalanche.org (forecasts), AIARE (education)
Community: Local ski clubs, Meetup groups, resort ambassador programs
Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to skiing snowboarding
Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
## Skiing Snowboarding Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Input: "Help me with skiing snowboarding for my current situation"
Output:
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to skiing snowboarding:
Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
SKILL.md
395 lines · 2,687 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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