Kids Ability Levels

At the Big White Kids' Centre we run many different group levels for young skiers and snowboarders every day - from complete beginner to little ripper!
Please note: these descriptions provide the minimum requirements for registration in each ability level in a group environment.

Age: 3 to 4 Years

Ready Teddies - Kids Carpet

This is my first time on skis.
I will learn how to balance and walk on two skis.
I will learn to straight run and stop without assistance on a gentle slope.
My lessons will be on the Kids Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn the basics of sliding and stopping.

Eager Elephants - Magic Carpet

I can safely ride the Kids Carpet.
I can stand up straight with my equipment on.
I will learn to control my speed, turn and stop using a snow plow, without an edgie wedgie.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn how to turn using a snowplow and to follow my instructor.

Speedy Squirrels - Plaza

I can stop and turn in control confidently without an edgie wedgie.
I am learning to put on my equipment without assistance and stand up by myself.
I will learn to ride Plaza chairlift when supervised.
My lesson will be on runs off the Plaza chairlift.

This is the level where I will learn how to use a chairlift with a little bit of help and how to ski on the plaza chair by myself.

Jumping Joeys - Green

I can put my equipment on without assistance.
I can stop and turn in a snow plow.
I can do 3 runs consecutively from the Plaza chair without needing a break.
I will be learning to start to match my skis on gentle terrain.
I will learn the rules for staying safe on the mountain.

This is the level where I will learn to ski up at the top of the mountain and to tackle all of the green runs by myself.

Racing Racoons - Blue

I can ski comfortably on all green runs on the mountain.
I will learn how to safely use poles.
I can control my speed through turn shape.
I am regularly skiing on blue runs.
I will learn how to approach bumps and challenging snow conditions.

This is the level where I will learn to ski on blue runs and ungroomed trails with my first set of poles. I will move to the next age group when I turn 5 years old.

Skiers Age: 5 to 7 Years

Sliders - Magic Carpet

This is my first time on skis.
I will learn how to balance and walk on two skis.
I will learn to straight run, stop and turn without assistance on a gentle slope.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn the basics of skiing on the magic carpet.

Plaza Rangers - Plaza

I will learn to ride Plaza chairlift when supervised.
I can link my snowplow turns on both sides of the Magic Carpet.
I can put my equipment on and take it off without assistance.
I can stop and turn in control.
My lessons will be on runs off the Plaza chairlift.

This is the level where I will learn how to use a chairlift and how to ski on the plaza chair without help.

Snow Rangers - Green

I can do 3 runs consecutively from the Plaza chair without needing a break.
I can comfortably ski all of the runs off the Plaza chairlift.
I will be learning to start to match my skis on gentle terrain.
My lessons will be on green runs all over the mountain.

This is the level where I will learn how to ski all of the green runs at Big White.

Trail Blazers - Blue

I know the Alpine Responsibility Code.
I can ski all green runs on the mountain confidently.
I will learn how to use a pole plant to start my turns.
I will be exploring blue runs and ungroomed snow conditions.

This is the level where I will learn to ski on blue runs and ski ungroomed terrain with my first set of poles.

Mountain Explorers - Black

I am a parallel skier on all blue terrain and have control on easy bump runs.
I can use poles safely and correctly.
I am improving my well-timed pole plants and short turns on black runs.

This is the level where I will learn how to take my skills to the hardest blue trails and beyond. I will move to the next age group when I turn 8 years old.

Snowboarders Age: 5 to 7 Years

Groomers - Magic Carpet

• This is my first time on a snowboard. • I will learn basic board mobility, including skating and straight runs. • I will learn to side slip and stop on heel or toe edge. • My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn the basics of snowboarding on the magic carpet.

Cruisers - Magic Carpet

I am still new to snowboarding.
I can side slip and stop on both edges of my board.
I am working on zig zags on heel and toe.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn how to use both my heel and toe edge and learn how to change edges in a turn.

Snowsurfers - Plaza

I will learn to ride Plaza chairlift when supervised.
I am learning to link sliding turns on runs off the Plaza chairlift.
I am learning the Alpine Responsibility Code.
My lessons will be on green runs off the Plaza chairlift.

This is the level where I will learn how to use a chairlift and to dial in basic turns on the plaza chair.

Freeriders - Green

I can link sliding turns from the top to the bottom of Hummingbird.
I am learning to perform symmetrical turns.
I know the Alpine Responsibility Code.
I will be exploring green runs and blue runs across the mountain.

This is the level where I will learn how to shred on all of the green runs around Big White.

Shredders - Blue

I am comfortable riding blue runs, including steeps.
I am learning to change line in bumps.
I will be exploring variable terrain and ungroomed snow conditions.

This is the level where I will learn how to ride on ungroomed terrain, go over moguls and start learning some freestyle tricks. We’ll be turning down blue trails and beyond. I will move to the next age group when I turn 8 years old.

Skiers Age: 8-12 Years

Starters - Magic Carpet

This is my first time on skis.
I will learn how to balance and walk on two skis.
I will learn to straight run, stop and turn without assistance on a gentle slope.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn the basics of skiing on the magic carpet.

Plaza Cutters - Plaza

I will learn to ride Plaza chairlift when supervised.
I am learning to control my speed using direction change.
I can put my equipment on and take it off without assistance.
I can stop and turn in control.
My lessons will be on runs off the Plaza chairlift.

This is the level where I will learn how to use a chairlift and how to ski all of the runs on the plaza chair.

Ridge Cutters - Green

I can do 3 runs without needing a break.
I can comfortably ski all of the runs off the Plaza chairlift.
I am learning to control my speed using turn shape.
I am learning to safely use poles.
My lessons will be on green runs all over the mountain.

This is the level where I will learn how to ski all of the green runs at Big White with poles and begin to become a parallel skier.

Carvers - Blue

I know the Alpine Responsibility Code.
I can ski all green runs on the mountain confidently.
I will learn how to use a pole plant to start my turns.
I will be exploring blue runs and ungroomed snow conditions.

This is the level where I will learn how to ski all of the blue runs at Big White and how to tackle ungroomed snow.

High Flyers - Black

I am a parallel skier on all blue terrain and have control on easy bump runs.
I can use poles safely and correctly.
I am improving my well-timed pole plants and short turns in variable snow on black runs.

This is the level where I will learn how to ski all of the black runs at Big White and how to show lots of performance all over the mountain.

Snowboarders Age: 8 to 12 Years

Rookies - Magic Carpet

This is my first time on a snowboard.
I will learn basic board mobility, including skating and straight runs.
I will learn to side slip on heel or toe edge.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn the basics of snowboarding on the magic carpet.

Grommets - Magic Carpet

I am still new to snowboarding.
I can side slip and stop on both edges of my board.
I am working on zig zags on heel and toe.
My lessons will be on the Magic Carpet.

This is the level where I will learn how to use both my heel and toe edge and learn how to change edges in a turn.

Ziggers - Plaza

I can zig zag on both edges.
I am learning to make C shaped turns on runs off the Plaza chairlift.
I will learn to ride Plaza chairlift when supervised.
I am learning the Alpine Responsibility Code.
My lessons will be on green runs off the Plaza chairlift.

This is the level where I will learn how to use a chairlift and to dial in basic turns on the plaza chair.

Linkers Green/Blue

I can link sliding turns from the top to the bottom of Hummingbird.
I will learn to control my speed using turn shape on green and easy blue runs.
I can maintain momentum on flat sections.
I am interested in learning basic freestyle moves.

This is the level where I will learn how to shred groomed and ungroomed terrain on green and blue runs from the top of Big White.

Rippers - Blue/Black

I am comfortable riding blue runs, including steeps.
I am learning to make a round turn shape and absorb easy bumps.
I will be exploring variable terrain and ungroomed snow conditions.

This is the level where I will learn how to tackle the hardest blue runs and start to find flow on black runs.

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Kids Ability Levels

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