Ability Levels
At the Big White Kids' Centre we run six different group levels for young skiers and snowboarders every day - from complete beginner to little ripper! We also have six group levels for our youngest skiers - Ski Cub classes are exclusively for 4-6 year olds and are available from never-ever Ready Teddies to expert Jr Hotshots. All kids are issued with a progress tag for their level and once they have acheived everything on the tag will be promoted to the next group up. Parents can actively see the progress their child is making, and kids get a real sense of satisfaction as they tick off the skills they need to progress up the ranks! Check out the tabs below to read about our different class levels, or check out our videos to see what level your child is at.
Watch Ability Level
| Ready Teddys |
Beginner - This is my first time on skis. I will learn how to balance and walk on two skis. I will also learn how to straight run and stop without assistance on a gentle slope. |
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Eager Elephants |
I can safely ride the magic carpet I can stand up straight with my equipment on and I can stop in control, maybe with an edgie wedgie. I’m learning to turn to slow myself down on gentle terrain. |
| Speedy Squirrels |
Intro to Plaza chairlift. I know chairlift safety rules and can ride a lift with some help. I am learning to stand up by myself, but sometimes need help. I am able to complete my turns by following my instructor. I can ski without an edgie wedgie. I’m almost an independent skier! |
| Jumping Joeys |
I can ski all beginner runs in a class line. I enjoy games and adventures. I listen to and can follow directions. I can stand up on my own. I am an independent skier! |
| Racing Raccoons |
I can control my speed through turn shape. I can ski comfortably on more diverse terrain. I am starting to match my skis on easy terrain I love new challenges, play games and take adventures through the trees. |
| Jr. Hotshots |
I ski intermediate terrain confidently and I always use a pole plant to start my turns. I can match my skis on all blue runs. I can link my turns on bumps and I can ski most black runs. I practice safe and responsible skiing |
| Sliders |
Beginner - This is my first time skiing. |
| Snow Rangers |
Novice - I can side step up the mountain so I can practice stopping and turning. I am excited for the chairlift! |
| Trail Blazers |
Intermediate - I can link my snowplow turns together and can control my speed through my turns. I am a confident skier on gentle terrain and can match my skis at the end of my turn. I know all about chairlift safety. |
| Mountain Explorers |
Advanced Intermediate - I like making different sized turns and am matching my skis ½ way through my turn now. I am comfortable skiing with poles and know how to be a responsible skier by following the skier’s code of conduct. I can match my skis on blue runs. |
| High Flyers |
Advanced - I know how to ski in all snow conditions, and can control my speed in the bumps. I can plant my poles, and use the edges on my skis. I know about mountain safety & awareness and I can do parallel turns on black runs (advanced terrain). |
| Hotshots | Expert - I can link short turns in a line down the hill. When I’m tired of small turns I like big turns, or all sizes for that matter. I know how to absorb a bump when I’m skiing through them and I demonstrate safety skills and knowledge constantly. I can complete carved turns on black runs (advanced terrain). |
Watch Ability Level
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Groomers |
Beginner - This is my first time snowboarding. |
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Snowsurfers |
Novice - I can do a straight run with a stop, I can also groom (or plow) the hill on my board. I can traverse the hill in both directions and can ride the Plaza chair. |
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Freeriders |
Intermediate - I can traverse in both directions on both edges now, and can stop while I’m traversing. I have learned how to turn with assistance from the instructor and can link my turns on an easy green run now. |
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Shredders
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Advanced Intermediate - I know how to flex and extend properly through a turn, and can do big and little turns. I can control my speed and know how to use my edges better now, I can even do a 360° spin on the snow! I can link intermediate turns on blue runs now. |
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Jibbers |
Advanced - I can ollie, ride switch, and ride quarter pipes thanks to my introduction to freestyle in my Shredder’s class. I use my edges and pressure control to complete my turns now and can link basic carved turns & beginner freestyle moves! |
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Hotshots |
Expert - I can carve with rhythm, co-ordination and speed control in various sizes of turns. I like to ride in the park, the half pipe, the moguls, and other terrain features. I can link advanced carved turns and freestyle riding. |
