First Day of Skiing

Students gaining confidence
on the slope

by Conner (grade 7)

Since 1973 Black Butte School has been skiing the snowy slopes of Hoodoo.  Every year, when Hoodoo has enough snow, after Winter Break the school begins the ski program.  Students earn downhill ski lessons on Fridays by doing all homework, staying on task in class, and having good behavior.  

We’ve had one Friday of skiing.  All 16 students enjoyed morning and afternoon lessons.  After skill assessment, we were broken up into four groups.  Each of the four groups worked with an instructor.  Two groups were for new alpine skiers and two groups were for more experienced skiers.  

The beginner skiers started not knowing how to turn or get on lifts.  They spent a fair amount of time just getting comfortable being on their skis in front of the lodge.  By the end of the day, they could turn and stop.  They were all comfortable getting on and off the lifts.  They are excited to be getting better and learn more.  

Advanced group students with Hoodoo instructor Bill

The more advanced groups already knew how to stop, do a wide variety of turns, and stay controlled on steeper slopes. Moreover my group (the advanced group)

practiced being in control by doing wide, long turns and skinny, small turns.  I know we will all be better skiers thanks to the ski program.