Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC has partnered with Mt Hood Meadows Resort (Meadows) for this course.  The small group lessons are located at Meadows and taught by certified Ski Instructors.  Students will meet at Meadows for five consecutive Saturdays during the month of February (dates vary per calendar year).  Students must provide and be prepared with appropriate clothing for varying winter weather conditions in the mountain ski areas.  PCC does not provide transportation to Mt Hood Meadows Resort.

Students are required to purchase Five, two-hour lessons through the Mt. Hood Meadows website, www.skihood.com using the PCC GO Code.  Lift tickets and equipment rentals are also available for PCC Students using the PCC GO Code.

There is a required orientation the week prior to the first Saturday Lesson where course details, logistics, and tips are presented to students to ensure a successful course experience. 

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills developed while alpine skiing that improve physical conditioning. 
2. Apply link turns and control on beginning/intermediate terrain.
3. Demonstrate preparedness for varying weather conditions and emergency situations in an alpine environment.

A Course Orientation the week prior to the first Saturday lesson is required.  At the ski area, students will be placed in small classes with other students of similar ability.  Classes will be conducted each of the five weeks on snow at the ski area.  Lab/practice time will be available to supplement class time with the instructor.  Independent practice is recommended before or after each lesson. In addition to skiing skills and movement patterns, safety and skier etiquette will also be emphasized.

Students grades will be based on:

1. Attendance and Participation at each lesson.

2. Discussion Posts and Replies through the PCC Course Page.

3. Demonstrated skills.

The Intermediate course is designed to teach appropriate balancing, rotary, edging, and pressure control movements to allow students to ski on
intermediate and beginning-advanced terrain at any ski area with confidence and control. A blended application of the four fundamental skills, pole use, active steering with both legs, varied turn shapes and rhythm will be taught and practiced. A goal will be to teach each student to make parallel turns using a pole touch for rhythm and timing during the 5-week class. 

1. Skiing at proper skill level and terrain
2. Skiing etiquette
3. Creating an positive environment for enjoying downhill skiing
4. Benefits of a physically active lifestyle
5. Preparation and awareness of varying weather conditions
6. Importance of speed control
7. Opportunities for improving skill
8. Opportunities for competition, club involvement, social events