Guide to Splitting Groups/ Adult Lesson Best Practices

People Skills Fundamentals

(Guides all guest interactions)

  • Build relationships based on trust — create an environment where guests feel seen, heard, and supported.

  • Engage in meaningful, two-way communication — listen actively and respond thoughtfully.

  • Understand and manage your own emotions and actions — maintain professionalism and empathy.

  • Recognize and influence the emotions, motivations, and behaviors of others — adapt your approach to each guest’s needs.

Line-Up Expectations

  • Arrive on time: Be fully dressed, ready, and present to greet guests by 9:15 a.m.

  • Professional appearance: Follow the standards in the Employee Manual.

  • Be engaged: Smile, make eye contact, and be approachable.

Your first impression matters — make the most of it!

Conversation Starters:
Use these questions to connect and gather information about your guests:

  • Where are you from?

  • When was the last time you skied?

  • Have you been to Big Sky before? What was your favorite run?

  • Where else do you love to ski?

  • Can you ski parallel — some of the time or most of the time?

  • What type of terrain do you enjoy most — on-piste, off-piste, or both?

  • What do you want to work on today?

  • How was your morning? Did you sleep well and get a good breakfast?

  • How does your equipment feel — are boots snug but comfortable? No extra clothing inside boots?

Terrain-Based Questions:
Use visible landmarks to help gauge comfort and ability:

“Does Tippy’s Tumble look like fun, or would you prefer to stay near the bottom of Calamity Jane?”

Team Communication & Group Management

  • Communicate with instructors at the flags above and below your position.

  • Move guests between groups as needed to align goals, speed, and comfort levels.

  • Know the plan for your first run and those of neighboring instructors.

  • Have a contingency plan ready if a guest needs to move up or down a level.

    • Exchange contact info with adjacent instructors.

  • Never hesitate to ask a supervisor for assistance with splits or group adjustments.

Warm Up Laps

Purpose:
To ensure accurate and efficient group placement, especially on busy days.

Upper-Level Ski-Off (Levels 6–7):

  • Location: Safari

  • Supervisor will accompany instructors and assist with splits.

Lower-Level Ski-Off (Levels 4–5):

  • Location: Next to the Blue Tube

  • Supervisor may accompany instructors to assist with splits.

Group Splits

Groups should be split primarily by the terrain and speed guests wish to ski — not solely by technical ability.
While skiing ability determines which terrain can be navigated safely, desire, confidence, and comfort level are equally important.

Example:

  • A Level 6/7 guest who wants to ski fast, tackle bumps, and explore off-piste terrain.

  • A Level 6/7 guest who prefers a slower pace and groomed runs.
    Both have similar technical skills but very different goals and comfort levels.

Your goal: Extract as much information as possible to ensure appropriate splits and create the best guest experience.