Guide to Splitting Groups/ Adult Lesson Best Practices

People Skills Fundamentals (guides guest interactions) 

  • Develop relationships based on trust   

  • Engage in meaningful, two-way communication  

  • Identify, understand, and manage your emotions and actions  

  • Recognize and influence the behaviors, motivations, and emotions of others 

Group Splits 

  • Groups are split based on terrain and speed the guest desires to ski. 

  • Skiing ability will determine what terrain guests can ski safely, but it is not the only factor.  

  • Example: Level 6/7 guest that wants to ski a lot of runs, ski the bumps, and venture off piste vs.... Level 6/7 that would rather take it slow, and cruise groomers. They may have the same skills but different desires and comfort levels on the mountain. 

  • Extract as much info from our guests as possible to make sure that we are avoiding poor splits.  

Line-up Expectations

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

    • Professional appearance (see employee manual)

    • Engaged

  • Greet guests as they approach (warm and welcoming).

    • This is your first chance to connect with your guests, make the most of it!
  • Ask lots of questions to get to know your guests, Examples:
    • Where are you from?
    • When was the last time you skied?
    • Where is your favorite place to ski?
    • Have you been to Big Sky before, if so, what was your favorite run?
    • Can you ski parallel? (Some of the time? Most of the time?)
    • Use visible terrain to assess guests’ ability (Tippy’s, Ambush, Calamity Jane, beginner terrain)
    • Does Tippy's Tumble look like fun, or are you more comfortable skiing the bottom of Calamity Jane?
    • What type of terrain would you like to ski?
    • On piste or off?
    • What do you wish was better about your skiing? What would you like to work on today? What are your goals for the morning?
    • How was your morning? Did you sleep well? Did you get a good breakfast?
    • How does your equipment feel? Are your boots snug and comfortable? Do you have any clothes other than your socks in your boots?
  • Communicate with instructors at flags above and below your own
    • Move guests as needed to place them in ideal group for their goals that day
    • Make a plan as to where your first run will be
    • Know the plans of the instructors around you
    • Have a contingency plan if you need to move a guest up or down a level. Make sure you have the contact info for the instructors in the groups around you.
    • Never hesitate to ask a supervisor for help or support with group splits

Ski-Offs

  • The purpose of the ski-off is to create accurate and timely splits

    • Ski-offs will happen at the supervisor's discretion on busy days

  • Upper-level ski off (6/7)

    • Terrain: Safari
    • Supervisor will accompany instructors to help split groups.

  • Lower-level ski off (4/5)

    • Terrain: next to blue tube
    • Supervisor may accompany instructors to help split groups.