GOING TO THE SNOW TEACHER INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES FROM THE NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL A visit to experience the snow and view the world from the top of a mountain is a stimulating experience for all students. We outline what you and your class need to know and how to prepare for visiting this exciting but often hostile environment. MOUNTAIN WEATHER CLOTHING Mountain weather is notoriously fickle and can change from a calm sunny day to a white-out and blizzard in less than an hour. Thermal underwear - top and bottom Wear a warm hat Wear a warm jersey and/or fleece top Always wear mitts or gloves - ones with a waterproof shell Windproof and water proof trousers or warm trousers and over trousers. Remember if it is a hot sunny day, layers of clothing can be taken off. Insist that pupils always wear a long sleeved jersey or skivvy as falling on the snow can badly scrape the skin SUNBURN/SNOW BLINDNESS High altitudes create a greater potential for sun burn. Sun block factor of at least 15 must be applied to all exposed areas at the beginning of the day and after lunch and don't forget the ears. Use lip salve to guard against the sun, wind and dry cold air. Sunglasses/snow goggles are absolutely essential, even on overcast days. Insist that pupils wear these all day. Snow blindness is actually sunburn of the eyes and is very painful indeed. ON THE SNOW If the main purpose of your trip will be skiing, seek advice on equipment from an experienced skier. Ski hire shops and ski fields themselves now offer excellent ski packages for groups of first timers. If possible, use an instructor for a lesson. It saves days of frustration and gives a definite purpose for your visit. Plan some warm up exercises before the children start. Allocate one adult to each group of five-six pupils to help and encourage their efforts. Make sure all pupils have a substantial breakfast as much energy will be used. Have regular breaks for snacks and drinks. (Dehydration is a real danger) Even if you are not going skiing, building snowmen and just enjoying the environment for its own sake makes for a thoroughly satisfying experience. Although sliding on plastic can be fun, many children have been seriously injured when they have hit rocks or fallen over a steep drop. Check the area carefully - especially the run out. CLASS PLANNING/PRE VISIT ACTIVITIES Pupils must feel they 'own' the trip and be fully involved in the planning. Prepare driver maps. Identify points of interest along the way. Check the snow conditions and weather forecast at: www.snow.co.nz and www.metservice.co.nz Invite experienced skiers or snowboarders to the classroom. Ask about their experiences, for a demonstration of putting on boots and bindings, tips on riding ski lifts, why they ski, what the mountain environment is like, what pre-fitness activities should be engaged in, dangers etc. Learn Skiers Responsibility Code. Find out ski area information and the meaning of warning signs. Show ‘Ski Safe’ video available from NZ Mountain Safety Council. Learn about hypothermia, - prevention, symptoms and treatment. Institute a suitable fitness programme. CLASS ACTIVITIES … during and after the visit. Children may be given assignments to complete on the snow leading to follow-up activities. Sounds of the snow - poems and stories. Action photographs and captions made into a book or wall display. Classroom display of clothing and equipment. Paintings of mountain scenery, vegetation and activities. 'All dressed up correctly for skiing’ self portraits. Humorous dramatisations of a ski lesson. Make a 'beginner skier' instruction manual. Shoot an on-the-snow video. Add music and commentary. Make posters and brochures promoting skiing. Personal writing: ‘My day on the snow’. Identify New Zealand Ski Fields on a map. Know the names and difficulties of trails (runs) of ski areas. Research cross country skiing, snow boarding, ski jumping, bob sledding. Write and present project. Make a class/group mountain and skiing vocabulary or dictionary. Keep adding to it.