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Ski Slope Grading
When selecting your resort it is important to know that there are slopes there that you can ski, ending up in a resort where the slopes are beyond you or where they are too easy will not make for the best ski holiday. Our article helps you to understand the gradings used so you can make the right decision.
Most skiers spend their time skiing on pistes (the French term) or trails (the American term). Pistes are defined by name or number and are marked on the ground with poles. Piste maps are handed out in resorts to help you plan where to ski and at a level that is suitable for you.
To help you make the right decision on where to ski, all pistes and trails are graded. It is important to note however that the grading system varies between Europe and North America. And even when comparing gradings between European resorts the reality can be very different from the official grading, so do take care.
European Gradings
In Europe the grading goes from green (nursery) to blue (easy) to red (more difficult) to black (difficult). In North America the grading includes double blacks or even triple black gradings and uses shaped symbols (circles, squares and diamonds). Let’s explain these gradings in more detail.
European-Green
In Europe, Green is very much for beginners, the gradient will be gentle. Green runs are normally known as the nursery slopes.
European-Blue
Blue, are easy and are for early intermediates i.e. people who can snowplough turn confidently.
European-Red
Red are more difficult and are for people who are intermediate and able to link together short parallel turns. The gradient on red runs is sometimes quite steep.
European-Black
Black runs are for the advanced/expert skier and boarder. These slopes will be steep and the skier will be able to link together short radius turns.
North America-Green Circle
The Green circle with white centre is a beginner area. A Green circle with green centre is for novices but you should be able to stop and turn in both directions.
North America-Blue Square
Blue square is intermediate.
North America -Black Diamond
One black diamond is for advanced skiers and boarders, double back diamond is extreme skiing and boarding.
What makes things confusing for skiers and boards however is when you follow the piste map and soon realise that the blue descent you are on is actually more difficult that the red you did the day before! Most resorts like to show that they have a good range of pistes and trails, so do be careful when following piste maps.
In Summary
Our advice would be to start off on the easier trails when you first visit a resort and then progress your way up so you don’t get caught out on a run that you are not skilled enough to do. Also speak to other skiers and boarders in resort as they can always give their opinion. Another good tip is to speak to an instructor in the resort as they will have skied all the pistes and will be able to give you advice.
