Ski & snowboard ability levels
From novice skier to advanced rider here is a quick guide to help you work out your ability level to assist you when booking any ski or board lessons. This will ensure that you will be in the right class from the start so that the instructor can tailor a lesson to meet your own requirements, whatever your level!
Skiing ability levels
Beginner skier
Level 1 - Has never skied before.
Level 2 - A cautious skier or one who has only spent a few hours on the slopes, but can perform a 'snowplough', turn both ways and stop. Still finds easy slopes a challenge.
Intermediate skier
Level 3 - A confident novice who can control speed and link their turns with a snowplough on easy green or blue runs and is starting to bring their skis together parallel at the end of a turn.
Level 4 -An intermediate skier who is confident on blue runs and can ski mostly parallel but would like to improve their technique on more challenging terrain. The snowplough may still come back when it is steep, narrow or icy.
Level 5 - A controlled skier who can maintain parallel turns, speed and rhythm, on red runs in good conditions, but struggles on bumps, steeps and ice; would like to improve their style on a variety of different types of snow and terrain.
Advanced skier
Level 6 - Good technique on most black runs and in variable snow conditions, and wants to improve their technique.
Level 7 - Good technique on all terrain, can ski everywhere, blacks are no problem and enjoys off-piste.
Snowboarding ability levels
Beginner snowboarder
Level 1 - Has never snowboarded before.
Level 2 - Just learning to snowboard, has been out on the nursery slopes and is able to stand and balance on a board whilst sliding and can slide on their heel side and toe side.
Intermediate snowboarder
Level 3 - A boarder who is able to change direction on easy slopes by completing basic turns on both their heel and toe sides.
Level 4 - A snowboarder who can link turns comfortably, maintaining rhythm and flow and is able to learn how to ride on uneven terrain.
Advanced snowboarder
Level 5 - A snowboarder who performs linked turns with ease on most terrain including the parks and can enjoy riding in powder and deep snow.
Level 6 - Enjoys the challenge of black runs and can ride anywhere on the mountain and in the terrain park as well as being able to adapt to all snow conditions.
