Ski and snowboard ability levels explained

Levels and run ratings

Most people describe their ability by the runs they’re comfortable on, so it helps to know how runs are rated. In North America, runs are marked with a green circle (easiest), blue square (intermediate), black diamond (advanced) and double black diamond (expert). Across much of Europe, pistes are blue, red and black, with green runs for beginners in some countries, such as France.

Two caveats. Ratings are relative to each mountain, so a black at a small hill may be a blue at a big one. And conditions change everything: an easy run that’s icy or in flat light can feel a level harder. Use the ratings as a guide, not a test.

The four levels

Beginner

You’re in your first days or first season. On skis, you’re working on controlling your speed and stopping, often with a snowplough (pizza), and starting to link turns on green or the easiest runs. On a snowboard, you’re learning to slide on your heel and toe edges, side-slip and start linking turns, and you probably fall a fair bit. You may still be getting the hang of chairlifts and drag lifts.

Intermediate

You can link turns and control your speed on most blue (or red) runs in good conditions, and you’re comfortable on lifts. Skiers are moving from wedge turns to parallel turns; snowboarders link turns smoothly and are starting to carve. Black runs, moguls, ice or deep snow are possible but feel like hard work. This is the biggest group, and it covers a wide range, so it’s worth saying in your profile or chat whether you’re a new or a strong intermediate.

Advanced

You ride most black runs in control, including steeper pitches, some bumps and ungroomed snow. You can adjust your turns for the terrain and conditions rather than riding every run the same way. Advanced snowboarders can usually ride switch and handle choppy snow; advanced skiers carve on groomers and stay balanced in variable snow.

Expert

You can ride almost anything inside the resort boundary, including double blacks, steep chutes, tight trees and deep powder, with control and good judgement. Expert is about judgement as much as skill: knowing when terrain or conditions aren’t worth it. Riding in-bounds expert terrain doesn’t on its own mean you’re ready for the backcountry, which needs avalanche training and equipment.

Picking your level honestly

A few questions help more than any chart:

• What do you ride on a normal day? Your level is what you ride comfortably, not the hardest run you’ve survived once.
• How do you handle bad conditions? Ice, flat light and crud separate levels more than perfect groomers do.
• Can you stop where you want to? Control matters more than speed.
• Would friends who’ve ridden with you agree? If you’re not sure, ask one.

It’s common to overrate yourself after a great trip or underrate yourself after a long break. If you’re between two levels, say so in the chat when you plan a day.

Why matching levels matters for a riding partner

Riding with someone at a very different level is hard on both of you. The stronger rider spends the day waiting and doing runs they find dull; the less confident rider feels rushed and may follow onto terrain beyond them, which is how people get hurt. Similar levels mean you can choose runs you both enjoy, keep a similar pace and regroup naturally. It’s also why the first run with someone new should be an easy one: you’ll both see how the other really rides.

Riding with someone at a different level

It can still be a great day with a bit of planning. Choose runs that suit the less confident rider, and let the stronger rider add a harder line where the runs split and meet again below. Agree on regroup points at lifts or junctions. Split up for an hour and meet for lunch. And never pressure anyone onto something they’re unsure about. Our slope etiquette guide has more on riding well with new people.

Levels on Broski

Broski uses four levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert, plus No experience if you’ve never been. If you ski and snowboard, you set a level for each, and it shows on your profile. On the Find tab you can filter riders by ski or snowboard and by ability for free, so you can find a ski buddy or a snowboard buddy who rides like you. Event hosts choose which levels a meetup suits too, so you can find groups at your level.