How to know your ski skill level
Introduction
This is one of the hardest questions to find an answer. Often when trying to determine a guest’s skiing level, ski school staff fails to place them in the right group. This is because determining skiing ability is a very subjective affair. An internet search will yield many answers and confuse the reader a lot. In my research for writing this blog, I came across various opinions where there would be up to 13 levels. Whilst, as a ski instructor I found that page awesome, making a lot of sense and very well put together, as ski resort guest, I would be incredibly confused.
At Boomerang on Snow we like to keep it simple, and we’ll stay away from numbers. Let’s look at one of the many ways to assess your skill level.
First timer
Ability
If you have not been on skis, your control ability is non-existent. If you have been on skis but are unable to stop safely within the desired distance, whilst remaining upright, you are still a first timer.
Suitable terrain
Suitable terrain for first timers is very gentle slopes. As close as possible to a horizontal slope is best to help you progress. Try to imagine kicking a ball on a small incline. If the slope is appropriate, you will be able to run and eventually catch the ball. This is the pitch you are aiming for.
Safety considerations
In this stage of your skiing journey, you are most vulnerable and present as a liability to other people. For safety considerations you should not venture away from first time and beginner terrain.
What to expect from the lesson
By the end of your standard two-hour first-time lesson, regardless of if it is a private or group product, you should be able to:
• Stop safely
• Perform snowplough turns
• Identify suitable terrain to continue skiing
• Use surface lifts such as magic carpets, or pomas.
Time at level
Often, most guests, will progress though the first-time lesson over two or three hours of instruction. Two or three days of practice are required to perfect your newly acquired skills. You will improve if you take more lessons however, just taking lessons without practice will not suffice. Before progressing to the next level, you should be aware of your stance – the way you sit on skis and understand the concept of rotary – movement that causes your ski to turn.
Beginner
Ability
As a beginner you can perform snowplough turn confidently and are progressing towards parallel skiing. Your turns will still come through the rotation of the upper body, and you start developing awareness of how to use the poles to assist with your turns.
Suitable terrain
As you will build skill and confidence, you will start venturing past the bunny hill, into more complex terrain. At times, confidence will even push you on slopes beyond your ability and is only natural. Make sure to always conduct your research before venturing out. At this point in your skiing progression, curiosity and confidence can take you on the wrong side of the hill, but the same ones will help you improve. Finding the right balance is a skill only you know.
Safety considerations
You should remain aware of your skills and abilities. The easiest way to reduce danger to yourself and others, is by making sure you master stopping techniques. At this level of your progression, you should master the snowplough to make quick stops. Turning in a snowplough as well as reducing the speed by making longer turns should not be a mystery. If traversing the slope when negotiating steeper terrain, you should be able to do so safely. You are increasing your awareness of the surrounding environment.
What to expect from the lessons
Over several lessons, regardless of if it is a private or group product, you should be able to:
• Turn safely
• Stop quickly
• Perform Basic Christies – you will finish with your skis parallel.
• Perform Stem Christies – faster turns and earlier matching, keeping skis parallel though most of the turn
• Identify suitable terrain to continue skiing
• Use a variety of lifts available in the resort
Time at level
Everyone wishes quick progression. Do not rush though your time as a beginner on the slopes. This is your chance to build a solid foundation. Skiing is fast, fun and takes a bit of time to master. At this level you can perfect your stance, work on your rotary, and start considering edging and pressure. With poor stance you will never be able to turn your skis, your quads will feel on fire, and you will become rather well acquainted with the snow, more often than you would like.
Intermediate
Ability
As an intermediate, you are performing predominantly parallel turns and can explore most of the mountain. At this point, you will be looking to try venturing into red/black terrain, only if you can always perform parallel turns and feel confident on your ability to stop. You can use your poles and adjust easily from short to medium and long turns.
Suitable terrain
Blue and Red/Black are your playground. Whenever introducing a new skill or trying to perfect a new one, you should go back to known easier terrain. There is no point in practicing a new skill on new more difficult terrain.
Safety considerations
Your speed and speed control have considerably improved. You can think about route selection, anticipate, and prepare for changes and stop quickly using advanced techniques, such as a hockey stop.
What to expect from the lesson
Over several lessons, regardless of if it is a private or group product, you should be able to:
• Ski parallel on any terrain in the resort
• Use your poles for pole planting
• Perform short, medium, and long turns
• Discover mogul skiing
• Enjoy basic jumps in terrain parks
• Ski in all snow conditions
Time at level
You will often hear your instructor telling you to be patient and not to rush your turns. Same applies here. Take your time, improve, and explore. Skiing is not only boasting about ski resorts you have explored, or casually dropping the “I ski black runs” in a conversation. It is about having fun, and walking back to the slope the following day.
Advanced
Ability
As an advanced skier, you are working on perfecting your carving technique. Of course, you can ski the whole resort and can safely negotiate runs between trees and those powdery days.
Suitable terrain
You can ski pretty much any terrain, although you may wish to further explore bumps, terrain parks, or venture out of resort bounds.
Safety considerations
At advanced level, your awareness and reflexes should be sharp enough to allow you to anticipate and react to potential dangers.
What to expect from the lesson
Over several lessons, regardless of if it is a private or group product, you should be able to:
• Carve on any terrain in resort
• Ski steep terrain confidently
• Improve pole planting
• Perform carved short, medium, and long turns
• Ski moguls – absorption retraction, and ability to ski a line
• Enjoy more jumps, halfpipe, or switch skiing
• Have an increased ability to ski in all snow conditions: ice, powder, crud.
Time at level
Forever! One never stops learning.
Conclusion
For your safety and the safety of others is important to always ski at your ability. Be honest to yourself and do not overestimate your abilities on the snow. Remember the most important part of skiing is knowing how and when to stop. See you on the slopes!
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