Ski & Snowboard Ability Charts

To ensure you are taking the appropriate lesson, use the following information to determine your ability level.

Level Description
1
First Time Skier
Never skied before. Or is not yet able to do a snowplow on a gentle slope.
2
Novice
Can do snowplow turns in control on gentle slopes. Prefer to ski at a slow pace. Green runs remain a bit of a challenge.
3
Comfortable Novice
Ability to link strong snowplow turns or wide stance parallel. Feel comfortable on green runs but rarely venture onto blue runs. May add poles at this level.
4
Intermediate
Able to ski parallel turns with pole plant. Can ski most blue runs, more advanced blues remain a challenge. Would like to explore more varied terrain.
5
Advanced
Able to ski strong parallel turns with a pole plant on all blue runs and easy black runs. Learning, short turns, off piste, moguls, powder and more difficult terrain.
6
Expert
Enjoy the challenge of skiing in control in all conditions and terrain and want to refine these skills.
Level Description
1
First Time Snowboarder
Never snowboarded before.
2
Novice
Able to slide and stop, both front-side, backside and attempting to link turns on gentle terrain.
3
Comfortable Novice
Able to link sweeping pivot turns on gentle green terrain and ready to venture onto green runs.
4
Intermediate
Can snowboard comfortably on all green runs and some blue runs. More difficult blue runs are sometimes a challenge. Would like to explore more varied terrain.
5
Advanced
Able to link turns on blue runs and easy black runs. Learning short turns, off piste terrain, small jumps, powder and difficult terrain.
6
Expert
Enjoy the challenge of snowboarding in control in all conditions and terrain and want to refine these skills.
Insider's Guide to Whistler

Best Whistler Runs by
Skier/Boarder Type

Tackle some of the best ski runs in North America at Whistler Blackcomb. See which ones our Insider recommends for you.

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