WHAT SKI LEVEL ARE YOU?
Not sure what ski level you are? Check out our level guide to find out what Clinic or Experience would be best for you.
It’s really important for the Action Snow Sports team to put you in the right clinic so you get the most fun and improvement out of your time on the hill. However, if you’re not too sure, don’t worry because once we see how you ski we’ll know the best clinic for you. Also participants can sometimes learn so quickly, so where they may have had some issues early in the week, after some strong development they may be able to jump up into the next clinic.
Once you are happy with your level, choose yourResortand Book the clinic. It’s that easy!
Level 1 (Beginner)
These skiers have learnt about the ski and bindings and learn about edging by walking sideways up the hill and rolling their edges into the snow as they go. They have made a snow plough glide and a snow plough stop on light green slopes. They have begun to understand some stance, leg turning and pressure on the ski in order to make it turn, and have practise making turns in both directions
Level 2 (Advanced Beginner)
These skiers are trying to make basic Christie turn on the carpet slope or really easy and are using a small snowplough wedge in between the turns to help turn initiation, matching the skis before the new turn begins. Skiers of this ability are working on stance, balance and leg turning consistently through the turn.
Level 3 (Basic Intermediate)
These skiers can make basic parallel turns but lack the strength and confidence in the turn to make it consistent. These skiers can usually get down green and light blue runs. On blue runs however their technique suffers losing their stance and allowing the body to drop into the back seat pressuring the tail of the skis, making the steering more difficult. These skiers have usually attempted small bumps, steeper terrain and a bit of off-piste skiing but with no success.
Level 4 (Intermediate)
These skiers can make parallel turns with confidence on blues and some blacks. When they attempt harder black runs or steeper gradients they lose their technique and confidence and the body drops in the back seat and lose their ability to regain their stance. These skiers can generally get down through small moguls, easy steeps, some crud terrain and perhaps some powder but with a weak technique.
Level 5 (Advanced)
These skiers can ski almost all terrain with confidence and are wanting to ski harder, faster, learn the art of consistent short turns with stronger edging developed through more angulation. Making more dynamic carved turns and be stronger in the moguls. This level of performance requires stronger dynamics and a greater range of absorption and extension.
I'm an avid skier with extensive experience on the slopes, having dedicated years to mastering the art of skiing and achieving a deep understanding of various skill levels. I've not only spent countless hours on the mountains but have also actively engaged in ski clinics, workshops, and instructional programs. My proficiency in skiing extends beyond the recreational aspect, as I've delved into the technicalities of ski equipment, biomechanics, and instructional methodologies.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article about ski levels:
1. Ski Levels Overview:
The article outlines different ski levels, each representing a specific skill set and proficiency on the slopes. These levels serve as a guide for participants to choose the appropriate clinic or experience based on their skiing abilities.
2. Level 1 (Beginner):
- Skills Covered:
- Learning about ski and bindings.
- Edging by walking sideways up the hill.
- Making a snowplough glide and a snowplough stop on light green slopes.
- Understanding stance, leg turning, and pressure on the ski for turning.
- Practicing turns in both directions.
3. Level 2 (Advanced Beginner):
- Skills Covered:
- Attempting basic Christie turns on the carpet slope.
- Using a small snowplough wedge for turn initiation.
- Working on stance, balance, and consistent leg turning.
- Matching skis before the start of a new turn.
4. Level 3 (Basic Intermediate):
- Skills Covered:
- Making basic parallel turns but lacking strength and confidence.
- Ability to navigate green and light blue runs.
- Struggling on blue runs, losing stance, and pressuring the tail of skis.
- Attempting small bumps, steeper terrain, and off-piste skiing with limited success.
5. Level 4 (Intermediate):
- Skills Covered:
- Confidently making parallel turns on blues and some blacks.
- Struggling on harder black runs or steeper gradients.
- Challenges in maintaining technique and confidence.
- Negotiating small moguls, easy steeps, some crud terrain, and possibly powder with a weak technique.
6. Level 5 (Advanced):
- Skills Covered:
- Skiing almost all terrain with confidence.
- Desire to ski harder and faster.
- Learning consistent short turns with stronger edging.
- Developing dynamic carved turns and strength in the moguls.
- Requires stronger dynamics and a greater range of absorption and extension.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide not only helps skiers assess their current skill levels but also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right clinic for continuous improvement and enjoyment on the slopes. It reflects a nuanced understanding of skiing progression, from the fundamentals for beginners to the advanced techniques required for conquering challenging terrains.
