Course Levels SKI & BOARD
What is meant by a learning level
Learning Levels
The learning levels replaced the old course class system a few years ago. The transition from one level to the next is fluid. Each level has a lower and an upper range, so it is completely normal for children to remain in the same level for an extended period of time.
Beginner Levels
The easiest distinction is in the beginner area. Children who are on skis or a snowboard for the very first time are placed in the Green level. As soon as they can brake and make their first changes of direction, they move up to the Blue level.
Intermediate and Advanced
To progress to the Red level, children must be able to ski parallel turns with controlled drifting.
The Black level is the master class. Here, various techniques are improved and refined.
Approximate Ski Days
To illustrate this more clearly, the progress can also be expressed in ski days:
- From Green to Blue: Children usually need 3–4 ski days, which equals one course. At this point, they have their first control over line and speed and can descend and brake on blue slopes using wedge turns.
- From Blue to Red: Progress takes longer. To drift through turns with parallel ski positioning, children typically need between 15–20 ski days, depending on age and prior motor experience. This includes not only course days but also the time parents spend skiing with their child.
- Black level: This requires several years of practice and training, and 50 ski days is by no means an overestimate.
Important Note
Course assessment is often made based on how many years a child has been skiing since their first course, or by “how fast” they ski.
However, these criteria do not reflect the actual technical level of a skier or snowboarder.
Ski
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Learning Level Green
Requirements: None Learning Content:
Learning Level Blue Learning Content:
Learning Level Red
Requirements: Parallel turns, side-slipping, hockey stop Learning Content:
Learning Level Black
Requirements: Consistent parallel turns on red slopes Learning Content:
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Snowboard
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Level A Requirements: None Goal: First and safe handling of the board, stopping and braking Learning Content:
Level B Requirements: Frontside and backside turns Goal: Confident riding on blue slopes, first attempts in the park Learning Content:
Level C Requirements: Confident turns, riding switch Goal: Confident riding on medium-steep slopes and in parks Learning Content:
Level D Requirements: Contents of Level C Goal: Confidently mastering all terrain and parks Learning Content:
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