Lesson Abilities
Find the level that matches how you ski or ride today, so every lesson starts in the right group and on the right terrain.
Whistler Blackcomb groups every lesson by ability, from Level 1 to Level 6.
When you book a lesson with us, tell us the level of everyone taking part. Read the six descriptions below and choose the one that best describes you now, not where you would like to be. Instructors will adjust on the day if a different group suits you better.
Find Your Level
Level 1
Never skied or snowboarded before. Focus on equipment familiarity and basic balance.
Level 2
I would rather ski/ride at slow speed. Green runs remain a challenge.
Level 3
I can link turns on green runs, I rarely venture onto blue runs.
Level 4
I ski/ride at moderate speed on blue runs. Focus on fluid movements and efficiency.
Level 5
I ski/ride blue runs & sometimes black runs. I might like to learn short turns, moguls and powder.
Level 6
I enjoy the challenge of skiing/riding in all conditions and terrain, from steep chutes to deep powder.
Trail Ratings
Green
Green slopes are beginner or easy runs. They are always groomed and are usually not that steep. Some skiers call them bunny slopes or nursery slopes. If you are new to skiing this is where you will spend most of your time.
Blue
Blue runs are intermediate runs. A blue slope is usually groomed. Some ski resorts leave some blue runs ungroomed especially on powder days. These are the runs where you should be comfortable parallel turning to ski.
Black Diamond
Black slopes are advanced runs. These runs can be groomed or ungroomed. Ski resorts like to have some steep black groomed runs for the speed demons out there. Other black runs are left ungroomed all the time for moguls or glade skiing. You should not try black runs until you can proficiently parallel turn and stop.
Double Black Diamond
It is common for ski resorts to rate their most difficult trails as double or triple black diamond. What is the difference between a black diamond slope or a double black diamond? It is the ski resort telling you to stay away unless you are an expert skier and to use a bit of caution. It is a steep slope and may have other obstacles such as cliffs, drop-offs, trees or large rocks to avoid.