Ski Slope Ratings Explained Ski Slope Ratings Explained

Ski Slope Ratings Explained: How to Read Ski Trail Difficulty Levels

Posted by Bianca Chang on Friday, May 30, 2025

When you hit the mountain, understanding ski slope ratings is essential for staying safe and choosing the right runs. These color-coded markers help skiers and snowboarders identify trail difficulty levels, whether you're a beginner cruising down gentle greens or an expert tackling double black diamonds.

In this guide, we’ll break down ski trail signs used in North America and Europe so you can confidently read the terrain before you drop in.


 North American Ski Slope Ratings

In the U.S. and Canada, ski slope difficulty ratings use a combination of colors and shapes. Here's what each one means:

Green Circle – Beginner Ski Slopes

You’ll often hear these trails referred to as “green runs” or just “greens.” These are the easiest ski trails on the mountain and ideal for learning the basics of skiing or snowboarding. The “Bunny Hill” or “Bunny Slope” is the easiest green run on the mountain, closest to the lodge, and ideal for young and first-time skiers and snowboarders. These runs usually feature a magic carpet, allowing you to focus on the basics rather than worrying about the ski lift.

Once beginners have graduated from the bunny hill, there are plenty of green runs throughout the mountain to explore! Green runs are generally the most gentle, wide, and well-groomed trails on the mountain. They’re not too steep, and it's usually understood not to ski too fast throughout these areas and to watch out for those learning.

  • Also known as: Beginner slopes, green runs, greens
  • Common Features: Wide, gentle gradients, well-groomed
  • Typical Slope Grade: 6% to 25%
  • Includes: Bunny hill—usually near the base with a magic carpet lift.
  • Good For: Children, first-time skiers, and those building confidence on the snow.

Blue Square – Intermediate Ski Runs

Blue trails are for skiers who’ve mastered green runs and are ready for more challenge. You can find a good variety of terrain from wide-open groomed runs to ungroomed runs with moguls or bumps and some steeper runs. They’re good for picking up speed and challenging yourself without going to the extreme. Blue runs are ideal for skiers who are confident in their turning ability, able to control their speed, and ready for a little more of a challenge than what green runs offer.

  • Also known as: Intermediate ski slopes
  • Features: Steeper inclines, moguls, or variable terrain
  • Typical Slope Grade: 25% to 40%
  • Good For: Confident skiers who can turn and control speed on varied terrain

Black Diamond – Advanced Ski Trails

Black diamond runs are designed for advanced skiers who can handle steep, sometimes unpredictable terrain. Black diamonds include some of the most challenging terrain you’ll find on the mountain. These runs are steep, narrower, and often ungroomed, with potential obstacles such as rocks and trees. On black runs, expect to encounter tree runs, open bowls, and other natural terrain challenges.

  • Features: Steep, narrow, ungroomed terrain, with potential hazards
  • Slope Grade: 40% and up
  • Good For: Experienced skiers who are confident in their ability and looking to push their limits.

Double Black Diamond – Expert Terrain

You can find a few double black diamond runs on larger, more extreme mountains. These runs represent expert-only ski terrain, for more aggressive, expert skiers. They include some of the steepest, most challenging trails in the whole ski area. These are typically off-piste (ungroomed) and may resemble black diamond trails but include sections of technical features like cliff drops, narrow chutes, and deep powder.

  • Features: Extremely steep, technical descents, rocks, drops, and narrow chutes. Usually ungroomed.
  • Slope Grade: 40% and up
  • Good For: Highly skilled, aggressive skiers

Orange Oval – Terrain Parks

Orange ovals indicate terrain park sections. They contain manmade features like boxes, rails, and jumps. Before entering the terrain park, you’ll usually be greeted with a sign letting you know what size features to expect and the warnings and dangers of the terrain park. When in the park, remember to always be aware of your surroundings. Watch for other riders, don’t stop at the bottom or landing of features, and stay out of the way if you’re not hitting a feature.

  • Also Known As: Park, Terrain park
  • Features: Jumps, rails, boxes, halfpipes, and other manmade features
  • Park Etiquette: Watch for other riders, don’t stop at feature exits, pull off to the side, do not go beyond your skill or comfort level

European Ski Slope Ratings

In Europe, a slightly different system is used for ski slope ratings, but it’s similar to that in North America.

Blue Trails

European blue slopes are like North America’s green runs. They indicate easy, beginner slopes that are groomed and usually are wide and not too steep.

Red Trails

Red runs are for intermediate skiers, like the blue square trails in North America.

Black Trails

Black trails in Europe are the equivalent of North America’s black diamond trails.

Some European ski resorts use yellow or orange markers to indicate high-difficulty or off-piste areas.


⚠️ Trail Ratings Can Vary

One important thing to remember is that ski terrain ratings are relative to one another. A blue run at one resort may feel more like a black at another, depending on steepness, grooming, and snow conditions. Factors like ice, powder, visibility, and crowds can dramatically change the feel of a run.

✅ Final Tips for Choosing Ski Trails

  • Start your ski day warming up on some easier slopes. This gives you a chance to ensure your gear is dialed in and you’re body is loose and ready to go.
  • Pay attention to ski trail signage and be familiar with the trail map.
  • Don’t overestimate your ability. Safety is the top priority while on the mountain.
  • Know the mountain’s ski terrain rating system before you go, and familiarize yourself with areas you plan to ski and areas you plan to avoid.

Understanding ski slope difficulty levels helps you ski smarter, safer, and helps you have more fun on the mountain. Whether you're a beginner on the bunny hill or charging down a double black, reading trail markers correctly ensures you get the most out of every run.



Categories: Ski Resorts

Tagged: Resort, Skiing Tips

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