It can be hard to know what ability level to choose for yourself or your kiddo, we’re here to help with that! Below you will find a description of every single ability level that we list for our ski school programs, including what certain skills look like. Each section will have a description of the focal points for lessons at these ability levels, as well as a check-list of skills that are essential to master before moving ability levels . If you or your child has checked off every item on the check-list, then it is time to change your ability level, whoo-hoo!
1. Beginner or First Timer’s
Our Beginner/ First Time lessons are specifically catered to those who are just getting started learning to ski or snowboard. These lessons will start at our beginner area, getting comfortable sliding on snow, how to effectively maneuver from place to place, and how to stop and turn. Once you can check off all of the boxes below, it is time to move to Green!
- Can put gear on without assistance
- Can “skate” or maneuver on flat ground
- Can completely come to a stop
- Comfortable taking the rope tow up and riding down (it is ok if your child needs assistance to ride the rope tow up)
2. Can Ride Rope Tow, Make Turns & Stop
Maybe it has been awhile since you have been on skis or a snowboard and need a little refresher on basic fundamentals. This ability level can easily get overlooked, however it’s one of our most important areas to focus and become confident in your skills. If needed, we will review how to maneuver on flat ground, and stopping and then take it further and start working on turning both directions, and getting our form dialed in!
- Can stop immediately & multiple times in a single run
- Can turn BOTH directions
- Comfortable making turns within a 12 foot radius
3. Can Ride Chairlift & Do Second Thought
Comfortable getting on and off chairlift. Working on building confidence on snow and building fundamental skills. You can expect to ride green runs, work on managing speed with different turn shapes and using the terrain to naturally control speed.
- Comfortable linking turns on steep green runs and blue runs
- Comfortable doing a straight run on appropriate terrain
- Can slide slip at least one direction
4. Makes Linked Turns on Blue Runs
Comfortable riding all green runs at Snowbowl, and can ride in a controlled and consistent speed. We are going to start working on carving and parallel turns. Carving is a technique where the rider uses the edge of the snowboard or skis to turn and control their speed. We will also work on gaining confidence on steeper terrain, and strategies to help you maneuver easier around the mountain.
- Linking turns and riding at a consistent speed on blue runs
- Skis are parallel while traversing/ Can traverse on a Snowboard
- Can hockey stop or stop on both toe-side and heel-side for Snowboarders
5. Parallel or Carved Turns
Comfortable riding all lifts at Snowbowl, and can ride at a consistent speed. If you have not already introduced poles to your skiing, this is a great time to start doing so. We will continue to work on our technique for carving, and slowly increase the terrain difficulty and start exploring a variety of terrain. This level is going to have a large emphasis on tweaking your riding form to ensure that you are confident riding any terrain on the mountain.
- Can carve turns
- Comfortable riding off piste (off groomed runs)
- Comfortable riding moguls (bump runs)
6. Rides Black Diamond Runs
Congratulations! You have progressed all the way to skiing all terrain at Snowbowl! These classes will have a heavy emphasis on form to ensure that you are riding to your full potential. The majority of riding will be off piste (off groomers) to work on riding bumps, trees and steeps.
Still have questions?
Still having difficulty deciding which ability level best suits you? Contact our Ski School Desk, and our staff will happily walk you through your options and help you deicide what the best fit is!
(406)549-9777 ext. 2
snowsports@montanasnowbowl.com