Ability Levels for Ski or Snowboard

Ski Lessons at Mt Norquay

Our Instructors will only ever place you in the group that fits your individual skill level. See our handy guide below to see what level you’re currently at, and remember we’re always here to answer all questions you have about lessons and programs.

Mt Norquay - Ski & Snowboard Ability Level

Ability Level	Ski	Snowboard
1	Never skied before	Never snowboarded before
2	Been once or twice Familiar with sliding Familiar with equipment use Familiar with magic carpet lift	Snowboarded once or twice Can side-slip on the magic carpet on toe/heel edge Can stop with control on beginner terrain Comfortable on magic carpet
3	Can stop and turn on magic carpet Confident stopping on beginner terrain Confident turning on beginner terrain Confident use of magic carpet	Comfortable on beginner / green terrain Can pendulum left & right on toe/heel edge Can stop with control on green terrain Can turn left/right (not linking turns)
4	Confident on Green Terrain Can stop in a Snowplow on Green Terrain Can turn confidently in a Snowplow on Greens Familiar with Use of Chairlifts	Comfortable on green terrain Can link turns on green terrain Can pendulum toe/heel edge on blue terrain Can stop with control on blue terrain
5	Confident on blue terrain Comfortable turning & stopping on blue terrain Can parallel turn on blue terrain Can hockey stop on blue terrain Familiar with use of all types of lifts	Comfortable on blue terrain Can link turns on blue terrain Can pendulum toe/heel edge on black terrain Can stop in control on black terrain
6	Confident on black terrain Comfortable turning & stopping on black terrain Can parallel turn on blue terrain Comfortable in trees & bumps on blue terrain Can hockey stop on blue terrain	Comfortable on black terrain Can link turns on black terrain Can link turns in moguls on blue terrain Some knowledge of small terrain park features
7	Confident anywhere on the mountain Can ski double black diamond terrain Parallel turns and hockey stops on black terrain Comfortable in bumps on black terrain Comfortable in tighter tree runs, on black terrain	Confident anywhere on the mountain Can link turns on any terrain Can link turns in moguls on black terrain Can link turns in treed areas Basic knowledge of terrain park features & skills

Lake Louise Ski & Snowboard Level

Ability Level	Ski	Snowboard
1	This is your first time skiing. The lesson is given at the Beginner area	This is your first time snowboarding. The lesson is given at the Beginner area
2	You have skied a couple of times but only on the easiest Green runs. The lesson is given at the Beginner area	You can ride on your heel and toe edge and would like to work on learning turns. The lesson is given at the Beginner area
3	You are comfortable turning on the Beginner area and are looking to progress to Green runs. The lesson starts on the Beginner area and may progress to the easiest Green run	You can ride Green runs and link turns most of the time. Working on linking turns the whole way down. The lesson starts on the Beginner area and may progress to the easiest Green run
4	You can comfortably link turns on Green runs and would like to progress to Blues and some varied terrain. Your skis are mostly parallel. The lesson will start on a Green run and work towards Blue runs	You can comfortably link turns on Green runs and would like to progress to Blues and some varied terrain. The lesson will start on a Green run and work towards Blue runs
5	You ski parallel on Blue runs and enjoy the challenge of Black runs and varied terrain and would like to ski them with style. Introduction to off-piste or mogul skiing	You snowboard Black runs with confidence. You want to go to the Terrain Park / Ultimate Steeps. (Privates Only)
6	You are comfortable all over the mountain but want to ski with more performance. (Kids Level 6 Group lessons available. Adults are Privates only)

Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Ability Level

Ability Level	Ski	Snowboard
1	Never skied before Start at the very beginning	Never snowboarded before
2	Been once or twice Still a bit nervous Have trouble turning in both directions Have trouble controlling your speed Familiar with equipment use Need a refresher on how to get on the lift Start lesson in beginner area	Snowboarded once or twice Still a bit nervous Have trouble turning in both directions Have trouble controlling your speed Can side-slip on the magic carpet on toe/heel edge Need a refresher on how to get on the lift Start lesson in beginner area
3	Green Runner You have been up the lift before Comfortable on green terrain Becoming comfortable making turns on green runs Happy to start the lesson going straight up a chair lift Confident stopping on beginner terrain	Green Runner You have been up the lift before Happy to start the lesson going straight up a chair lift Comfortable on green terrain Can pendulum left & right on toe/heel edge Can stop with control on green terrain Can turn left/right on green runs
4	Blue Runner Intermediate level You can usually make controlled turns on blue runs You avoid moguls Need help with black diamond runs	Blue Runner Intermediate level You can usually make controlled turns on blue runs You avoid moguls Need help to learn how to challenge some of the black diamond runs
5	Black Diamond Runner Confident on black terrain Comfortable turning & stopping on black terrain Can parallel turn on black terrain Comfortable in trees & bumps on black terrain	Black Diamond Runner Confident on black terrain Comfortable turning & stopping on black terrain Can turn on black terrain Comfortable in trees & bumps on black terrain
6	Double Black Diamond Runner Very comfortable on your skis or snowboard Looking for new ways to challenge yourself Room for some improvement in your technical skills Can only be booked as a private lesson	Double Black Diamond runner Very comfortable on your skis or snowboard Looking for new ways to challenge yourself Room for some improvement in your technical skills Can only be booked as a private lesson

We're here to help

Got questions? We would love to chat with you. Our team of expert staff are ready to help create your dream mountain adventure!

Get in touch on 403-762-4554

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