Ski runs (pistes) are graded by difficulty using a colour-coded system. In Europe: green (beginner), blue (intermediate), red (advanced), black (expert), with some resorts adding orange/yellow for extreme terrain. In North America: green circle (beginner), blue square (intermediate), black diamond (advanced) and double black diamond (expert). Grading factors in gradient, width, grooming, obstacles and exposure — not just steepness. Grading is relative to each resort, and European reds are often steeper than North American blues, so caution is needed when skiing unfamiliar resorts.
Key points
- Europe: green, blue, red, black
- North America: green, blue, black diamond, double black
- Factors gradient, width, grooming, exposure
- Grading is relative to each resort
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