Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Slope gradient measures steepness, expressed either as a percentage (vertical drop ÷ horizontal distance × 100) or in degrees. The two are related by the tangent function, not linearly — a 100% gradient is 45°, not vertical. Typical ski run gradients: green runs under ~25% (10°), blue ~25-45% (10-18°), red ~45-60% (18-27°), black 60%+ (27°+). Backcountry skiers pay close attention to slope angle because avalanche risk peaks on slopes of 30-45°, making an inclinometer essential safety equipment.
- Percentage or degrees (100% = 45°)
- Related by tangent, not linearly
- Black runs typically 27°+ (60%+)
- Avalanche risk peaks at 30-45°
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Open the Ski Slope Gradient Calculator →In practice
Slope gradient — the steepness of a ski run, hill or climb — is typically expressed as a percentage (vertical rise divided by horizontal distance) and directly affects both the technical difficulty and physical demand of skiing, running or cycling that terrain, which is why gradient data is commonly included in trail and route descriptions to help athletes gauge difficulty and pace expectations in advance.
FAQ
How is slope gradient calculated?
As a percentage: the vertical rise divided by the horizontal distance covered, multiplied by 100 — a 10% gradient means climbing 10 metres of elevation for every 100 metres of horizontal distance.
Why does gradient matter for pacing an uphill effort?
Steeper gradients require significantly more energy per unit of distance covered, so pacing strategies for running, cycling or skiing typically adjust effort and expected speed based on the specific gradient of the terrain ahead.