The most valuable feature of Andy’s Ski & Ride Guides are that the ratings are based upon skiers and riders skill level.  As we have mentioned, the color of the slopes (green, blue black) are relative to the other runs at the ski area, not necessarily relative to the true difficulty of the trail.  Using Andy’s International Rating System the difficulty of the slope is graded according to the skill level of the skier that would be comfortable on the run.  Therefore, to fully utilize this system you need to know your skier level

Below are the traditional skier level categories and brief descriptions of the skiers abilities and skills that they should be able to demonstrate.

Beginner:  You make wedge or snowplow turns most of the time and stay on green trails.

Advanced Beginner:  You are starting to make parallel turns on easy terrain.

Intermediate:  You are easily making parallel turns on green terrain and are practicing full parallel on blue terrain.  You are starting to ski more difficult terrain with shallower powder and smaller bumps.  You are starting to use your poles for turning.

Advanced Intermediate: You are able to make parallel turns on blue terrain and starting to ski bumps and ungroomed snow.  You make pole plants.  You are starting to ski black terrain.

Advanced:  You are able make parallel turns on steeper blue terrain and some black runs with short-radius linked turns.  Ski basic bumps.

Expert:  You can ski almost all types of terrain with confidence and are comfortable with steep, long descents in highly variable snow conditions including deep powder and crud.