Despite spending most of their time skiing, a big percentage of skiers can’t define their ability level. Many of them categorize themselves as expert, intermediate, or beginners. However, there are other skiing ability levels you should beware of. In this post we shall discuss: 

• The different ski aptitude levels
• Pistes, piste ratings, and ski levels colors and
• How to improve your skiing skills 

Understanding Ski Ability Levels 

One of the best ways to get the best out of your ski lessons is to choose the ability level that’s most suitable for you. Here are the ski levels every skier should know about.  

Level 1 

Novice skiers fall in this category. Here, you will discover how to use your skiing equipment, how to slide down the hill, and how to stop with the help of a snowplough. Further, you will acquire knowledge on how to slightly change direction while skiing along the green terrain. 

 Level 2

While skiers in this level have prior skiing experience and can stop, they still are in the beginner category. They can slightly change direction and use a snowplough confidently. In this level, you will learn how to enhance your snowplough turns. This way, you will be able to control your speed along the green slopes, dodge barriers, and follow your desired terrain. 

Level 3

Skiers in level 3 can connect snowplough turns along a beginner slope. Here, you will learn how to execute a parallel position turns using your skis. This will help minimize pressure on your legs and enable you to ski along the green terrain faster and with more control. 

Level 4

Skiers in level 4 are nearly parallel along green runs. However, sometimes the skis remain in a snowplough. Here, learners will improve their turns to ensure their skis are parallel all the time. This way, the skier will be more confident to ski along a steeper green terrain and simple red slopes. 

Level 5

Skiers in this ski level are parallel and do not need a snowplough along the green terrain. They are also nearly parallel albeit with a snowplough along the red terrain.

Lessons in this level focus on mastering various skills such as edging to ensure learners enhance their grip while skiing. This enhances a skier’s ability to regulate speed and comes in handy to assist with skiing along the red slopes. Learners will also get introductory lessons to broomed black slopes. 

Level 6

Skiers in this level are entirely parallel along the red terrain and nearly parallel along the black terrain. Here, they get introductory lessons to off-piste skiing, skiing over small snow bumps, and practicing along the beginner terrain park.

Instructors focus on enhancing a learner’s strategies and variations in their turn size. This allows the learner to regulate feel and speed along steeper red terrain, off-piste terrain, and black runs with ease. This level enhances a skier’s terrain park skills. 

Level 7

Skiers in level 7 can ski parallel along groomed black runs confidently. This level involves executing parallel turns and practicing in the powder, trees, and bumps. At this point, skiers can navigate through intermediate terrain park with ease.

Instructors will focus on improving your skiing ability along all black runs. Skiers will try different strategies and movement patterns in the powder and moguls. If you are aiming at skiing at the terrain park, the instructor will help you master challenging tricks on a bigger terrain park.

Level 8

Skiers in this level can confidently carve short turns, groomed runs, mogul lines, powder, and trees. Once you get to this level, you become an expert and can ski all terrain. This level focuses on reinforcing and perfecting your expertise to enhance performance, efficiency, and knowledge in different turn types on all terrain.

Remember, the skills you focus on improving this level depend on your goals. You can choose from steeps, powder, moguls, carving, terrain parks, or freestyle. 

What is Piste?

A piste is a marked ski path or run down a mountain. It’s used for snowboarding, snow skiing, and multiple mountain sports. 

How is Pistes Maintained?

Piste maintenance is executed using tracked vehicles referred to as snow ploughs or snowcats. These play the role of grooming or compacting the snow to remove bumps, form an even trail, and distribute snow to expand the ski terrain. Often, natural snow is intensified with snowmaking machines when the snowpack is poor or early in the season. 

Piste Ratings 

A piste rating is a sign that shows ski slopes and their complexity. Usually, ski resorts execute piste rankings. While the rates could be similar, skiers shouldn’t assume that the ratings in different resorts are similar. 

Piste Classification

Ski levels colors are used in piste classification. The colors vary from one country to the other. All countries, however, use blue to signify easy, red to show intermediate level, and black for expert level.

While shapes aren’t used, all ratings are often circles as stipulated in the German Skiing Association (DSV) rules. The three key DSV color codes included in the Germany DIN 31912 national standards and Austria’s ÖNORM S 4610 f. 

All slopes marked blue, green, and red are groomed in all countries in Europe. Black slopes are only groomed in some countries such as Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Many black slopes in France are groomed while some aren’t groomed.

Often, slopes are marked on a ski trail map as dashed or dotted lines. In some cases, this can also indicate that the slope hasn’t been groomed. The ski levels colors are as follows. 

Green

Green signifies beginner or learning slopes. While these are unmarked trails, they are open, large, and slightly sloping areas along the foundation of the ski area. They can also be crisscrossing lanes along the main paths. Sometimes they are marked with a green circle. 

Blue 

Blue signifies an easy path. These are usually groomed and lie on a shallow slope. Often, the slope angle doesn’t surpass 25% unless it’s a short albeit wide section with a greater angle. Paths with this ski levels colors also feature blue squares in various resorts for intermediate skiers.  

Red 

Red indicates an intermediate slope that’s narrower or steeper than the blue slope. Often, these are groomed except when the trail is too narrow to allow it. Usually, the slope angle doesn’t surpass 40% unless the sections are wide with a greater angle. These slopes are often marked as a red rectangle. 

 Black

Black signifies expert or advanced slopes. These are usually steep and can be groomed or not. They could also be groomed to facilitate mogul skiing. Black pistes in some countries such as Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, almost all black pistes are groomed. Non groomed pistes, on the other hand, are marked as itineraires or ski routes. Some black pistes in France are groomed while others are not groomed. Many times, black can be a vast classification. These could range from a more complex slope than the red slopes, to overly sharp avalanche slopes.  

Orange or Yellow 

Orange or yellow in some countries signifies overly complex pistes. Many resorts have recently upgraded some black slopes into yellow slopes to signify a free-rider route, itinéraire, or ski route.

These are ungroomed and unguarded routes meant for off-piste skiing although they are marked and guarded against avalanches. Sometimes ski routes are marked with a red diamond with a black outline or just a red diamond. The former is usually more complex.  

How to Enhance Your Skiing Skills 

Do you want to become a better skier? Here are tips to help you improve your skiing skills. 

Have the Right Gear 

Feeling comfortable and wearing sufficient clothes is critical for effective skiing. With the growing popularity of skiing, the market is filled with different ski gear. Choosing the best that suits your needs can be challenging.

Before you purchase skis, understand your skiing level. You also need to identify where you will be skiing on the mountain. Purchasing the right gear for your terrain is critical. When buying skis, for instance, ensure that they are not too stiff.

Bending or turning stiff skis can be difficult. This also applies to boots. If you purchase overly stiff boots, you will have difficulties bending or flexing your ankle. 

Enroll in Ski Lessons

Regardless of your skiing training and experience, there will always be something new too. Whether you choose a group or private lessons, the training you receive will help you improve your skills. 

Watch the Experts 

Ski technique and the structure of skis have evolved in the last decade. Carving skis, for instance, have eased skiing and piste navigation. Fat skis, on the other hand, have eased off-piste skiing.

Many skiers have different skiing techniques and styles and some have managed to upgrade their tricks by taking lessons. One of the best ways of improving your posture and balance skills is by watching experienced skiers. A good place to do this is at the Les Elfes International Winter Camp. Here you will find skiers of all skill levels with excellent facilities to perfect your skiing.

Often, professional skiers will ski faster and harder than you and you can gain lots of experience from following them. For instance, are you struggling with getting confident enough to maintain a straight line in bumps? You can perfect your skills by following an expert and maintaining the same line.  

Finally

Knowing your skill level helps you enroll in the ideal lessons. The more skiing experience you gain, the easier you will manage to navigate through pistes with varying ski levels colors. 

Camping in Europe is easier compared to other continents. There are numerous campsites located within the vicinity of the major cities. You can easily locate a place to camp from the many websites that specialize in camping.

If you are planning a Euro camp, you need to book in advance especially during the high season. Here is what you need to know about camping in Europe. 

Finding a Campground

Camping is not only adventurous, but it’s also a more family-friendly venture compared to staying in a hotel. Some camping resorts in Europe strive to make the experience more fun by providing a wide range of accommodation options.

These include bungalows and mini mobile homes. You could rent these rather than setting up a tent. You will also have access to a swimming pool, a game room, and a playground during your Euro camp trip. Some campgrounds will also offer a toddler’s pool. 

·         Can I Access a Campground with a Motorhome?

There are numerous places to stay for people traveling on motorhomes in Spain, France, and Portugal. Some of these countries offer free parking areas for motorhomes.

Caravans aren’t allowed and you may want to opt for a campervan instead. However, only self-contained ones are allowed. Are you are traveling on a motorhome or a caravan? If yes, you need to understand that the parking sites are only available for overnight stay. Still, they are great for campers in search of places to rest from a long trip.

Before using a motorhome, take time to find more free overnight spots from travel guide websites in Europe. Chances are that you will find great spots in vineyards and farms. Are you traveling on a budget? Exercise caution when staying in vineyards. This is because you may end up spending more on wine than you had planned. 

·         During the High Season

Many camping resorts diversify their services during the high season which falls between July and August. Some of the large facilities may organize child-friendly activities for children of different ages. Further, there are restaurants that offer a wide range of meals for campers to sample.

·         A Hammer Will Come in Handy

Many campers prefer a rubber mallet to a hammer. However, sometimes a hammer will work better. For instance, if you are camping on hard and stony ground, a rubber mallet will be of little help.

You are likely to experience such instances in Croatia and Spain. If your itinerary includes these countries, you will need a small hammer to help with tent-setting on rocky terrain.

Many tents come with thin stakes which only work well in securing your tent’s guy wire. To fasten and reinforce the corners of your tent, you will have to purchase straight and thicker tent stakes. Remember to purchase a stake puller too. 

·         Pack Strong Pegs

Sometimes the ground will be dry and hard, especially in summer. In this case, you will need strong pegs that can be hammered down without bending. Plastic and light metal anchors will disappoint you. Opt for heavy-duty steel pegs and use your hammer to drive them in the ground firmly. 

·         Have Plenty of Mosquito Repellant Candles and Cream

The last thing you want while out camping is to be down with a sickness. Mosquito bites especially can wreck your entire Euro camp holiday if they are infected. Carry sufficient mosquito repellant spray, candles, and cream. 

Internet Access

Today, having access to the internet is fast becoming a basic requirement. Many campgrounds in Europe, more so those within the vicinity of major cities offer internet access through an internet cafe. WiFi is also available for laptop holders.

One of the must-have things while on a Euro camp trip has to be the white and blue adapter. These are specially designed for the Euro plug. Remember, European recreational vans come with a specific plug and you’ll need a compatible adapter to use it.

Generally, WiFi is available in all campsites in Europe around the bars and reception area. In some, WiFi covers up to 70% of the entire area. Some sites will charge you for using WiFi on more than one gadget. The charges are, however, quite friendly. 

·         Internet Speeds

Internet speeds vary from one campground to another. For instance, you can upload up to 5 GBs of photos fast on the paid WiFi connection. In some campgrounds, however, internet speeds will be slower during the evening when everyone is busy streaming their favorite videos. Even then, the WiFi connection in campgrounds is better than is the case in hotels. 

Cooking and Eating

Nearly every campground in Europe has a restaurant. This is great especially for you if you dislike cooking for yourself. Remember, many of the campgrounds in Europe don’t have picnic tables. If you prefer cooking for yourself, you may need to convert your ultra-light tarp into a kitchen and table.

·         Carry Enough Gas

Chances are that your normal gas won’t be available in Europe. If you are bringing your barbecue grill or cooker along, carry sufficient gas to last you the entire Euro camp trip. Remember, some countries have restrictions when it comes to transporting gas along the Eurotunnel and ferries. In this case, renting a cooker at the campsite would be the better option. 

·         Carry Your Wash Bowl

Often, sink plugs go missing in many campsites in Europe and other parts of the world too. Pack a washing bowl to be on the safe side. Where possible, buy a collapsible bowl. 

·         You may not find Ice in Some Parts of France

Finding ice in some parts of France can be difficult. To make it worse, many campsites, service stations, and supermarkets don’t sell it either. If you have to take cold drinks, purchase frozen vegetables and use them as a temporary cooling solution.

You can hire a fridge instead. While many campers opt for a coolbox, these won’t work appropriately especially during extreme temperatures. If you have to store food and drinks for a longer period, hiring a fridge would be the ideal solution. You don’t have to bring your own fridge. Many campgrounds in Europe will rent you one during your camping period. 

·         Farm Animals

Some of the campsites in France, especially the small family-owned ones have ponies, chickens, and goats. Sometimes you and your children will be offered pony rides. You will also have easy access to fresh eggs and chicken meat. 

Facilities

The facilities in Europe are different from what you’d find on other continents. For starters, not all campsites in Europe approve the use of tents. Some of them only allow the use of recreational vans. Conduct extensive research on every campsite before you begin your Euro camp trip. You don’t want to arrive with your entire family tired only to be turned down. 

Laundry

If you need to clean your laundry, many campsites in Europe have various facilities that allow hand washing. Often, this would be impossible in hotels or hostels. However, some campsites have restrictions against the use of clotheslines. In this case, you can use tent strings. If you opt to use coin-operated laundry services in Europe, you will part with approximately €4 for washing only. Washing and drying services will cost around €7. 

When Camping Along the Mediterranean Regions in Europe

Combined toilet and shower rooms are common in these areas. You need to be cautious, especially in the morning to avoid pushing the shower button instead of the flush one. You don’t want cold water running through your body on a chilly morning when you aren’t ready for a shower.

Camping Without a Recreational Vehicle or a Tent

During your Euro Camp trip, you will encounter many people who are not camping. Many of the campgrounds in Europe offer accommodation solutions for this group. These range from dorm-style bungalows and pretty little cabins which are common in Bruges Belgium.

Venice offers stationary trailers and tent hostels. More adventurous travelers visiting Melnik, the Czech Republic can sleep in huge wine casks. You don’t have to sleep in a tent to enjoy your camping trip. You can try other budget-friendly options available in different campsites in Europe. 

Are you an Arachnophobe?

Arachnophobia is the extreme fear of spiders and other crawling insects. If you fall into this category, ensure that your tent is always zipped. Spiders are rare in France and even when you encounter one, chances are that it will be non-poisonous.

Shake your tent well before rolling it at the end of your Euro camp trip. You may not encounter any spiders in Spain but you’ll need to watch out for scorpions when camping in Granada. Always keep your shoes inside your tent and shake them well before you can wear them. 

Finally

Are you considering going camping in Europe? Start planning your trip early. Numerous campgrounds in Europe offer family-friendly services. Camping in Europe is safe, and one of the cheapest ways of staying in, and exploring the continent.

You will also meet and interact with people from different regions and cultures. Further, you will get a first-hand experience of some of the things that you only read in books. 

Planning a family ski holiday can be a difficult task. What with the numerous ski resorts there are to choose from?

Determining where to go early enough allows you to secure the best resorts for your accommodation and dining needs. Further, you get to secure kids winter camp or ski lesson admission for your children before the openings run out. Let’s discuss tips to help ease your family ski holidays 2019 preparations. 

Choose the Best Ski Resort

The ski resort you choose for your 2019 family ski holidays can make or break your holiday. What are some of the considerations to make when choosing a resort?

·         When you’ll be Traveling?

Determining when in the year you need to travel is critical to your family ski holiday preparations. For instance, holidaying in early December will be cost-effective. This is because many ski resorts offer lift passes at discounted prices. However, chances are that you will lack sufficient snow during the early season. If this is the case, you may opt for a more snow guaranteed resort albeit with costly charges.

You can choose the Christmas and New Year break as the ideal time to go on family ski holidays. This way, the entire family will have sufficient time to bond and catch up with each other’s lives. 

·         Holidaying in January

Often, taking your 2019 family ski holidays in January is more cost-effective. You could get some exciting last-minute deals following the New Year’s week. While there is sufficient snow in January, the days are quite chilly and short. Still, if you are aiming at immense snow and fewer queues, this is the ideal time. 

·         Holidaying in February

February happens to be peak season and one of the busiest months in many ski resorts. A big percentage of vacationers will be out on the slopes and the pistes will be packed. As a result, the prices are high too. If you want to have great family ski holidays 2019, the best thing would be to avoid the peak season. 

·         Holidaying in March

March brings about warmer weather. Your family will enjoy casual and late lunches along sun terraces and at your ski resort of choice. However, the slightly high temperatures may be uncomfortable along the lower pistes.

Should you choose to holiday in April, you will encounter prolonged sunny days, slimy slopes, and numerous barbeques.

The Easter season offers you and your family the final chance to ski before the onset of summer. The pistes are also more silent then compared to the February half term. 

The Experience or Skill Level of Your Family Members

Are there novice skiers in your family? Does your preferred ski resort have enough terrain for beginners? Do they have nursery slopes for younger kids? This would be a restricted area complete with a carpet to ease learning and facilitate confidence building. Are all members of your family experienced skiers? If yes, does the resort offer an extensive terrain to cater to your needs?

Skilled skiers will be excited to ski down steep slopes. Novice skiers, however, will be comfortable skiing down properly groomed slopes. You need to compare different ski resorts before finally settling on one that meets your needs comprehensively.

Understand the experience and skill level of all members of your family. Use the findings to check the statistics of the number of black, red, and green pistes in each resort. This way, you will determine the skill level that each resort caters to best. Some resorts offer an excellent blend of all pistes and this would be good for people with varying skill levels.

Consider Your Budget

Your budget is another key factor to consider in your family ski holidays 2019 preparations. Remember, prices vary from one resort to the other with some resorts being more costly than others. How much do you plan to spend for the entire family without breaking the bank? Choose the resort that offers the best prices according to your budget.

Determine what You’ll Be Doing when Night Falls

Do your family ski holidays 2019 involve going back to the resort for hot dinner and a bonfire to keep you warm? If yes, you will have little to worry about. However, if non-skiers and children are coming along, you may want to consider entertainment activities.

You may need to establish the non-skiing activities offered at the resort. Some resorts provide a vast range of non-skiing activities to choose from. These include dog sledding, bowling, snowshoeing, or ice skating.

You may also get an entire sports center with a climbing wall for the kids and an Olympic sized pool for swimming enthusiasts. Remember, some resorts will have more advanced facilities compared to others.

If you have teenagers within the group, they will also need age-appropriate entertainment at the end of the day. Ensure the resort has entertainment options for everyone in the group. 

Your Preferred Accommodation

Ski resorts have evolved over the years. Today, you can enjoy your family ski holidays 2019 inside modern and classy apartments, exclusive hotels, and catered luxury chalets. You could opt for hostel accommodation, a budget hotel, or a self-catered apartment. 

·         Catered Chalets

If you opt for a catered luxury chalet, all your breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner needs will be catered for. However, you will need to be on time for dinner. You can book the entire chalet especially if you have a large family.

If not, you may have to share it with other ski vacationers. This will be an opportunity to interact with people from different countries. Further, you will socialize and learn about different cultures. 

·         Self-catered Apartments

Is your family more comfortable with choosing convenient meal times? Perhaps you wish to cook for yourselves. The self-catered option will initially seem to be cost-effective. However, sometimes you may need to eat out in a bid to sample the local cuisine.

Remember, food prices will be high at the result and you could end up spending way beyond your budget. Chalet hotels and chalets, on the other hand, accompany dinner with unlimited wine. This means you will make huge savings. 

·         Establish the Location of Your Accommodation

Where is your preferred accommodation resort situated? Is it a ski-out or a ski-in? Does it lie within the vicinity of the bars or the slopes? If it does, chances are that you will need to pay more for the benefits. Determine whether or not the extra cost is beneficial to you and your family before committing yourself. 

Means of Transport

Will you get to the resort by car, train, or plane? Your proximity to good roads, train stations, or airports will help you determine this. Different people will prefer a specific means of transport depending on their preferences and budget. If you are traveling with young children, for instance, you may want to take the shortest time to the resort. In this case, a plane would be viable if your budget allows.

Remember, you may need to organize airport transfers in advance for convenience purposes. If your children are older, however, you can opt to travel by train. This will be a good opportunity to be adventure and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the way. 

Will you be Taking Ski Lessons?

Do you have beginners in your group? Are they interested in taking ski lessons? It’s worth mentioning that ski lessons and refresher courses are ideal for both novice and seasoned skiers.

These will come in handy to help you get the most out of your family ski holidays 2019. Should you need any lessons, you will want to weigh various options.

Remember, ski schools are often overlooked during the school holiday break. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to place your booking. 

Considerations to make before Selecting a Ski School

• Do they have qualified and experienced instructors?
• Do they have a positive reputation and reviews?
• Do their instructors speak fluent English?
• What’s their preferred group size?

Equipment You’ll Need

As skiing becomes more popular, ski hire prices are rising. Many skiers struggle with deciding whether to buy or hire ski equipment. Often, this depends on how regularly you ski, your skill level, and your budget.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced skier, you will need a well-fitting pair of ski boots. Finding the right ski boot size for hire can be an arduous task. You don’t want to struggle with ill-fitting boots during your family ski holidays 2019.

Owning your pair of ski boots can be the ideal albeit costly option. However, if you don’t ski regularly, you can opt to rent a well-fitting pair of ski boots from the resort. The advantage of renting from the resort is that they have many pairs for you to choose from. What’s more, you can easily sort out any problems as they arise.

You and your family will also need a: ski jacket, ski trousers, ski socks, goggles, thermals, gloves, a bandana or buff, and mid-layers. A helmet is one of the key skiing tools. You can bring your own or rent one at the resort. 

Finally

Are you planning for your family ski holidays 2019? Whether you have toddlers or younger children, you can enjoy a great vacation at friendly prices. All you need is to research extensively and plan in advance.