Tour Grading

Tours are graded according to terrain, distance and skill level. This helps you to determine whether a tour will suit your level of skiing skills.

Terrain

Gentle

Flat to gently rolling hills, no big hills to climb or descend. There may be some steep sections but these will be short and easy to negotiate.

Hilly

Large rounded hills requiring several turns to descend but not technically difficult. There may be some steep sections but these will be short and easy to negotiate.

Steep

The steepest of skiable hills including black runs at resorts, cornices and chutes. Technically difficult slopes to descend.

Rough

Descents on narrow trails with limited choice of route because of rock outcrops or trees, exposed routes or high risk of icy conditions.

Distance

Short

Under 8km/day and < 200m vertical climb. A moderate level of fitness is required.

Medium

8km to 15km/day OR 200m to 600m vertical climb. A moderate level of fitness is required.

Long

Over 15km/day OR > 600m vertical climb. A high level of fitness is required.

Skill Levels

Basic

Can maintain control and perform the following skills on gentle terrain: kick turns, snow plough, side step, herringbone, traverse and diagonal stride.

Intermediate

Can maintain control and perform the following skills on hilly terrain: kick turns, snow plough turns, step turns, side slip, side step, herringbone, traverse, diagonal stride and self arrest.

Advanced

Can maintain control on hilly terrain and pace over long distances. Has good style and technique in the following skills: kick turns, snow plough turns, step turns, side slip, side step, herringbone, traverse, diagonal stride and self arrest.

Telemark/XC Downhill

Can maintain control descending steep hills and highly proficient at self arrest technique. Has intermediate skills plus linked stem, parallel or telemark turns.