Alpin Luxe Skill Levels
SKIING
LEVEL 1
These skiers are true beginners who have never skied before.
LEVEL 2
These skiers are cautious beginners who have skied a few times and are comfortable on the bunny hill. They can “snow plow” to make a few turns and are able to stop without falling down.
LEVEL 3
These skiers are confident beginners who can make “snow plow” turns on green runs and are able to make stops confidently.
LEVEL 4
These are careful intermediate skiers who can link either “snow plow” or modified “wedge turns” and may even show signs of parallel turns. However, these skiers are reluctant to ski very fast – preferring to ski at moderate speeds on greens and very easy blue runs.
LEVEL 5
This is the intermediate skier who can keep their skis parallel in turns and is confident skiing on any blue runs. Still not overly confident making solid parallel turns and are often cautious on steep and/or icy sections of the run.
LEVEL 6
This skier is confident and makes solid parallel turns on blue runs, but tends to shy away from more challenging advanced runs. Level 6 skiers are generally interested in learning to ski better, so they can advance to more challenging black diamond runs.
LEVEL 7
Level 7 individuals are solidly achieving advanced skier status. Always able to control their speed, they can make varying types of both long and short parallel turns under control. Their skiing is rhythmic and solid on nearly all types of terrain and snow conditions. They are also looking to challenge themselves on steeper terrain.
LEVEL 8
This skier is solidly advanced – possessing excellent technique in all types of snow conditions and terrain. They can ski moguls, powder, ice and crud with relative ease. The advanced skier skis black diamond runs, confidently and at higher speeds. The Level 8 skier can also carve smooth turns on groomed runs.
LEVEL 9
These skiers are experts, former competitors, instructors/coaches, or anyone who’s spent most of their life skiing. They are completely at ease in every snow condition and on any terrain. Most are pretty aggressive skiers, who like the challenge of steeper runs and are really fun to watch. These skiers are the best of the best.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
LEVEL 1
Last time you touched a bike you were 5, and it had training wheels.
LEVEL 2
These riders’ experience with cycling is limited to the commuter or paved bike path level. They have a vague awareness of what gears are.
LEVEL 3
These riders have been mountain biking a few times before, and have limited knowledge of off-road riding. They will choose to stick to dirt roads or green trails with no rocks and good flow.
LEVEL 4
This skill level is for the rider who occasionally gets out on the weekends to ride, and enjoys the sport recreationally. Most technical features on trails still elude this rider, and they usually spend time walking some sections on any given ride. However they understand the principles of braking and bike handling, and can implement them on blue-green trails.
LEVEL 5
This rider gets out 1-2 times every week, and is excited about the challenge of the sport and uses it to stay fit. They’ve mastered moderate technical aspects in their local trail system, but find themselves needing to walk technical sections on unfamiliar trails. They have confidence with good braking and bike handling technique, and are confident on most intermediate blue trails. These riders have some control over their bike on rough or loose terrain, and may even have some experience taking small jumps off of rocks, tree stumps and ledges.
LEVEL 6
These individuals ride most of the week, and try to get together with other riders on group rides, as well as the occasional race. These riders have a desire to progress, but they generally like to stick within their comfort zone, and not try anything too crazy. They feel confident riding any blue trail, and will tackle some black diamonds, though they may still walk many sections.
LEVEL 7
These riders look forward to dry trails in spring after the cold onslaught of winter. They live to ride and dedicate almost all of their free time to the trails. They’ve invested a lot in the sport, and probably spend a good amount of their summer in local race events, challenging themselves against others. These riders are confident in rough and rocky terrain, both uphill and downhill, though they still have some weaknesses in skill that they use equipment to compensate for (Dropper post, Knobby tires, Suspension, Tire liners, etc.) However, they are confident in sessioning difficult lines until they can master them.
LEVEL 8
This rider is highly proficient in most types of terrain. They can ride almost everything they’ll encounter on trails, and are confident riding technical trails blind. They are also proficient in taking large jumps and drops. These riders can confidently pass other riders on a single track without the need to get off of their bike, and have lots of experience riding or racing in tight groups. This rider is generally regarded on his team or club as being a good technical rider, and spends time showing other riders how to master skills. They are very confident and in control of how their bike handles, and don’t rely on fancy bike components or equipment to help them with the terrain. They could ride difficult features on any bike, even a rigid single-speed. Black diamonds and some double-blacks are a regular part of their riding repertoire.
LEVEL 9
These riders can take anything that’s thrown at them, Gap jumps, technical climbs, steep descents, and loose terrain. In fact they don’t even need a trail. The only thing keeping them from Red Bull Rampage is a sweet sponsorship and a 9-5.
CYCLING FITNESS
Coming soon!
GENERAL FITNESS
Coming Soon!