Level 1 - First Timer
This is what you do:
I have never put skis on before.
This is what we see:
At this level you will be introduced to your ski equipment, and will do a range of activities to get you comfortable on snow. You will first ski on a gentle slope in a straight glide and then making some gentle turns and being able to stop under control.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
I have never put skis on before.
This is what we see:
At this level you will be introduced to your ski equipment, and will do a range of activities to get you comfortable on snow. You will first ski on a gentle slope in a straight glide and then making some gentle turns and being able to stop under control.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
Level 2 - Early Learner
This is what you do:
I can sometimes make left and right ‘snowplough’ turns on the nursery slope.
This is what we see:
You may not always be in control of your exact speed and direction but you will be able to come to a stop on the nursery slope using a snowplough. You will begin to make extension ("up") and flexion ("down") movements as you make your turns.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
I can sometimes make left and right ‘snowplough’ turns on the nursery slope.
This is what we see:
You may not always be in control of your exact speed and direction but you will be able to come to a stop on the nursery slope using a snowplough. You will begin to make extension ("up") and flexion ("down") movements as you make your turns.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
Level 3 - Learner
This is what you do:
I can link many snowplough turns on the nursery slope, changing direction, turn shape and speed comfortably. I start to use the Poma (drag) lift for the first time.
This is what we see:
You will start to influence the shape of your turns by actively flexing and extending your joints, and have control of speed and direction on nursery slopes. You still prefer to ski while being supervised by an instructor.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
I can link many snowplough turns on the nursery slope, changing direction, turn shape and speed comfortably. I start to use the Poma (drag) lift for the first time.
This is what we see:
You will start to influence the shape of your turns by actively flexing and extending your joints, and have control of speed and direction on nursery slopes. You still prefer to ski while being supervised by an instructor.
This is what we offer:
Inside Out Skiing does not provide coaching for this level of skier.
Level 4 - Early Improver
This is what you do:
I can make snowplough turns to control my speed and the direction on the nursery slope and I'm beginning to venture to the green pistes around the resort.
This is what we see:
You are developing more control of your flexion and extension and are using these movements to enhance the turns you are making. You have good control of your speed and direction and are beginning to tackle steeper terrain than the nursery slope. You are gaining confidence to ski more quickly and are becoming better balanced on your outside ski.
This is what we offer:
This is the first level at which Inside Out Skiing provides coaching options. Typically you would be joining our Building Confidence Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
I can make snowplough turns to control my speed and the direction on the nursery slope and I'm beginning to venture to the green pistes around the resort.
This is what we see:
You are developing more control of your flexion and extension and are using these movements to enhance the turns you are making. You have good control of your speed and direction and are beginning to tackle steeper terrain than the nursery slope. You are gaining confidence to ski more quickly and are becoming better balanced on your outside ski.
This is what we offer:
This is the first level at which Inside Out Skiing provides coaching options. Typically you would be joining our Building Confidence Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
Level 5 - Improver
This is what you do:
I ski confidently on blue runs, green runs are fun and easy. My skis are parallel when I feel confident, but a big snowplough shape comes back when it gets steep, narrow or icy.
This is what we see:
Your snowplough is noticeably smaller and you are able to finish turns with your skis in a parallel position. You may have done a week or more of skiing and can now ski down a blue run, although you might struggle on the steeper sections. You are beginning to use your ski poles, but the timing of your pole plants is not yet helping you to ski fluidly. You can confidently change your direction and slow down as required on green and gentle blue pistes. You may lack confidence or get nervous on steeper slopes and when skiing at higher speeds, and you use big snowplough turns when conditions get tricky although it does not stop you getting around the mountain.
This is what we offer:
Typically you would be joining our Building Confidence Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
I ski confidently on blue runs, green runs are fun and easy. My skis are parallel when I feel confident, but a big snowplough shape comes back when it gets steep, narrow or icy.
This is what we see:
Your snowplough is noticeably smaller and you are able to finish turns with your skis in a parallel position. You may have done a week or more of skiing and can now ski down a blue run, although you might struggle on the steeper sections. You are beginning to use your ski poles, but the timing of your pole plants is not yet helping you to ski fluidly. You can confidently change your direction and slow down as required on green and gentle blue pistes. You may lack confidence or get nervous on steeper slopes and when skiing at higher speeds, and you use big snowplough turns when conditions get tricky although it does not stop you getting around the mountain.
This is what we offer:
Typically you would be joining our Building Confidence Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
Level 6 - Early Intermediate
This is what you do:
I can ski most red runs when the conditions are good and may have tried blacks. I like going fairly fast, but struggle when it gets bumpy, steeper, icy, or the snow gets deep.
This is what we see:
You can always parallel on blues and almost always on reds, going fast on reds unless the conditions are difficult. You can easily get around the mountain but your technique could be better. You may have tried moguls, black runs and the un-pisted terrain at the side of the slope, but you struggled. The main slope at The Snow Centre is easy for you but we will be looking to challenge you. We will work on developing your skills by getting you able to turn by either twisting, edging or pressuring the skis and then combine these skills in different ways to tackle different terrain and conditions.
This is what we offer:
Typically you will be joining our Skills Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
I can ski most red runs when the conditions are good and may have tried blacks. I like going fairly fast, but struggle when it gets bumpy, steeper, icy, or the snow gets deep.
This is what we see:
You can always parallel on blues and almost always on reds, going fast on reds unless the conditions are difficult. You can easily get around the mountain but your technique could be better. You may have tried moguls, black runs and the un-pisted terrain at the side of the slope, but you struggled. The main slope at The Snow Centre is easy for you but we will be looking to challenge you. We will work on developing your skills by getting you able to turn by either twisting, edging or pressuring the skis and then combine these skills in different ways to tackle different terrain and conditions.
This is what we offer:
Typically you will be joining our Skills Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
Level 7 - Intermediate
This is what you do:
I can ski all reds and get down most blacks as well, providing they're not too steep or bumpy.
This is what we see:
You are now able to link confident parallel turns on blues and reds and are comfortable skiing on most black runs. Steeper and icy slopes may cause you to lose a little of your style, but you are still able to get to the bottom in one piece. You have now started to occasionally get the feeling of ‘carving’ your turns and this has brought a whole new dimension to your skiing. You are happy on-piste but would like to ski on other slopes, including off-piste, bumps fields and other variable conditions. The main slope at The Snow Centre is a training ground for you and we will work on fine tuning your skills to make you an all-round advanced skier so that you can confidently tackle different terrain and conditions.
This is what we offer:
Typically you will be joining our Skills Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
I can ski all reds and get down most blacks as well, providing they're not too steep or bumpy.
This is what we see:
You are now able to link confident parallel turns on blues and reds and are comfortable skiing on most black runs. Steeper and icy slopes may cause you to lose a little of your style, but you are still able to get to the bottom in one piece. You have now started to occasionally get the feeling of ‘carving’ your turns and this has brought a whole new dimension to your skiing. You are happy on-piste but would like to ski on other slopes, including off-piste, bumps fields and other variable conditions. The main slope at The Snow Centre is a training ground for you and we will work on fine tuning your skills to make you an all-round advanced skier so that you can confidently tackle different terrain and conditions.
This is what we offer:
Typically you will be joining our Skills Clinics or taking private coaching sessions with us.
Level 8 - Early Advanced
This is what you do:
I can comfortably ski all the pisted runs on the mountain under control and can pick my line down any piste. I seek out steeps, moguls and chopped up snow as a fun challenge. I am beginning to get to grips with skiing fresh snow just off-piste.
This is what we see:
You can carve clean tracks on blue runs when the conditions are good with only a little skidding. You are keen to get better on icy pistes and in variable conditions. Your progress may be hampered by a lack of technique or fitness. You may be reliant on pushing your heels or picking up the inside ski to initiate your turns or have bad habits you struggle to break. You probably pick your way down moguls a few turns at a time and traverse really difficult areas. When you think you are carving you may not be actively piloting the skis. You may be thinking of taking an Level 1 Instructor course but are unsure if you are at the right standard just yet.
This is what we offer:
You could benefit from either our Skills Clinics or our Performance Clinics, and may choose which one to attend based on the particular focus of that month's clinic. If you are considering taking Level 1 ski instructor exams you may wish to take a Professional Development session with us.
I can comfortably ski all the pisted runs on the mountain under control and can pick my line down any piste. I seek out steeps, moguls and chopped up snow as a fun challenge. I am beginning to get to grips with skiing fresh snow just off-piste.
This is what we see:
You can carve clean tracks on blue runs when the conditions are good with only a little skidding. You are keen to get better on icy pistes and in variable conditions. Your progress may be hampered by a lack of technique or fitness. You may be reliant on pushing your heels or picking up the inside ski to initiate your turns or have bad habits you struggle to break. You probably pick your way down moguls a few turns at a time and traverse really difficult areas. When you think you are carving you may not be actively piloting the skis. You may be thinking of taking an Level 1 Instructor course but are unsure if you are at the right standard just yet.
This is what we offer:
You could benefit from either our Skills Clinics or our Performance Clinics, and may choose which one to attend based on the particular focus of that month's clinic. If you are considering taking Level 1 ski instructor exams you may wish to take a Professional Development session with us.
Level 9 - Advanced
This is what you do:
I am a confident experienced skier and like to go fast on reds, blacks are no problem and I enjoy easy off-piste slopes.
This is what we see:
You have probably have taken numerous lessons and you ski dynamically at speed on piste. Off-piste is no longer a struggle, and you really have the feel for carving turns of all sizes on all pistes and enjoy the thrill that it gives you. You are able to carve effectively from turn to turn on nicely groomed snow but are not so consistent when the snow is icy or un-groomed. You can get down steeps, moguls and freeride terrain with confidence and a semi-consistent technique but will lose some control in the more difficult areas. You are probably able to, or have, passed an L1 instructor course. You can make changes to your skiing when asked, you can perform drills that demonstrate control of pressure, edge and rotation. You can change turn shape at will and mix rhythmical short and long radius turns.
This is what we offer:
Our Performance Clinics will help refine your technique to help you ski all terrain consistently. Our Professional Development courses or private coaching sessions will help you prepare for Level 1 ski instructor exams or help you on the path towards Level 2.
I am a confident experienced skier and like to go fast on reds, blacks are no problem and I enjoy easy off-piste slopes.
This is what we see:
You have probably have taken numerous lessons and you ski dynamically at speed on piste. Off-piste is no longer a struggle, and you really have the feel for carving turns of all sizes on all pistes and enjoy the thrill that it gives you. You are able to carve effectively from turn to turn on nicely groomed snow but are not so consistent when the snow is icy or un-groomed. You can get down steeps, moguls and freeride terrain with confidence and a semi-consistent technique but will lose some control in the more difficult areas. You are probably able to, or have, passed an L1 instructor course. You can make changes to your skiing when asked, you can perform drills that demonstrate control of pressure, edge and rotation. You can change turn shape at will and mix rhythmical short and long radius turns.
This is what we offer:
Our Performance Clinics will help refine your technique to help you ski all terrain consistently. Our Professional Development courses or private coaching sessions will help you prepare for Level 1 ski instructor exams or help you on the path towards Level 2.
Level 10 - Early Expert
This is what you do:
I am a strong all round on and off piste skier and can ski most places that are serviced by the lifts.
This is what we see:
You can ski all terrain comfortably but are perhaps limited in speed and confidence in some areas. To improve you will need greater dynamics, practice on steeper fall line moguls with an increased range of absorption and extension, make higher speed GS freeride turns in powder/ variable snow conditions and generally master a solid technique. You are probably interested in race training, steep couloirs, instructor exam technical requirements, freeride performance and higher speeds on piste. If you teach you are at, or training for, L2 exams and perhaps are getting ready for ISIA level.
This is what we offer:
Our Performance Clinics will help refine your technique to help you ski all terrain consistently. Our Professional Development courses or private coaching sessions will help you prepare for Level 1 ski instructor exams or help you on the path towards Level 2.
I am a strong all round on and off piste skier and can ski most places that are serviced by the lifts.
This is what we see:
You can ski all terrain comfortably but are perhaps limited in speed and confidence in some areas. To improve you will need greater dynamics, practice on steeper fall line moguls with an increased range of absorption and extension, make higher speed GS freeride turns in powder/ variable snow conditions and generally master a solid technique. You are probably interested in race training, steep couloirs, instructor exam technical requirements, freeride performance and higher speeds on piste. If you teach you are at, or training for, L2 exams and perhaps are getting ready for ISIA level.
This is what we offer:
Our Performance Clinics will help refine your technique to help you ski all terrain consistently. Our Professional Development courses or private coaching sessions will help you prepare for Level 1 ski instructor exams or help you on the path towards Level 2.
Level 11 - Expert
This is what you do:
I ski lots during the season and am competent in most areas.
This is what we see:
You can adjust your technique to suit all snow conditions and are comfortable in difficult off piste terrain and at high speeds on piste. You can adjust turns through subtle changes in range, rate, duration and distribution of inputs. You are humble and know that there is loads more to learn and can feel differences between skis and how they are tuned. You are getting close to being able to ski well whatever the conditions confidently and with ease. Instructors may be at L3 level and perhaps training for ISTD technical exams and the Euro Speed Test.
This is what we offer:
Please contact us to discuss specific training requirements. We may be able to advise on specific race coaches or instructor trainers that could work with you.
I ski lots during the season and am competent in most areas.
This is what we see:
You can adjust your technique to suit all snow conditions and are comfortable in difficult off piste terrain and at high speeds on piste. You can adjust turns through subtle changes in range, rate, duration and distribution of inputs. You are humble and know that there is loads more to learn and can feel differences between skis and how they are tuned. You are getting close to being able to ski well whatever the conditions confidently and with ease. Instructors may be at L3 level and perhaps training for ISTD technical exams and the Euro Speed Test.
This is what we offer:
Please contact us to discuss specific training requirements. We may be able to advise on specific race coaches or instructor trainers that could work with you.
Level 12 - Athletes & Instructor trainers
This is what you do:
I am a fluid skier with a unique style.
This is what we see:
You most likely make a living from skiing or ski most days, exploring different styles and forms of snowsport. You may have have competed in free style, National championships or FIS level Alpine racing competitions. If you teach you are in the top few % of your governing body and probably train other instructors. You are an inspirational skier.
This is what we offer:
Our congratulations, well done !
I am a fluid skier with a unique style.
This is what we see:
You most likely make a living from skiing or ski most days, exploring different styles and forms of snowsport. You may have have competed in free style, National championships or FIS level Alpine racing competitions. If you teach you are in the top few % of your governing body and probably train other instructors. You are an inspirational skier.
This is what we offer:
Our congratulations, well done !
Level 13 - World class skiers
This is what you do:
Ski on television and in the movies.
This is what we see:
If you are this good you wouldn't be looking at our website (although we're pleased you are)!
This is what we offer:
A request for lessons ;)
Ski on television and in the movies.
This is what we see:
If you are this good you wouldn't be looking at our website (although we're pleased you are)!
This is what we offer:
A request for lessons ;)
Download a printable version of our Levels guide