A ski trail rating system in Alpine skiing allows for skiers to determine the difficulty of a trail. The rating can reflect the type of terrain and grade you might encounter on a particular trail.
Symbol
Ski resorts mark each trail with a symbol that lets you know the trails difficulty. A double black diamond symbol indicates that the trail is for advanced skiers and features challenging terrain that requires expertise to ski. The double black diamond symbol is distinct to U.S. ski trails. European ski resorts mark trails by color only, and designated black trails are the most difficult, according to Mechanicsofsports.com.
Trail Features
If you decide to ski a double black diamond trail, expect to encounter a steep slope. On average, it will measure more than a 40 percent grade over black diamonds, the ski trail level rated before double black diamonds. Often, such steep slopes are exposed to high winds, which can affect your skiing. Other features can include obstacles such as trees, ambiguous trail paths and narrow terrains that require excellent turning and stopping abilities.
Trail Ratings
In the U.S., the double black diamond symbol is reserved for the most difficult trails at a ski resort. The rating system begins with a green circle, indicating an easy slope, a blue square for intermediate slopes designed for the average skilled skier, a black diamond, designating a difficult slope for good skiers and snowboarders, and, finally, the double black diamond.
Caution
Restrict yourself to ski trails that you are capable of skiing safely. Every ski resort rates its trails' difficulty independently. Before skiing at a new ski resort, inquire about that resort's interpretation of a double black diamond because it might be more difficult than at another resort. The challenging terrain often found on double black diamond trails makes it impossible for grooming. You may encounter large piles of fresh snow and drifts that can be difficult to ski through.
Member Comments