Choosing the right track level when skiing or snowboarding at Erciyes Ski Center is extremely important for both your safety and your skiing pleasure. Ski slopes are generally classified with different colors according to their difficulty levels. Blue, red and black tracks; It gives an idea about the slope of the track, the difficulty level and the technical skills the skier needs.
Especially for skiers coming to Erciyes for the first time, knowing the track colors makes it easier to ski in areas suitable for the level. Instead of going directly to the advanced track, a beginner skier should progress gradually after learning the basic stopping, slowing down and turning techniques. Those who want to learn skiing techniques professionally can get detailed information about Erciyes ski lesson.
What Do the Colors on the Ski Trails Mean?
In ski resorts, a color system is used to more easily understand the difficulty level of the tracks. This system gives the skier information about the general level of difficulty he or she may encounter before entering the piste.
When evaluating the tracks, it is not only the slope; The width of the track, terrain structure, technical sections and the level expected from the skier’s control ability may also be important. Therefore, instead of just looking at the color, it is necessary to follow the current warnings and directions on the track.
What Does Blue Runway Mean?
Blue tracks generally refer to tracks that are more suitable for beginner and basic level skiers. The slope on these tracks is more controlled compared to other levels and allows new skiers to improve their basic movements.
It is important for a beginner skier to be able to practice stopping, slowing down, snow plowing and controlled right-left turning movements at a basic level before moving on to the blue track.
Who is Blue Runway Suitable for?
- Those who are new to skiing,
- Those who receive basic ski training,
- Those who can stand in a controlled manner with a snow plow,
- Those who can turn right and left at low speed,
- Children and beginner adults,
- Those who started skiing again after a long break.
Blue tracks should not be considered only as “easy tracks”. It is an important training area for beginners to gain balance on skis, improve body position and repeat turning techniques.
What Techniques Can Be Improved on the Blue Track?
On blue tracks, starting techniques such as basic ski stance, snow plow, speed control, stopping, turning right and left can be repeated. As the skier’s control increases, he can transition from simple turns to more fluid turns.
At this stage, more than speed control of the skis and correct body position are important. Beginners should progress at a pace appropriate to their own level, rather than trying to keep up with others’ pace.
What Does Red Runway Mean?
Red tracks are intermediate and more technical level tracks that are suitable for people who have passed the beginner level and can use their skis with more control. Compared to blue runways, slope, acceleration potential and technical requirements may increase.
It is not enough for a skier who wants to move to the red track to be able to ski only downwards. The skier must be able to control his own speed, stop safely when necessary, and make turns appropriate to the slope of the track.
Who is Red Runway Suitable for?
- Those who can skate in a controlled manner on blue tracks,
- Those who can easily turn left and right,
- Those who can control their speed with turns,
- Skiers switching to parallel skiing,
- Intermediate level athletes who want to improve their skiing technique.
What Techniques Are Used on Red Tracks?
On red tracks, the transition from simple turns to parallel turns, edge use, rhythmic turns and controlled speed management become more important. The skier must use knee, hip, ankle and trunk movements in coordination.
It should be noted that the speed may increase faster as the slope of the track increases. Therefore, it is important for the skier to use turns not only to change direction, but also to control speed.
What Does Black Runway Mean?
Black tracks refer to more challenging tracks designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders. On these tracks, the slope may increase, speed control may become more difficult, and the skier may need to master advanced techniques.
Before hitting the black track, it is important to have sufficient experience in parallel skiing, controlled short and long turns, edge use and adaptation to changing track conditions.
Who is Black Runway Suitable for?
- Advanced skiers,
- Those who can apply parallel sliding in a controlled manner,
- Those who are experienced in speed control,
- Those who can turn safely on steep slopes,
- Skiers who develop carving and advanced turning techniques.
Skiing fast on black tracks alone does not mean that you are an advanced skier. The main thing is to be able to control your speed, keep a safe distance from the skiers in front of you, and adapt your technique accordingly when piste conditions change.
Differences Between Blue, Red and Black Track
| Track Color | General Level | For Whom? | Featured Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Runway | Start | Beginners and basics | Stop, slow down, snow plow, basic rotation |
| Red Runway | Intermediate | Those who can ski with control | Parallel rotation, speed control, edge usage |
| Black Runway | Advanced | Experienced skiers | Forward turning techniques, carving, steep slope control |
How Do You Decide Which Track You Should Ski?
The most important criterion in choosing a track is to realistically evaluate your own ski level. Just because a friend can easily skate on a red or black track, you don’t have to go to the same track.
You can ask yourself these questions:
- Can I stop at any point I want with control?
- Can I reduce my speed whenever I want, without losing it?
- Can I make controlled turns left and right?
- Can I move on a steeper slope without panicking?
- Can I adjust my speed according to the skier in front of me?
- Do I have adequate balance and control over my skis?
If you clearly answer “no” to even a few of these questions, it would be better to continue improving your technique on an easier track.
Why Shouldn’t Beginners Go Directly to the Red or Black Track
The basis of learning to ski is to first gain control over the skis. Speed control may become difficult when climbing a steeper track without learning enough to stop, slow down or change direction.
It creates a healthier learning process for beginners to develop basic skiing movements on low-slope areas and then move on to blue slopes. As the technique progresses, red and then black tracks can be evaluated if the appropriate level is reached.
Snow Conditions Are Also Important Besides Track Color
The same track can offer different ski experiences on different days. Snowfall, icing, visibility, wind and the condition of the piste surface can change the difficulty felt while skiing.
For example, a track that you can ski easily under normal conditions may require more attention on a day when visibility is poor or the surface is harder. Therefore, when choosing a track, attention should be paid not only to the color on the map, but also to the conditions and warnings on that day.
What Should Be Considered for Safe Skiing on the Tracks?
Choosing a track suitable for your level is one of the first steps to safe skiing. However, it is necessary to use a helmet, control the equipment, keep a safe distance from the skiers in front of you and obey the signs on the track.
To get more detailed information about track safety, you can review our guide What should we pay attention to when skiing on ski and snowboard tracks?.
Check Your Ski Equipment Before Going to the Piste
It is as important as your skiing level that the equipment you use is suitable for you. Ski boots must fit correctly, ski bindings must be adjusted appropriately, poles must be the correct size and protective equipment such as a helmet must be used.
It is useful to do basic checks before starting skiing, especially if you are using rental equipment. You can get detailed information on this subject from our guide ski and snowboard equipment selection.
Gradually Improve Your Track Level in Erciyes
The aim of skiing is not to go to the hardest possible track in the shortest time. The main goal is to master the skis, develop the correct techniques and ski safely on the track you are on.
For a beginner skier, being able to make smooth turns on the blue piste is much more valuable than going down the red or black piste uncontrollably. As technique improves, track level naturally progresses.
Ski Training Suitable for Your Level in Erciyes with the Legendary Veysel Hodja
For people who start ski training at Erciyes Ski Center, the training process can be planned gradually according to the level, from basic ski stance to stopping and slowing down, from right-left turns to parallel skiing.
While beginners can work on basic movements on low-slope areas, skiers who want to improve their technique can work on parallel turns, carving and more controlled track control.
You can get information about ski training suitable for your level and plan your ski program at Erciyes Ski Center with Legendary Veysel Hodja.
Ski Instructor – Legendary Veysel Hodja
Erciyes Ski Resort – Kayseri
Phone / WhatsApp: +90 532 355 08 13