Ski Run Colours and Difficulty Ratings: Green, Blue, Red, Black
In Europe, runs are marked by difficulty as blue (easy), red (intermediate) and black (difficult); in some countries, such as France, and at some resorts, green is also used for the easiest runs. Under the Austrian standard, the gradient of a blue run should not exceed 25% and that of a red run 40%; anything steeper is black. In North America, the symbols green circle, blue square and black diamond are used, and difficulty is relative only to that resort's own runs. Turkey has no national standard; resorts use the European system. After the first days, beginners should start on blue (or, where available, green) runs.
The first days, the first run after the beginner area
Blue
Easy
Those who can turn under control in a snowplough
Red
Intermediate
Those who can control their speed with parallel turns
Black
Difficult
Those who can control their speed on steep terrain in any conditions
In most European countries, colours are determined by gradient. Under Austria's ÖNORM S 4611 standard (as quoted in the Tyrol state's piste quality brochure):
The longitudinal or transverse gradient of a blue run should not exceed 25%, except for short sections in open terrain.
The gradient of a red run should not exceed 40%.
Steeper runs are black.
Gradient is the most important criterion, but bad weather and snow conditions make a run more difficult.
In Switzerland, SKUS, which publishes the piste guidelines, uses degrees instead: blue at most 15°, red at most 25°. In Italy, the colours are defined by law; in France, the standards governing pistes (NF S 52-100 and 52-102) are voluntary but can become binding through municipal decisions. That is why the same colour can mean a slightly different difficulty from country to country.
Yellow (orange) ski routes
At some European resorts there are “ski route” (Austria) or “Abfahrt” (Switzerland) runs marked in yellow or orange. These are only marked and secured against avalanches; they are not groomed and are not checked by the ski patrol. They are given no difficulty rating and are for experienced skiers only. Beyond the piste boundary is the off-piste area, which is entirely at your own risk.
The North American system
Symbol
Difficulty
Green circle
Easiest
Blue square
Intermediate
Black diamond
Most difficult
Double black diamond
Experts only (at many resorts)
An important difference of the North American system is that it is relative: according to the US National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the rating is relative only to the resort's own terrain. So a blue square at one resort may be harder than a black diamond at another. Japan has no national standard; some resorts use red instead of blue for intermediate runs.
Run colours in Turkey
Turkey has no national regulation or standard for run colours; resorts use the European system:
Erciyes: Blue, red and black. On the Erciyes A.Ş. website, the colours are defined by gradient: 0–25 for blue, 25–40 for red and 40 and above for black (although the page says “degrees”, the values match the percentages in the Austrian standard). The operator's general rules recommend blue for beginners and red for good skiers; black is almost exclusively for professional skiers. In the official table, 18 of the 41 runs are easy, 17 intermediate and 6 difficult.
Sarıkamış: According to the Kars Governor's Office (Kars Valiliği), of its 9 runs 2 are green, 1 blue, 3 red and 3 black.
Palandöken: In Ejder 3200's official list, of its 50 runs 14 are blue, 10 red and 26 black.
The quickest way to learn which runs suit you is to ski with an instructor or group leader in the first days: they tell you which run opens when and which runs to avoid. On Doğadayız winter activity holidays, beginners start in the beginner area with an instructor, while those who can already ski head to runs that suit their level as a group; in the evenings, everyone sits at the same table. That is why we describe our programmes as a social adventure holiday. We explain how to read a piste map in our guide How to read a piste map.
Doğadayız Packages
Doğadayız packages for your level
Winter activity holidays with accommodation, ski pass and equipment included, shared with a group.
The easiest way to learn to ski: a winter activity holiday
An activity holiday puts a sport at the heart of your trip: transport, accommodation and meals are planned, so you can focus on learning on the slopes. On Doğadayız winter activity holidays, accommodation, ski pass and ski or snowboard equipment are included in every package; course packages include basic lessons with instructors affiliated with the Turkish Ski Federation, while experience packages let you practise on the slopes at your own level.
What makes the programme different is the group: sharing the slopes with people at a similar level, dinners and nights out together, and a group leader by your side at all times. Solo travellers become part of this social adventure holiday from day one. That is why we describe our programmes as a social adventure holiday.
In the European system, a blue run is an easy run. Under the Austrian standard, the gradient of a blue run should not exceed 25%, except for short sections. It suits those who can turn under control in a snowplough.
Which is harder, a red run or a black run?
A black run is harder. In Europe, a red run is intermediate and, under the Austrian standard, its gradient does not exceed 40%; black runs are steeper than that.
Are there green runs?
In some countries, such as France, and at some resorts, the easiest runs are marked in green. In Turkey, Sarıkamış has green runs. In North America, the symbol for the easiest run is a green circle.
Are run colours in Turkey the same as in Europe?
Yes, Turkish ski resorts use the European system (blue, red, black; green at some resorts). However, Turkey has no national standard for run colours; the colour is the resort's own classification.
A piste map has three layers: lifts (gondolas, chairlifts, drag lifts and magic carpets; usually straight lines), runs (blue, red and black by difficulty; often numbered) and services (rental, first aid, restaurants, meeting points). When reading the map, first find where you are and your return point, then the runs that suit your level and the lifts that take you up to them. The live board at the resort entrance shows which lifts and runs are open (green) or closed (red) and any avalanche warning; plan your day accordingly.
The FIS 10 rules for conduct are the rules of behaviour set by the International Ski Federation for skiers and snowboarders: respect for others, control of speed, choice of route, overtaking, entering the piste, stopping, climbing and descending on foot, respecting signs, assistance and identification. They are not law; however, around the world they are used as a benchmark when assessing liability in skiing accidents.
The best resort for your first ski holiday is not the biggest one but the one that suits a beginner best. Look at eight criteria: (1) a beginner area with a magic carpet, (2) the share of easy runs and access to them, (3) altitude and reliable snow, (4) travel time, (5) the hotel's distance from the slopes, (6) crowds, (7) off-slope experiences and social life, (8) budget and visa. In Türkiye, Erciyes stands out for first-timers with its large beginner areas and training area; once you can ski, the forest runs of Sarıkamış or, abroad, Bansko make a good next step. Once you have chosen the resort, a winter activity holiday that combines lessons, equipment and ski pass in a single package makes your first experience easier.
