Level classification
In order to evaluate the skiing ability of our ski school customers and to give them the most appropriate advice, we’ve defined in detail our own „Prime Ski Levels“. This will ensure that from the moment of booking at the office until the actual lesson takes place, everyone will have a clear idea of what the skier’s ability is.
Skiing ability is categorized in levels from 1 – 6, Biking ability from 1 – 4, and we can add a plus sign to indicate when a guest is almost at the next level but not quite, e.g. „Level 3+“ plough parallel (not fully parallel).
LEVEL 1 – Beginners, Starterland (First steps on snow, gliding- stopping in snow plough)
Beginners who are trying skiing for the first time are categorized as Level 1. If this is not your first time on skis but the stopping in the snow plough doesn’t quite work yet, are you Level 1+.
LEVEL 2 – Beginners, blue pistes (button lift / T-bar – snow plough turns)
Customers who can link turns in a controlled snow plough on beginner terrain are Level 2. Once they are able to change the size of their turns, ski steeper sections of blue runs keeping fully in control, and comfortable at speed, they would be a Level 2+.
LEVEL 3 – Intermediate, red pistes (snow plough turns)
Our Level 3 is classified as someone who can make snow plough turns on red-pistes. This is to go alongside the terrain we have and therefore progression here in Engelberg. Those who are able to make plough parallel turns (skis in a parallel position at the end of the turn) are Level 3+.
LEVEL 4 – Intermediate, red pistes (Stand, Jochstock – parallel turns)
Those who can ski parallel on red pistes without problems are Level 4. Level 4 also marks the point where customers are introduced to short turns, with someone able to make shorter turns, but not quite short turns a Level 4+.
LEVEL 5 – Advanced, red and black pistes (Erika-Piste, Rotegg – short turns)
All those who can ski parallel on black pistes without any difficulty and are able to follow quickly behind the instructor, are at Level 5. When they can make a rhythmic short turn as well as starting to carve their skis effectively, they are Level 5+.
LEVEL 6 – Advanced, black pistes (moguls- / freeride- / introduction to GS)
Skiers at Level 6 have no problem skiing all sorts of pistes and conditions. These include: mogul fields, freeriding (tracked-out powder), hard/ icy/ steep pistes. A Level 6 guest has the same level of a Level 2 Ski Instructor.
ROOKIE – beginners who are on the snowboard for the first time. Riding fall line works.
If the sliding is already done safely on both sides (frontside and backside), they are Rookie Plus.
BASIC 1 – Guests who are proficient in slope sliding and traverse riding are Basic 1. This also includes sliding turns as well as targeted stopping and lift riding.
BASIC 2 – Guests who can ride on red slopes without any problems are Basic 2. This includes riding both turns safely, sometimes riding fakie (backwards) and doing smaller tricks like a 360° slope spin.
BASIC 3 – The guest is able to move safely in steep terrain. Carving, jumps and ollies need only minimal improvement. The guest can already make first rides next to the slope in deep snow.
LEVEL 1 (BASIC 1)
You can ride a bike. Ride, pedal and brake. You’re uphill and downhill on asphalt roads, grippy natural surfaces or consolidated gravel.
LEVEL 2 (BASIC 2)
You are a beginner and have little bike experience. You can roll over smaller obstacles, such as flat roots and small stones, while standing. The difficulty is increased by occasional water channels and sometimes loose ground, but these will not make you lose your calmness.
LEVEL 3 (SKILLS 1)
You have a solid riding technique and use the “active” position specifically to overcome larger roots or short stone passages. You can lift the front & rear wheel and balance your bike on the spot. You ride trails that are often loose ground and have steps or stairs. Tight turns, slight hairpin turns and being ready to brake at any time will not yet cause you to break out in a cold sweat.
LEVEL 4 (SKILLS 3)
You have a very good riding technique to ride even larger boulders and/or root passages. You ride trails with tricky slopes, high steps and hairpin turns. Also trails with slippery ground or loose rubble. Difficult passages require a high level of concentration, accurate braking and a very good balance.