If it's your first time at a resort, chances are that looking at the piste map you'll see green, blue, red and black slopes. At first glance it seems like a simple system, but many people don't really know what the difference is between them or which one they should choose. Choosing a slope that doesn't match your level can turn a fun day into an uncomfortable or downright dangerous experience. Let's explain what each colour means and why the system has more nuance than it seems at first glance.
Designed for those who have never skied or are just taking their first steps. The gradient is very gentle (roughly up to 25% incline) and they're usually close to the learning areas and ski schools. This is the place to get familiar with the gear, learn to stop, and link your first turns safely.
Don't rush to move up a level here. Building confidence on green slopes makes the jump to blue much easier than you'd think.
With a slightly steeper gradient (roughly between 25% and 40%) and longer runs, blues remain comfortable for anyone who's already mastered the basics, but with more variety of situations. Most people spend a good part of their first season on blue slopes. It's where you learn the most without taking on too much risk.
Here the gradient rises quite a bit (roughly between 40% and 60%), with changes in pitch and sections where you need better control of speed and line. They're not dangerous in themselves, but they do require confidence, well-established turns and the ability to adapt to different snow conditions. If you're still unsure between blue and red, it's probably worth practising on blue a bit longer.
Very steep gradients (above 60%), with uneven terrain, narrow sections and more changeable snow. This is technically demanding terrain, not meant for learning or for trying your luck. Many skiers with years of experience barely use them regularly, and there's nothing wrong with avoiding them. The goal is to enjoy the mountain, not to ride the hardest slope on the map.
Besides the four marked slopes, many resorts also signpost itineraries: marked routes that don't get the same maintenance as a regular slope. They aren't groomed by piste machines or monitored as often. This isn't terrain for beginners, and it's worth identifying on the map so you don't confuse it with a more advanced slope.
The system is fairly standardised across Spain and Europe, but a blue slope at one resort can turn out to be a bit easier than a blue at another. Slope width, snow conditions and the day's weather all play a part. That's why, besides the colour, it's always worth checking the resort's piste map and following the advice of staff or your instructor, rather than trusting the colour blindly.
Start on green, with an instructor. It might seem like heading straight to a blue would help you progress faster, but the opposite usually happens: learning on the right terrain gives you confidence and better technique, and with good lessons the jump to blue comes sooner than you'd imagine.
What matters is always skiing within your real level and progressing gradually, rather than by what you “should” be doing based on how many days you've spent on snow.
Can I ride a red if I already handle blues comfortably?
It depends on how comfortable you feel and on the day's conditions. If you're still unsure on blues, it's better to stick with them a bit longer before making the jump.
Are the colours the same for snowboarding?
Yes, the classification is the same for skiers and snowboarders.
How do I know my level if I haven't skied in a while?
Don't rely on memories like “three years ago I skied reds with no problem.” Technique gets rustier than you'd think. The safest bet is to take your first run of the day on a slope below the level you remember, and only increase the difficulty if you genuinely feel comfortable.
What should I do if I pick the wrong slope and it's harder than I expected?
Don't force your way down. You can take off your skis and walk along the edge of the slope to a more accessible point, or ask piste staff for help if things get complicated. It happens more often than you'd think, and resort staff are used to helping in these situations.
Does a slope's colour change depending on the day's conditions?
No, the colour is fixed and doesn't change with snow or weather. What can happen is that a resort temporarily closes a slope due to lack of snow, too much ice, or bad weather, even though its official colour stays the same.
Choosing the right slope helps, but nothing replaces an instructor who can see your real level and guide you through the right terrain in every class.
