Understanding piste markings and difficulty ratings

• Piste colours indicate approximate difficulty; on their own, they cannot predict how a run will ski today.
• The meaning of a colour can vary from one country or ski area to another.
• The local piste map explains the colours, symbols and numbers in use.
• In France, the alpine piste colour system includes green, blue, red and black.
• Gradient, width, turns and length all affect how challenging a run is in practice.
• Snow, ice, visibility, crowds and how you feel that day can all affect which run is the right choice.
• Local closures and notices take precedence over an older map.

In many Alpine areas, blue, red and black indicate increasing levels of difficulty, from easy to challenging. France also uses green for the easiest beginner areas. There, green marks very easy terrain, blue indicates easy runs that are somewhat steeper, red denotes more challenging runs, and black is the most difficult category. This is one example, not an international standard. The legend for the ski area you are visiting is therefore the one to follow, especially when skiing in another country.

Runs within the same category can also vary. A longer run with a steady gradient may be easier to manage than a short, steep section with tight turns. Shade, moguls, ice or fresh snow can change how a run skis. The colour reflects its planned difficulty rating; it is not a real-time assessment of every part of the run.

Before setting off, check where a run starts and ends, its number and where any junctions lead. Compare the map with the signs at intersections rather than relying only on memory or a digital map. Lifts and signs make it easier to find your way around the ski area. This can help you stay on a run that suits you and avoid accidentally taking a more difficult connecting route.

Also check how ski routes, connections and closed sections are marked. A marked route is not necessarily the same as an open, groomed piste. A closure applies even if the route is still shown on an older map. For controlled speed, consideration for others and safe crossings, follow the FIS rules of conduct. Further information on piste types and difficulty levels and safety and piste rules can help you make sense of the markings.

As well as the colour, consider the experience of everyone in your group, current visibility and snow conditions, and whether you can switch to an easier route along the way. If you are skiing with children or a group with mixed abilities, choose a run everyone can manage. If the signs are unclear, stop somewhere easy to see and ask a member of staff rather than continuing on a guess. In poor visibility or when you are getting tired, an easier open run is usually the better choice.

Does blue mean the same thing in every country?

No. The categories and colours used are not the same everywhere. Follow the legend for the local ski area.

Is the piste colour enough to choose a run?

No. Your ability, the gradient, visibility, snow, crowds and how you feel that day can all affect whether you can ski a run safely and in control.

Can I ski a piste that is closed but still shown on the map?

No. Follow the current closure signs and local notices. The map is not a substitute for up-to-date operating information.