Your Ski & Snowboard Skill Level Guide

Beginner

  • Might have 1-4 days of ski/riding days under your belt
  • Performing mostly wedge turns and searching for control
  • Probably have rented equipment and taken a lesson or two

Welcome to skiing/snowboarding - it is just up from here! Check out our “Own your Own” equipment package deals at MTNside or give us a quick call.

Novice

  • Can navigate green runs
  • Hooked by the first few days on the slopes
  • Chairlifts are less intimidating, but maybe not the cheeseburger line in the cafeteria!
  • Turns in both directions and can stop with confidence

If you know you'd like to be out on the slopes more, you might want to consider looking into a well-fitted pair of boots and discovering the type of ski/snowboard model you would like. Remember: lessons aren't only for beginners, but rental gear is!

Chat with MTNside crew to schedule a boot fitting or chat about what models you might want to try.

Remember: lessons aren't only for beginners, but rental gear is. It's time to get out of those rental boots!

Progressing Intermediate

  • Green runs and mellow blue terrain are in your wheelhouse
  • Confidence and control are steadily improving
  • Can execute a turn using the edge of your ski or board
  • Beginning to use the edges to control speed and direction

Your own gear is essential at this level. Rentals and used boots might seem to be more economical, but progression will be hampered and enjoyment compromised.

Try out a few skis/boards in our Demo Center to feel the difference for yourself!

Advanced Intermediate

  • Solid on all blue terrain and experimenting an occasional black diamond trail
  • You have control on much of the mountain
  • Correct technique, speed, and aggressiveness increasing as well as confidence and control
  • Can complete a controlled full-edged carve on most terrains

Check out our Demo Center and spend a session on a more advanced ski or snowboard! Every ski and snowboard has its own personality; grab a demo and find which one best matches your style and skills.

Mike's Advice: The ski that you borrowed from your brother in-law isn’t going to help you enjoy this sport to its fullest. He only let you borrow it because he’s already enjoying his new one!

Advanced

  • You are in control on all blue trails and most black diamond terrain
  • Performing balanced, precise turns- especially on steeper terrain
  • Might be evolving into an aggressive turner or possibly more conservative with a focus on precise turns
  • Moguls, glades, trees, and powder are all included in this travel log

Try some of the latest skis and boards for yourself with MTNside's Demo Center before you buy. Earn a discount on a skills clinic with the purchase of new skis or snowboard.

Expert

  • Any terrain, any time
  • You are easily creating carved, dynamic turns on steep frontside groomers, moguls, and deeper snow
  • Comfortable with speed and more deliberate in their edge set + lines chosen
  • Moves smoothly and powerfully, showing athletic control with confidence

Professional athletes work with coaches daily. If the last time you took a lesson was when you were in junior high on your school ski day, then might it be time to connect with a professional Wachusett instructor for an hour clinic?