Ability Level Guide
Use this guide to determine your skiing or snowboarding ability level before purchasing Summit Snowsports School lessons, programs, and packages. Knowing your level helps you select the right product, and it gives our instructors a clear starting point—so we can group you with skiers or riders of similar ability and match you with the right instructor.
Your Progression
To start, we place guests into one of six ability levels. Once your lesson begins, instructors assess your skiing or riding more closely and provide feedback using a more detailed nine-level progression scale, helping track your development over time with greater precision.
Level 1
Level 1
You've never skied or snowboarded before. This is your very first time on snow, and you'll start with the basics: gear, balance, and getting comfortable on beginner terrain.
Level 1
You've never skied or snowboarded before. This is your very first time on snow, and you'll start with the basics: gear, balance, and getting comfortable on beginner terrain.
Level 2
Level 2
You've been on skis or a board before, but you're still working on stopping with control. Lessons at this level focus on building confidence on magic carpet terrain.
Level 2
You've been on skis or a board before, but you're still working on stopping with control. Lessons at this level focus on building confidence on magic carpet terrain.
Level 3
Level 3
You can stop on your own and are now learning to turn. You're refining your turns on easy terrain for more consistency and control, and starting to learn how to ride the chairlift.
Level 3
You can stop on your own and are now learning to turn. You're refining your turns on easy terrain for more consistency and control, and starting to learn how to ride the chairlift.
Level 4
Level 4
You're comfortable riding the chairlift and are developing the basics needed to handle green (beginner) terrain confidently. You're working on more controlled, consistent turns and are ready to explore beyond the magic carpet.
Level 4
You're comfortable riding the chairlift and are developing the basics needed to handle green (beginner) terrain confidently. You're working on more controlled, consistent turns and are ready to explore beyond the magic carpet.
Level 5
Level 5
You've moved beyond beginner trails and are exploring more varied terrain. You're refining your turns , skiers are working toward parallel turns and pole timing; snowboarders are linking turns with control using both edges. Building the skills to have fun on intermediate (blue) slopes.
Level 5
You've moved beyond beginner trails and are exploring more varied terrain. You're refining your turns , skiers are working toward parallel turns and pole timing; snowboarders are linking turns with control using both edges. Building the skills to have fun on intermediate (blue) slopes.
Level 6
Level 6
You're an advanced skier or rider, comfortable linking turns in a variety of conditions and terrain types. You're working toward, or have achieved, all-mountain ability, including black and double black terrain.
Level 6
You're an advanced skier or rider, comfortable linking turns in a variety of conditions and terrain types. You're working toward, or have achieved, all-mountain ability, including black and double black terrain.
More About Our Levels
The six levels above are unique to The Summit at Snoqualmie and our Snowsports School. They are not the same as trail ratings. They're designed specifically to place students accurately into lesson groups at the start—instructors then build on this foundation with more detailed feedback as your lesson progresses.
Shop Lessons
For Kids & AdultsDaily Lessons
We have daily lessons for ages 4+ and all skill levels, whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level. Choose from Private Lessons, Group Lessons, or Lesson 3-Packs and build your skills all winter long!
26/27 ON SALE NOWSeasonal Programs
The Summit offers a variety of seasonal lesson programs to suit any level skier or snowboarder. You'll find programs from four weeks, all the way up to 10 weeks in length. Perfect for continuing your progression through the season!
26/27 ON SALE NOWCompetition Programs
Our Race, Freeride, and Freestyle programs and teams provide a higher level of coaching with like-minded groups of riders who are focused on taking their skills to the next level, while having a blast on the mountain.
