Expert Skiing Demystified
Let's clear up some of the terms associated with downhill skiing. When put in the proper perspective, expert is very different than advanced or extreme skiing. The definitions below are based solely on our observations over the years, and are not cast in stone.Expert SkiingExpert means being adept at handling varied terrain and different snow conditions on marked trails. The terrain may include steeps, trees, and moguls, or a combination of the three onblack or double-black runs. Snow conditions might include hard pack, ice, crud, or powder, as well as groomed or un-groomed snow.Expert requires that you make quick adjustments to your speed, turn radius, and balance to maintain control at all times.

The challenge for the expert skier is to ski all the terrain in the descent of the mountain.The essence of expert is to be able to comfortably handle a run with a 40-degree pitch containing dense trees or tight moguls on un-groomed snow when there is no way out on either side.Advanced SkiingThe term advanced level is usually reserved for the higher level steps or classes normally associated with ski school programs. Here, the terrain may consist of blue or black runs, widely-spaced glades,

Savoie / Val D Isere Face Du Charvet

Savoie / Val D Isere Tour Du Charvet

Hautes-Alpes / Serre Chevalier Off Piste

Isere-Drome / Dome De Pravouta

Isere-Drome / Col De La Lavey North

Isere-Drome / Grand Replomb by the br?e Ouest

Isere-Drome / Rochers Du Midi Via Sources Du Guiers

Isere-Drome / La Combe Du Giclas

Isere-Drome / les Illettes by the col de l'Aigleton

Isere-Drome / Dents De Bedina East Face

Isere-Drome / Cime De La Jasse

Hautes-Alpes / La Rouya North Couloir

Haute-Savoie / Pointe Du Midi South west Couloir

Isere-Drome / Grands Moulins South Face

Isere-Drome / Pic De Barlet North West Bowl

Jura / La Dole Figure Of Eight From La Cergue

Haute-Savoie / Point Du Midi Tour Of The Cu Deri

Jura / Pointe De Poele Chaud East Couloir

Haute-Savoie / Le Mole Normal Route

Haute-Savoie / Sur Cou South Face

and smaller bumps on intermediate-level slopes. In addition, snow conditions are normally hard pack and groomed. At this level you would be comfortable mid-radius parallel turns on groomed hills.Extreme SkiingThis term is the domain of the daredevil. These guys are the ones in the Warren Miller movies.

They normally ski off-piste and in the back country, but can also be seen dropping off of steep cliffs in the back bowls at some mountains.I have the utmost respect for extreme skiers. They are one part tough, one part skilled, and one part courageous with a sprinkling of nuts thrown in for good measure. Extreme is usually out-of-bounds and risky, to say the least..