Updated August 5, 2025
This guide is here to help you better understand the different levels of snowboarding skills and more importantly, figure out where you stand.
We’ll first break down the typical ability levels so you can see where you might fit. After that, we’ll explore why knowing your current skill level actually matters and how it can help you progress faster on the mountain.
Snowboarding Skill Levels (1-8)
Beginner 1-4
Level 1
You’re brand new to snowboarding — this might be your very first day or just your first few. Right now, your main focus is on the basics: learning how to stay in control, slow yourself down, and make it a few meters without crashing. You’re also working on figuring out how to stop without having to fall over to do it.
Level 2
At this point, you’re getting a bit more comfortable. You can now “snowflake” your way down the hill — sliding on one edge (heel or toe) and gently guiding yourself as you go. You’re starting to get the hang of stopping on purpose, and you might even be attempting to link turns, although they’re still a bit hit or miss.
Level 3
You’re officially turning both ways now! You can link your heel-to-toe and toe-to-heel turns on easy green runs. Most of your turns are probably wide and round — more like “C” shapes — and that’s totally fine. You may be testing out some blue (intermediate) runs, though you’re likely still more confident sliding down those in a falling leaf style than fully turning.
Level 4
You can now link turns both ways on green and blue runs with more control. Your turns are starting to look smoother and more “S” shaped, and you’re much better at managing your speed. You’re building confidence and consistency every time you ride.
Intermediate 5-6
Level 5
At this stage, you’re confidently linking turns on green and blue runs and picking up speed without losing control. You’ve developed the ability to control your speed effectively, even if that means occasionally throwing on the brakes. Black runs are now within your reach, though they can still be a bit of a challenge and not always smooth sailing.
You’ve likely started testing out little side hits or small jumps in the park. Riding switch may also be something you’re beginning to explore. Your “S” turns are getting cleaner and more fluid, and you might even be starting to experiment with carving. While you still skid occasionally, especially on steeper slopes, you’re starting to see glimpses of clean edges and smoother lines.
On powder days, you may feel more adventurous and start dipping off the groomed trails. Uneven terrain doesn’t shake your confidence as much anymore, and you’re learning how to navigate it more skillfully.
Level 6
Now you can link turns at faster speeds, even on steep and technical terrain. Black runs no longer intimidate you. You’re able to ride them with solid technique and good control. You feel totally confident on intermediate slopes and can handle them at full speed with ease.
Off-piste terrain is becoming more familiar territory. You may find yourself exploring tree runs and ungroomed snow more often. Your turn technique has also evolved. You’re skidding less and starting to understand how to make sharper, more precise movements. You can stop quickly and make tight turns when necessary. New types of turns – like down-unweighted turns and early-stage carves -are entering your skill set.
If freestyle interests you, your switch riding is getting much smoother. You’ve probably mastered the ollie and feel confident on small to medium jumps. You might be hitting boxes for 50/50s or boardslides, and maybe even starting to try a rail or halfpipe. You’re either landing 180s or getting close, and may be testing out bigger spins. Grabs are also something you’ve started to add into your jump game, and you could be trying your first laps through the pipe.
Advanced 7
Level 7
At this stage, you’re a very confident rider who can handle nearly any terrain, whether it’s groomed runs or off-piste backcountry. If exploring untouched powder and backcountry lines excites you, you might already be venturing into those areas.
You’re comfortable charging at speed and have mastered a variety of turn techniques, including precise carving and down-unweighted turns. You leave thin, clean lines in your wake. Riding switch feels natural, and you switch between regular and goofy without hesitation.
For those who love the park, small to medium jumps with smooth, confident 180s and 360s are well within your skill set, and you’re likely working on bigger spins too. Large jumps don’t intimidate you – whether you’re straight airing or throwing down spins, you’re comfortable in the air. You’ve also got multiple grabs dialed in and can pull them off with ease.
When it comes to rails and pipes, you’re pushing your skills further with tricks like 180s on and off, as well as tail and nose presses. In fact, you often use the mountain itself like a giant playground, blending freestyle creativity with natural terrain.
Expert 8
Level 8
At the expert level, your riding reflects true mastery though your exact skills will vary depending on your style.
Freeride:
You can confidently charge down any slope, chute, or bowl, no matter how challenging. On backcountry excursions, you seek out more technical terrain, hucking cliffs with style and precision. Your riding flows with effortless fluidity and clean technique. You’ve mastered all types of turns and can adapt smoothly to any conditions or terrain features.
Freestyle:
You’re hitting large to XL jumps with ease, throwing 180s, 360s, 540s, and even bigger spins. Taking off and landing switch is second nature, and inverted aerials might now be part of your repertoire. On rails, boxes, pipes, and natural features, your creativity shines — mixing tricks confidently and inventively.
Even as an expert, you know there’s always room to grow, but at this point, your snowboard feels like a natural extension of your body.
Progressing Through the Levels
Most people move through the beginner stages faster than the later phases. A quick learner, especially with quality lessons, might reach Beginner Level 4 within just a few days on the mountain.
For many others, it takes longer – sometimes multiple seasons if you only ride a few days each year. But once you reach Level 4, progression tends to slow down. You might spend three times as long at Level 5 as you did moving through the beginner levels, and moving from Level 5 to 6 can take even longer.
The higher the level, the slower the progress tends to be especially if you’re not setting clear goals or taking regular lessons. Many riders find themselves comfortable in the intermediate phase, which is perfectly fine if that’s where you want to be.
However, breaking through to advanced levels usually requires more dedication, a clear plan, and patience. Each successive level is harder to reach than the last.
Why Knowing Your Ability Level Matters
Here are a few important reasons to know your current snowboarding ability beyond just satisfying curiosity:
1. Choosing the Right Gear
Your skill level helps determine the best snowboard, bindings, and boots for you. The right equipment makes learning easier for beginners and ensures expert riders get the performance they need.
When renting, you’ll often be asked your ability level to match you with the right board.
2. Setting Goals
If you want to improve faster, setting goals is essential. To do that, you need to know where you currently stand. Think of it like a map with three points:
Your goal (where you want to go)
Your plan (how to get there)
Your current position (where you are now)
Knowing your level is that third point. Your “You Are Here” on the map.
3. Finding the Right Lessons
Lessons are often designed for specific levels, usually indicated on a 1-7 or 1-8 scale. Knowing your level helps you pick lessons that best fit your needs, so you get the most out of them.
How Snowboarding Ability Levels Are Classified
There are two common systems used:
Beginner to Expert System
This is the simpler system, labeling riders as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert. It’s mostly used for gear choices and general conversations.
Mountain runs are often marked similarly e.g., Green (Beginner), Blue (Intermediate), Black (Advanced), and Double Black (Expert).
Note: Different regions may use different color codes (like Green, Blue, Red, Black in Europe).
Levels 1-7 or 1-8 System
This system breaks down ability into finer levels, offering a more precise skill measurement. It usually looks like this:
3-4 Beginner Levels
2-3 Intermediate Levels
1 Advanced Level
1 Expert Level
This system is popular for lessons and tracking your personal progression.
Where Do You Fit?
Hopefully, this guide helps you identify your ability level more accurately. You might be at different levels for various skills, which is totally normal. Be honest with yourself — accurate self-assessment makes it easier to plan your progress, choose gear, and select the right lessons.
For example, I consider myself a higher-level intermediate (Level 6) leaning toward advanced (Level 7). I’m comfortable on black runs, off groomer terrain, backcountry, and riding switch. I can confidently handle small to large park jumps, sharp turns, carving, and some freestyle tricks.
Where do you see yourself? Feel free to share your level or ask questions below. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so there’s no “right” or “wrong” place to be!
