Ski Slope Ratings Explained: From Green to Black Diamond Runs

Colored ski run shapes provide a guiding light for skiers as they navigate the slopes.Photo: Judy Bishop-The Travelling Eye/Getty ImagesSlightly silly colored shapes are a foundational element of the skiing experience. Green circle, blue square, black diamond, and double black diamond—these ski run difficulty levels give skiers a rough idea of what to expect after they disembark the lift.Ski trail ratings aren’t gospel, though. They vary—sometimes quite signif