Your First Red Run: How to Ski Steeper Slopes with Confidence

Red runs are where skiing gets exciting. They are steeper and often longer than blues, and they open up much more of the mountain. They also frighten many people the first time. The step from blue to red is mostly about confidence, and confidence comes from good preparation and the right technique.

Are you ready?

You are probably ready for an easy red if you can:

• Link turns on any blue run at a speed you choose.
• Stop quickly whenever you want, turning either way.
• Side-slip down a short, steeper section under control.
• Ski a blue run in less than perfect snow, such as ice or soft afternoon snow.

On skis, that means parallel turns; on a snowboard, linked turns on both edges. Red runs can vary a lot, even within one resort, and our guide to ski piste colours explains what to expect from each colour.

Choose the right first red

Ask your instructor or guide which red is the easiest, and ski it first thing in the morning, when the snow is freshly groomed and the slope is quiet. If you can, watch other people on it from the lift first. Avoid trying a new red when you are tired, at the end of the day or in poor visibility.

Technique for steeper slopes

• Shorter turns: On steep ground, speed builds quickly in the fall line. Make shorter turns and finish each one across the slope.
• Commit to the turn: The natural reflex is to lean back and uphill, which makes the skis or board run away. Move forward and down the hill as you start each turn.
• Use your pole plant: On skis, a clear pole plant at the start of each turn gives rhythm and helps you move your weight downhill.
• Keep your upper body facing downhill: Let your legs turn underneath you while your chest points down the slope.
• On a snowboard, use both edges: Avoid side-slipping the whole run on your heel edge. Linking turns is easier on your legs and safer.

Dealing with fear

Fear is normal, and it is useful: it keeps you careful. To stop it from taking over, break the run into sections. Ski to the next stopping place at the side of the run, stop, breathe and choose the next one. Think only about the next turn, not the whole slope. And ski with someone who waits for you rather than someone who pushes you.

Your first reds at Erciyes

Erciyes has runs from easy to difficult, so you can step up gradually; our Erciyes ski resort guide describes the piste levels. If you are ready to move from blue runs to reds, the guides on our Experienced packages ride with you all day and show you runs that suit your level.

• Ski technique
• Snowboarding
• Intermediate
• Red runs