skiability

Skiability is a qualitative measure of how suitable a slope or area is for skiing under current conditions. It describes how easy, safe, and enjoyable it is to descend a terrain feature, and it can change with weather, snow, and maintenance.

Several factors shape skiability. Snow quality and depth (texture, density, crust, wind slab) influence glide and control. Slope gradient and terrain features (width, pitch, moguls, trees, rocks) determine maneuverability and risk. Grooming state (groomed versus ungroomed), visibility, and weather conditions (temperature, wind, snowfall) affect predictability. Safety considerations such as avalanche risk, barriers, signage, and run-out areas, along with accessibility and lift service, also play a role in overall skiability.

Skiability is not a standardized metric; there is no universal score. Resorts and guides describe it qualitatively or in conjunction with traditional difficulty ratings, taking into account seasonal variation, fresh snowfall, and maintenance work. It is dynamic, changing with new precipitation, warming or cooling trends, wind redistribution, and grooming activity.

For skiers, skiability informs planning, equipment choice, and risk assessment. It influences decisions for beginners versus advanced skiers, whether to tackle ungroomed terrain, or to select alternate runs or parks. In resort management and research, skiability helps compare terrain design, safety planning, and operational readiness, and supports communication with visitors about current conditions.