BEGINNERS - Try to stay on their feet. They are at the initial discover phases. May have never skied or rarely skied beyond this point. Whomp! Nearly all hills are too difficult.

NOVICES - Can make their way around on flats but cannot fully exert themselves without losing coordination. Stability is a major preoccupation. Some trails are beyond what they can ski. Techniques very limited. Cannot climb prolonged hills withour stopping. Steep hills are beyond them.
INTERMEDIATES- Can get around pretty much everywhere although it ain't pretty. They ski with stability rather than with dynamic balance. Strong physical attributes often overcompensate for good technique. They often forget recovery and relaxation phases. These skiers are in the cognitive learning stage. They can power up long or steep climbs but waist alot of energy. Most intermediate skiers have race experience and can ski for two hours nonstop. They ski faster than they run.
ADVANCED - Can maintain proper school technique on established terrain. They ski in balance rather than using static stability but have limited capability in terrain reading and change-ups. They ski in-rhythm, exhibiting smoother dynamic weight shift. They can handle hills and are able to apply power. Their kinesthetic perception is growing, but their technical universe is expanding rapidly with no clear end in sight. Complex schemas are used to try to understand technique. Movements are very deliberate, clinical and lack natural flow. Technique breaks down in extreme terrain under race conditions.
EXPERTS - Are able to perform all techniques perfectly over all terrain and conditions. They complete seamless terrain reading and perform change-ups with unconscious (feeling) broken rhythm. They can adapt instinctively to terrain and conditions based upon resistance feeling with maximum dynamic range in motion. There is body unity. Full use is made of all propulsive phases with correct timing. Technical concentration is now focussed on interaction between mind-body-skis and snow-terrain. At this point they are free of technique. Understanding of skiing is simplified to just the basics.
ELITE - They are already an expert technician and also possess high performance power-endurance attributes. This level of skier applies instinctive application of technique under race conditions over difficult terrain at international competitive level. Considered skilled practitioners with a high level of physical and metal fitness, they are free to execute tactics and strategy. Can handle the most extreme terrain under difficult conditions.