Blue for easy, red for moderately difficult, black for difficult: these colours mark the difficulty levels on cross-country ski trails that carry the Tyrolean cross-country ski trail seal of approval. Winter sports enthusiasts also occasionally come across orange-coloured signs - they stand for ski trails. The signs or poles in the respective colour are always located to the right of the route at intervals of no more than 500 metres and at crossroads or junctions. The signs also indicate the technique in which the route may be skied. In many areas, trails are prepared for classic technique (straight line) and those for free technique, i.e. also skating.
All marked trails are generally accessible and protected from avalanches. Other dangers such as exceptionally steep gradients or car traffic as well as any closures are marked with black and yellow signs and corresponding symbols.
Beginners and children who are cross-country skiing for the first time are just right on blue-marked trails. They are predominantly flat and generally have a gradient (or ascent) of no more than 10 per cent. On trails for classic technique, the gradients are also manageable over their entire length.
If you use red marked trails, you should already have some experience. The trails mainly lead through undulating terrain and can have a gradient (or ascent) of up to 20 per cent, or even more on short sections in open terrain. Trails for classic technique may also contain bends on downhill sections that force you to actively change direction.
Trails with black markings are reserved for very experienced and sporty cross-country skiers. Their uphill and downhill sections can significantly exceed 20 per cent.
