New System of Trail Markers To Appear On Nation's Ski Slopes This Season

A new system of trail markers, which stress simplicity and uniformity, were recently endorsed by the U.S. Forest Service and will be in use in every ski area in the nation this season.

The markers are in five readily familiar shapes.

A green square indicates that a particular trail is the easiest in that area, eliminating the use of the word novice or beginner which might mislead the uninitiated skier. A gold triangle means a more difficult trail. A blue circle signals the most difficult trail.

The need for extra caution caused by icy or rocky slopes is indicated by a red diamond and a closed slope is heralded by an orange octagon.