In WOC Tour open courses, course difficulty levels are indicated using color codes

This summer, Finland is adopting a system where orienteering courses are classified by difficulty using color codes. This model is used in WOC Tour Orienteering Week for open courses orienteering, helping participants choose a course that matches their skill level.

During WOC Tour Orienteering Week, open courses orienteering offers eight different course options categorized into six distinct colors. This ensures that every orienteer can find a challenge suited to their skill level.

During WOC Tour Orienteering Week, the colors are applied as follows:

There are a total of eight color codes used, ranging from easiest to most difficult: green, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, and black. During Orienteering Week, the C-short course is the easiest, the C-long course is slightly more challenging, B-courses are medium or fairly demanding, and A-courses are the most difficult.

This color-coded system has been used in Sweden for a long time, and Finland’s model is consistent with it. More details about the system and a precise description of the skill levels can be found on the Finnish Orienteering Federation website.
https://www.suunnistusliitto.fi/suunnistusratojen-taitotasot/

Text: Hanna Leppävuori
Photo: SSL
Table: Ari Kauhanen