Ski maps are these weird mangled projections and can be difficult to follow. Two mountains that appear next to each other, are sometimes facing each other! With some sections of trail it is difficult to know which direction is down due to the odd projections.
The key is to pay attention to the layout of the lifts – identifying them by type (gondola, cable car, 2,3,4,6,8 person chair, drag-lift), and by name. This gives you a sense of the layout of the ski area. Almost without exception, trails go from the top of one lift to the bottom of another. Plan routes by linking these up.
Look out for splits in the trails leading to different lifts. Pay particular attention to your direction when setting off from a summit or ridge, esp. if it is snowing, as you can easily go down the “wrong” side.
Some resorts helpfully put piste numbers on poles that correspond to the numbered trails on the map. Beware that in many resorts, the numbers are just a count-down to the bottom. In others you have to guess by the colour of the poles at the edge or the odd cryptic sign at the split (sometimes).
If you are not confident with drag-lifts, avoid trails that rely on them to get back up – often the case where the periphery of the ski area is in the forest rather than in a village.
The maps usually give the top and bottom height for each lift so this can help you work out the down direction of a trail in those cases when it’s not obvious.
Finally, pay attention to the last lift times posted at the bottom stations. Stay in the area immediately above your hotel as the afternoon wears on. That way you wont get stuck in the wrong valley when the lifts stop (been there!)
Hope this helps, it’s easier than it sounds. And happy skiing. 😀