Our trip difficulty scale is a comparative system of our own making. It considers aspects of technical skill, and physical "toughness" required for each trip.
How hard is the trip? The ratings are not measured against any real-world alpine grading system. "How hard " is as much about you, as about the mountain challenge.
FAQ - Alpine Guides Trip Difficulty Ratings
A walk in the Park
“Average” hiking fitness is required. No load carrying, and short duration activity (2-4 hours). Some prior training is always helpful.
Non-technical hiking on unmarked routes.
Some scrambling, using hands for balance.
Some loose scree descents. Little or no exposure.
Crampons/ice axe may be used if conditions are icy.
Achievable Adventure
This level is about having fun, with some challenges, at times. A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. This is suitable for people who exercise and undertake backpack sports. You should be comfortable carrying a moderate backpack (5-6 kg) over 3 - 5 hours on foot. You may experience ascents of several hundred vertical meters.
Scrambling over rough ground with hand placement is expected
Good foot placement is needed.
Must be competent in moving on uneven terrain.
Basic rope skills and knots may be required. Supervised abseiling is possible.
Potential exposure to heights.
May involve sections of glaciers and moderate ground (< 30°).
Confident crampon use and self-arrest may be required.
Moderate Mountaineering
A high level of aerobic fitness and some training prior to the trip is recommended for maximum benefit. You must be able to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (10-12 kg) over 5-6 hours (with breaks) if required.
Expect ascents of 300-500+ vertical metres, and days of up to 8 hours on foot.
Confidence scrambling over rough ground with hand placement is expected.
Good foot placement is needed. You must be competent and confident in moving on uneven terrain.
Basic rope skills and knots are introduced. Abseiling is possible.
Some exposure to heights is likely. This may involve sections of glaciers and steeper ground (up to 30°).
Anchor placement/belaying may be required.
Confident crampon use and self-arrest skills are a focus.
Challenging
A high level of aerobic fitness and some training prior to the trip is needed for maximum benefit. You must be able to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (10-12 kg) over 6-9 hours if required.
Longer days are common (up to 10 hours on foot). Vertical ascents of 500 - 800 metres are common.
Some discomfort is expected due to long days and exposure to elements. You ms have a good attitude and be keen to be out there.
Confident cramponing and footwork needed at all times, with some front-pointing.
Technical rope skills and systems used commonly. Exposure to heights is common.
Glaciated terrain including crevasses likely.
Moderate - steeper (30-50°) slopes are common.
Some 2-tool climbing is likely.
Efficient knot tying and rope skills expected, and competence climbing on rock (AU grade 12-15).
Tough
A challenge for experienced climbers. Fit people will still need to train prior to undertaking. Must be dedicated and used to long days in the mountains.
A high level of commitment is required with serious consequences for mistakes. Moderate to steep terrain (40-60°) is common. Efficient anchor management and fast adjustment of gear are expected.
A high degree of exposure to significant heights. Concentration and focus are required at all times.
Solid crampon and axe skills are expected - you must be able to move efficiently on a variety of terrain.
Retreating from routes may be difficult.
Early alpine starts are common.
Vertical ascents of 1,200 + metres are likely.
Long days (14+ hours) expected. Able to carry an 8 kg backpack 1,000 vertical metres in 2.5 hours or less.
Expect some discomfort due to exposure to the elements and long days, plus camping in snow shelters, and the potential to get wet.
serious
A high level of commitment from both the guide and the participant. The consequences of mistakes may be fatal. Recent alpine experience required - up to 20 days on crampons within the past 2 years. You must be self-sufficient in rope and anchor skills, and current in technique.
Alpine starts are regular, with long days on challenging terrain. Expect to carry heavy packs at times, 12-16 kg between bivvies. Bivouac / snow shelter camping and potential to get wet expected.
High level of exposure to significant heights common.
Difficult, long, technical climbing sections are common (50-70°).
Must be self-sufficient in rope and anchor skills, and current in technique.
Backing off routes will be difficult.
1200+ metre ascents likely. Sustained climbing days, 14+ hours common.
Customised
Pretty self-explanatory... These trips are tailored by your guide and are ideal for those with specific training needs, or where you have a group of mixed abilities. You must of course be happy to work with the limitations of the least experienced in your team!