Mountain Conditions Search
Home About Us News Photos Book Now! Contact Us
CLIMB WILD WALKS SKI Backcountry Calendar International Expeditions
 
Meet the Climbing Guides Meet the Trekking Guides Gear for Sale Grade Comparison Chart Hiddleston-Scaife Commemorative Trust
Grade Comparison Chart
Standard grading system for alpine routes in normal conditions

  Easy scramble. Use of rope generally only for glacier travel.
2   Steeper trickier sections may need a rope.
3   Longer steeper sections generally. Use of technical equipment necessary. Ice climbs may require two tools.
4   Technical climbing. Knowledge of how to place ice and rock gear quickly and efficiently a must. Involves a long day.
5   Sustained technical climbing. May have vertical sections on ice.
  Multiple crux sections. Vertical ice may not have adequate protection. Good mental attitude and solid technique necessary. May require a bivvy on route and be a long way from civilisation.
  Grade 7 and beyond is possible but not yet established in the region.

   
website design by iNow