Route Assessment
All scales use five difficulty levels (easy, moderate, challenging, hard, extreme). The higher the number, the more demanding the tour. Each scale is tailored to a specific activity type, but the categories remain comparable. For example, a 3 in trail running is not the same as a 3 in hiking, but reflects a similar relative challenge within that category.
Hiking (Trekking)
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy | Wide paths, minimal elevation, no navigational challenges |
| Moderate | Clearly visible paths, occasional steep sections, easy navigation |
| Challenging | Unmarked trails, steep ascents, some off-trail hiking, good orientation skills needed |
| Hard | Longer stages with tricky navigation, stream crossings, scree and boulder sections |
| Extreme | High passes, long off-trail segments, alpine experience and weather resilience required |
Trail Running
Level | Description |
Easy | Runable trails, low elevation gain, no technical sections |
Moderate | Mix of runable and steeper parts, basic trail conditions |
Challenging | Technical terrain with scrambling, downhill skills required, occasional off-trail segments |
Hard | Long, uneven trails, significant elevation gain, limited recovery sections, navigation may be difficult |
Extreme | Exposed sections, off-trail running, high altitudes, physically intense and sustained segments |
Mountaineering
|
Level |
Description |
|
Easy |
Simple mountain tour without technical difficulties. Hiking paths, minor scrambling. No glacier contact, no exposure, no rope required. |
|
Moderate |
Steeper terrain, boulder fields, snowfields or glacier contact without crevasse danger. Poles, crampons or rope may help less experienced climbers. Partial self-navigation required, basic alpine orientation skills. |
|
Challenging |
Glacier travel with crevasse danger, steep snow or firn slopes, exposed sections, scrambling up to UIAA III. Excellent footing and basic rope handling skills required. |
|
Hard |
Mixed terrain (rock/snow/ice), long exposed sections, climbing up to UIAA IV, protection may be difficult (friends, nuts, slings). Prolonged exposure to fall hazards. |
|
Extreme |
Demanding alpine routes with technical climbing from UIAA V, high exposure, complex glaciers. Requires independent route-finding, advanced protection techniques, weather judgment, and solid alpine experience. Objective hazards (e.g., rockfall, avalanches) are part of the route. |