Difficulty Scales

Understanding the difficulty of a route is crucial for your safety and enjoyment. Here I explain the three main scales used on this site to grade different types of terrain: the UIAA scale for rock climbing, the Via Ferrata scale, and the SAC Alpine Hiking scale (T1-T6).

The UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) scale is used to grade free climbing difficulty. On this site, we generally encounter grades from I to VI in alpine environments:

• I (First degree): Easiest form of climbing. Hands are used to support balance. Beginners should use a rope.
• II (Second degree): Basic climbing. Three points of contact must be maintained. A rope is highly recommended for beginners.
• III (Third degree): Moderate climbing. Holds are larger but vertical passages require good technique and strength. Rope is generally necessary.
• IV (Fourth degree): Advanced climbing. Holds are smaller and less obvious. Experience and good technique are required.
• V (Fifth degree): Difficult climbing. Often vertical or overhanging. Requires specific training and fitness.
• VI (Sixth degree): Very difficult. Very small holds, requires excellent technique and physical condition.

Via Ferratas (iron paths) are protected climbing routes. We use the standard alphabetical scale from A to F:

• A (Easy): Essentially a steep hike with cables for security. Can usually be done without via ferrata gear by experienced hikers.
• B (Moderate): Steeper terrain, some vertical sections. Ladders and pegs are common. Via ferrata gear is necessary.
• C (Difficult): Steep to very steep rock, vertical or slightly overhanging sections. Good fitness and arm strength are required.
• D (Very Difficult): Vertical and often overhanging rock. Holds are sparse, requiring significant arm strength and endurance.
• E (Extremely Difficult): Sustained overhanging sections, very demanding physically and mentally.
• F (Beyond Extremely Difficult): Reserved for the absolute hardest, heavily overhanging athletic routes. Excellent physical shape is mandatory.

The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) scale is widely used in the Alps to grade hiking and mountain trails:

• T1 (Hiking): Well-cleared path. Terrain is flat or slightly sloped. No danger of falling.
• T2 (Mountain Hiking): Path with continuous line and balanced ascents. Sure-footedness recommended.
• T3 (Challenging Mountain Hiking): Exposed path, sometimes without visible trail. Hands may be needed for balance. Requires good sure-footedness.
• T4 (Alpine Hiking): Trail trace not always visible. Terrain is quite exposed, includes grassy/rocky slopes and easy scree. Hands regularly needed. Requires alpine experience.
• T5 (Challenging Alpine Hiking): Often pathless. Exposed terrain, steep rocks, glaciers, and firn. Reliable sure-footedness, good alpine experience, and basic use of ice axe and rope required.
• T6 (Difficult Alpine Hiking): Usually pathless. Highly exposed terrain, steep and treacherous rock. Excellent alpine experience and familiarity with technical climbing equipment required.