Degree of difficulty scale: rating and grading
A

EASY

Paths, getting on:
*)

 easy, challenging parts secured, well marked
Terrain: adequate holds and steps, little steps, short outsetted spots, climbing is possible most of the time without securing.
Securing: Wire ropes, chains, ladders, bridges, iron clamps; steps that allow a secure but a little exhausting climb.

Most climbing tracks have a combination of different degrees of difficulties.

In bad weather, rain, snow and ice even the easiest climbing track becomes extremely difficult.
B

MEDIUM
Paths, getting on:
*)		 easy to alpine, exposed spots secured, well marked
Terrain: flat and steep terrain in interplay; exhausting and power robbing passages alternate with easy, relaxing ones. Good standing and resting spots.
Securing: Wire ropes, ladders, bridges, iron clamps; steps in a combination that asks for more body control than grade A.

Most often the biggest hurdle is to pass the hatch on section. That's deliberately arranged, to check your abilities in time.

... the crux, the hard bit of the track.
C

DIFFICULT
Paths, getting on:
*)		 alpine, step security, orientation ability are a prerequisite.
Terrain: steep terrain, exposed passages and vertical parts. grips and steps are small. Exhausting and power robbing passages are common.
Securing: Wire rope, ladders, bridges, iron clamps and steps. In this combination one requires more power and courage.
The terrain itself takes little part in the assessment. Variety in environment - limestone, primary rocks, turf-swards, choss/munge, stone fall etc. can't be categorized.

Emergency exits and bypass possibilities variable with good planning they can help the less experienced..
D

VERY DIFFICULT
Paths, getting on:
*)		 alpine, step security, orientation ability are a prerequisite. Short parts of easy grade free climbing without securing possibilities can occur.
Terrain:

 

 precipice extreme! exposed and overhanging spots. exhausting and power robbing passages are common. For experienced climbers only.
Securing: Wire rope, ladders, bridges, hardly any iron clamps and steps. Even the difficult parts are often only secured by wire ropes.

Sport climbing tracks and alpine ones can't be compared in regards with degrees of difficulty! Both variety are fun.

On sport climbing tracks the long ways up and down are missing because they are seated in the valley. Therefore your luggage can be reduced to a minimum from time to time..
E

EXTREM
Paths, getting on:
*)		 alpine, step security, orientation ability are a prerequisite. Short parts of easy grade free climbing without securing possibilities can occur.
Terrain precipice extreme! exposed and overhanging spots. Spotted with exhausting and power robbing passages. For experienced and well trained climbers only.
Securing:

 

 almost only a through passing wire rope; hardly any ladders and bridges. Steps only in exceptional cases. There are seldom any emergency exits.


In a group, difficult parts can be managed with extra securing and support. Auxiliary band loops or a short rope would be an advantage. Considering that this extended securing takes time!
X/Y This is for a middle level or combination grade.
*) This rubric encloses even the way down. On sport climbing tracks this criterion is normally missing.