|
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! |
|
+ |
Anything signed with a plus is for a little
higher degree of difficulty. |
|
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. |
|
