Level 1 – Low Fitness (3 hours)
You can handle ascents and descents with a total elevation difference of up to 400 meters (1,312 ft) or a hiking time of up to 3 hours.
Difficulty Ratings
Your Self-Assessment for Your Mountain Adventure
To help you choose the best mountain sport activity, we’ve developed a detailed difficulty rating for each discipline. This rating considers technical and physical requirements, as well as the subjective and objective risks of an activity. The result is a difficulty level that ranks a tour compared to other offerings within the same alpine sport category.
Our experienced mountain guides review and, if necessary, adjust these levels to optimize both your safety and experience. Since not all factors can be calculated precisely, your personal assessment is essential to us.
The more demanding the tour, the more important it is to provide an honest and realistic self-assessment. You should be aware of whether you're prepared to accept the potential hazards and risks involved. While our guides will do everything within their risk management practices to minimize dangers, absolute safety cannot be guaranteed in the mountains.
If you’re unsure or have questions, feel free to contact us by phone for personalized advice.
Fitness Requirements
Your physical fitness plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe experience during your mountain tours. When assessing your fitness level, consider additional factors such as altitude, the weight of your gear, weather conditions, and footing on the terrain.
It's essential to evaluate your fitness honestly and realistically and to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming tour. The provided guidelines serve as a reference to help you select a suitable mountain adventure. Note that the estimated hiking times include short breaks for hydration.
Being well-prepared and accurately gauging your fitness level will not only enhance your experience but also contribute to your safety and the safety of the group.
Level 2 – Moderate Fitness (5 hours)
You can handle ascents and descents with a total elevation difference of 400–800 meters (1,312–2,625 ft) or a hiking time of up to 5 hours.
Level 3 – Good Fitness (7 hours)
You can handle ascents and descents with a total elevation difference of 800–1,200 meters (2,625–3,937 ft) or a hiking time of up to 7 hours.
Level 4 – Very Good Fitness (10 hours)
You can handle ascents and descents with a total elevation difference of 1,200–1,600 meters (3,937–5,249 ft) or a hiking time of up to 10 hours.
Level 5 – Excellent Fitness (10+ hours)
You can handle ascents and descents with a total elevation difference of more than 1,600 meters (5,249+ ft) or a hiking time exceeding 10 hours.
Ski touring
For our ski tours, we use the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) difficulty scale as a basis for classification. This scale serves as a reference to assess ski tours under normal snow quality, dry weather conditions, and is determined by the key section of the tour. It is crucial to provide a realistic and up-to-date self-assessment of your abilities, both for the ascent and the descent.
Level 1 = Low Fitness - 3 Hours
Easy ski tours with ascents/descents of up to 30° steepness. There is no danger in case of a fall during ascent or descent. The terrain is open, hilly, and consistent. There are no narrow sections in either the ascent or the descent. Ascents can be completed with step turns, without the need for kick turns. The ski tours or courses are classified as easy and suitable for beginners with solid skiing skills on black slopes. You consider yourself a very good piste skier who has already made occasional forays into off-piste terrain.
Level 2 = Moderate Fitness - 5 Hours
Easy to moderately challenging ski tours with ascents/descents predominantly at a steepness of 30°. There is no danger in case of slipping during ascent or descent. The terrain is open, hilly, and consistent. There are few narrow sections in either the ascent or the descent. Ascents are primarily completed with step turns, with a few kick turns required. Experience in skiing off-piste and proficiency in parallel turns across varying snow conditions are prerequisites for this ski touring level.
Level 3 = Good Fitness - 7 Hours
Moderately challenging ski tours with a steepness of up to 35°. While there is no significant danger in case of slipping during ascent or descent, short sliding paths may occur, ending gently. The terrain is mostly open, with occasional steep sections and narrow passages. Ascents may require the use of kick turns and crampons in some areas. In glaciated regions, crampons may be necessary for summit climbs. You descend with solid parallel turns in all types of snow and consider yourself a good skier in off-piste terrain.
Level 4 = Very Good Fitness - 10 Hours
Fairly challenging ski tours with a steepness of up to 40°. Slipping during ascent or descent can result in longer sliding paths, which can still be slowed down or prevented using rope protection. Short steep sections with no bypass options require good reaction skills in moderately steep terrain. Descents include brief but steep and narrow passages. Secure execution of kick turns is essential for ascents. Steep sections are often climbed using crampons and an ice axe. You consider yourself a very skilled skier in all snow conditions.
Level 5 = Excellent Fitness > 10 Hours
Difficult ski tours with a steepness starting at 40°. Slipping during ascent or descent can lead to long sliding paths that may end abruptly in steep sections. Rope protection is sometimes necessary. Steep slopes contain many obstacles and demand advanced, secure skiing techniques. Narrow passages are long and steep, requiring expert-level skills, including the ability to perform short turns. Secure execution of kick turns is essential for ascents. Steep sections are frequently climbed using crampons and an ice axe. You consider yourself an excellent skier capable of handling all snow conditions with confidence.
Freeride - Freetouring
For Freeride - Freetouring, we use the SAC difficulty scale as the basis for classifying the levels. This scale serves as a reference for evaluating routes under normal snow conditions, dry weather, and is always determined by the key section of the tour. Therefore, it is important that you make a realistic and current self-assessment of your capabilities, both for the ascent and the descent.
Level 1 = Easy, up to 30°
Easy runs on wide slopes without major obstacles, with a moderate steepness of up to 30°. This level is suitable for beginners with solid skills on black pistes. You consider yourself a very good piste skier who has already ventured into off-piste terrain a few times.
Level 2 = Moderately Difficult, up to 30°
Moderately steep runs on wide slopes with few obstacles, at a steepness of over 30°. Experience in off-piste skiing and parallel turns across varying snow conditions is required for this freeride level. The ascent on freeride tours is primarily done using step turns, with few kick turns needed.
Level 3 = Quite Difficult, 35°
Moderately steep runs on open slopes with short steep sections and narrow passages, at a steepness of 35°. You are an experienced freerider and a confident skier in varying terrain and snow conditions. The ascent on freeride tours may require kick turns and crampons. In glaciated areas, the use of crampons, a climbing harness, and an ice axe may be necessary.
Level 4 – Challenging up to 40°
Medium to steep runs on convex slopes up to 40°. The descent may include short steep sections, narrow passages, or steep steps that require controlled sliding. Rope belays may be necessary. You are a highly skilled freerider capable of handling all snow conditions. For freeride tours, secure kick turns and the use of crampons are required for ascents. On glaciers, the use of crampons is essential.
Level 5 – Very Challenging, 40°+
Difficult powder runs for expert freeriders capable of handling all snow conditions. These descents often traverse rugged mountain faces with numerous obstacles, requiring advanced and precise riding techniques. Narrow passages are long and steep, where expert short turns are still possible. Rope belays are sometimes necessary. For ascents, secure kick turns are essential. Climbing steep sections and glacier travel require the mandatory use of crampons, a climbing harness, and an ice axe
Mountain Hiking
We Follow the Austrian Alpine Club's Scale. Our classification is based on the Austrian Alpine Club's trail grading system, which categorizes mountain trails into Blue, Red, and Black levels. This assessment serves as a reference for grading mountain trails under normal, dry weather conditions and is always determined by the most challenging section of the tour.
Level 1 – Easy Mountain Trails (Blue)
The hike follows predominantly easy and narrow paths. Trails may be steep but are designed to provide a safe and straightforward route through alpine terrain. These trails can be navigated without difficulty by hikers with basic surefootedness. No use of hands is required.
Level 2 – Moderately Difficult Mountain Trails (Blue & Red)
This hike includes trails classified as blue and red. It combines easy, narrow paths with moderately difficult mountain trails that are more demanding and may feature exposed sections. These trails can be navigated without issue by hikers with surefootedness and a basic tolerance for heights.
Level 3 – Moderately Challenging Mountain Trails (Red)
Classic mountain hiking in higher altitudes with overnight stays in mountain huts begins here. These hikes primarily follow red-classified trails, which are more demanding in terrain and routing than blue trails. Moderately challenging trails are well-secured with railings and/or steel cables at exposed sections. Hikers with surefootedness and a good tolerance for heights can handle these trails without difficulty. Using your hands may occasionally assist in navigation at a few spots
Level 4 – Moderately Challenging & Difficult Mountain Trails (Red & Black)
This level combines moderately challenging red trails with difficult, steep mountain paths, some of which may pass through unmarked or exposed terrain. These sections are often found near summits or at steep steps and are well-secured with ropes or railings, but require the use of hands for navigation. Surefootedness, a good tolerance for heights, and mountain hiking experience are essential to tackle these routes safely.
Level 5 – Difficult Mountain Trails (Black)
This hike typically follows difficult mountain paths, especially near summits. The terrain is steep in places and may be unmarked. Multiple exposed and potentially dangerous sections require navigating with the aid of ropes or railings. These passages necessitate the use of hands, but no via ferrata (climbing route) is involved. A strong tolerance for heights, surefootedness, and significant mountain hiking experience are mandatory to safely complete these routes.
High-Alpine Tours
We Follow the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) High-Alpine Rock and Glacier Tour Scale. We use the SAC Alpine and High-Alpine Tour Scale to define our grading system for rock and glacier tours in high-altitude regions. This scale serves as a reference for classifying routes under normal, dry weather conditions and is always based on the most challenging section of the tour.
Level 1 – Easy High-Alpine Tours (L)
You are a beginner with no experience in walking with crampons. You bring some hiking experience, but this is your first contact with high-alpine tours. A good sense of balance and surefootedness are essential prerequisites for these tours. Tolerance for heights is also necessary, but the routes are generally not exposed or extremely challenging.
Level 2 – Moderately Difficult High-Alpine Tours (WS)
Experience with crampon walking is not essential but beneficial. You consider yourself a beginner, although you may have hiking, climbing, or via ferrata experience. This may be your first high-alpine tour, or you have completed only a few. Knowledge of crevasse rescue is not required at this level. The technical climbing difficulties are primarily in the II (UIAA) grade, and ridge crossings require surefootedness and a good tolerance for heights.
Level 3 – Quite Difficult High-Alpine Tours (ZS)
For these tours, solid knowledge of walking with crampons is essential, as it can significantly impact the success of the tour. You have already gained some high-alpine experience, either through previous tours or a high-alpine course. Knowledge of crevasse rescue is desirable but not mandatory. The technical climbing difficulties are primarily in the II grade (with some sections in the III grade, UIAA). Longer ridge traverses require full concentration, surefootedness, and a strong tolerance for heights.
Level 4 – Difficult High-Alpine Tours (S)
To participate in these tours, you need extensive high-alpine experience, ideally from previous climbs of easy and moderate 3,000m or 4,000m peaks. Knowledge of crevasse rescue is desirable but not mandatory. The technical climbing difficulties typically range from II to III grade, with some sections possibly reaching IV grade (UIAA). Moving without a rope in the I and II UIAA grades is expected, even if it is not always required. Long ridge traverses demand sustained surefootedness, tolerance for heights, and high concentration over extended periods.
Level 5 – Very Difficult High-Alpine Tours (SS)
For these tours, extensive high-alpine experience in the ZS and WS difficulty levels is required, ideally on challenging 4,000m peaks in the Western Alps. You should have knowledge of crevasse rescue. The technical climbing requirements involve higher UIAA grades, and belaying at belay stations may sometimes be necessary. Solid knowledge of belay techniques is therefore essential. Moving without a rope in the I and II UIAA grades is a prerequisite, although it is not usually required. Very long ridge traverses demand hours of sustained concentration, surefootedness, and tolerance for heights. You should be able to manage rock sections with fixed rope protection independently, without the need for a guide.
Climbing
We Refer to the Most Commonly Used UIAA Scale in Central Europe. This scale serves as a reference for classifying routes under normal, dry weather conditions and is always based on the most challenging section of the tour. The UIAA scale, commonly used in Central Europe, categorizes climbing difficulties from I to XII, where higher grades indicate more technical and demanding challenges.
Level 1 – Easy to Moderately Difficult (UIAA I – II)
No climbing equipment is necessary for this terrain. It represents the easiest form of rock climbing. Expect steeper rock terrain with small footholds and some exposed sections. The route can be completed without climbing gear. A good sense of balance, surefootedness, and some strength and endurance in the arms and legs are required.
Level 2 – Moderately Difficult (UIAA III)
Climbing equipment is now necessary for this terrain. It involves very easy to moderately difficult rock climbing. The terrain becomes steeper, with smaller footholds and more exposed sections, some of which may be vertical. Athletic and experienced mountaineers can navigate this terrain without rope protection. Normal tolerance for heights, surefootedness, and significant strength and endurance in the arms and legs are essential. This level is ideal for children without climbing experience, particularly in a course setting.
Level 3 – Challenging (UIAA IV – V)
This is the classic level for beginner climbers. It involves rock climbing in consistently steep and exposed terrain, requiring significant strength and endurance in both the arms and legs. A good tolerance for heights and surefootedness are necessary. Knowledge of belaying techniques is not required. Participants with a fear of heights will likely feel challenged, and may encounter their limits or even exceed them in the upper sections. This level is ideal for athletic children with some prior climbing experience. Long high-alpine routes in this difficulty range are already considered major alpine undertakings in the Alps.
Level 4 – Difficult (UIAA VI)
This is the classic level for advanced climbers. The technical demands on both body and mind increase, requiring solid knowledge of belaying techniques. Climbers without prior experience on rock may find this level challenging. You are already climbing outdoors in lead up to the lower 6th grade (UIAA) or indoors in lead climbing at the 6th grade and have no issues with heights. The climbing requires above-average skill and a good level of fitness.
Level 5 – Extremely Difficult (UIAA VII – XII)
This level is for experienced, strong climbers on rock. The technical demands of the climbing increase significantly. Routes are extremely challenging and require advanced skills and high-level physical conditioning. These climbs represent some of the most difficult and technical routes in the climbing world.
Via Ferrata
For Our Via Ferrata Tours, We Use the Schall Scale as the Basis for Level Classification. In our system, we combine the extreme levels E and F into one difficulty category. The Schall Scale serves as a reference for classifying via ferrata routes under normal, dry weather conditions, with the classification always based on the most challenging section of the tour. This scale helps ensure that climbers are matched with routes suited to their abilities and experience.
Level 1 – A Easy
An easy via ferrata is the transition between a black-marked mountain trail and a via ferrata. It features rocky, exposed sections that are secured with fixed cables. Occasionally, you may encounter iron pegs and short ladders. Some of these sections may be vertical. You are a beginner with no prior experience in via ferrata climbing. You may have some experience with hiking, but this is your first contact with via ferrata routes.
Level 2 – B Moderately Easy
This level is a middle range and commonly found on via ferrata routes. Challenging sections alternate with easier B-grade passages. Exposed areas feature footholds, ladders, and bridges. You consider yourself a via ferrata beginner with some experience in hiking and/or climbing. You have little to no prior experience with via ferrata climbing. These are your first via ferrata tours. You are physically active, surefooted, and have no fear of heights.
Level 3 – C Quite Difficult
At this level, the via ferrata is mostly challenging, strenuous, and exhausting. It leads through very steep, often vertical rock terrain. Longer, sometimes overhanging ladders may be encountered, and the iron rungs or pegs are often spaced farther apart. Resting spots are rare. You already have experience with via ferrata climbing and/or have completed several easier via ferrata tours. You are surefooted and have no fear of heights.
Level 4 – D Difficult
The D difficulty level is often combined with C and is commonly found on via ferrata routes. Most of the route is in challenging C-grade terrain, with few opportunities for rest. Many sections are very difficult and rated D. These parts are usually very steep, physically demanding, and require significant effort. Climbing at this level requires solid experience with via ferrata routes. You should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for the technical and strenuous nature of the terrain.
Level 5 – E/F Very Difficult
Overhangs are traversed with ladders, pegs, and ropes, often with wide spacing between them. A significant amount of arm strength is required to overcome these sections, along with excellent footwork on small footholds. Advanced belaying techniques are strongly recommended. You have extensive experience with difficult, sometimes very long, via ferrata routes. You feel comfortable in overhanging terrain and are accustomed to the technical demands and physical exertion at this level.
Canyoning
For the Classification of Canyoning Tours, We Use the French Rating System of the FFME, Which Has Become the European Standard. The evaluation of a canyon is always a compromise, as canyons are subject to constant changes. The assessment is made under dry weather conditions and medium water levels. This system provides a standardized way of classifying canyoning routes, taking into account the difficulty of the terrain, water flow, and technical challenges involved.
Level 1 – Easy
Rappelling is not required, and a rope is usually not needed to progress. There are short sections for down-climbing or descending, and either no water or only calm water is present. Swimming is optional. This level is suitable for beginners with little to no prior experience in canyoning. The terrain is relatively easy to navigate, with minimal technical difficulty.
Level 2 – Moderately Easy
The rappel anchors are very easy to reach, and rappelling up to a height of 10 meters is straightforward. Simple climbing and descending require minimal prior knowledge, such as surefootedness and comfort with heights. Swimming is limited to less than 10 meters in calm water, and jumps are easy, up to a height of 3 meters. Sliding sections are short and shallow. This level is suitable for participants with some basic experience and comfort in canyoning.
Level 3 – Quite Difficult
The vertical flow is low, and rappelling leads into pools with calm water. The rappel anchors are easy to reach, and rappelling up to 30 meters is straightforward. Rappel stations are spaced with enough room to regroup. Climbing sections reach difficulty level I-II (UIAA) and may require the use of a rope. Swimming involves less than 30 meters in calm water, with occasional mild currents. Jumps are moderate, ranging from 3 to 8 meters high. Slides are long or moderately angled. This level is suitable for participants with some experience in canyoning and good physical fitness.
Level 4 – Difficult
There is low to moderate vertical flow. Rappel stations may be reached by climbing or require rappelling over 30 meters. Self-belay may be necessary in some sections. Some rappel points have hidden sections or pools with currents. Climbing sections reach difficulty level I-III or A0 (UIAA) and may require additional protection. Jumps are moderate, ranging from 5 to 10 meters high. There are long or steep slides. This level is suitable for experienced canyoners who are comfortable with more technical sections and stronger water flow.
Level 5 – Very Difficult
There is moderate to high vertical flow, requiring precise route selection. Multi-pitch rappels may involve hanging belays, and the descent may require crossing pools with currents. The rope may be difficult to retrieve or only accessible by swimming. Climbing sections can be exposed and reach difficulty level IV or A0 (UIAA). Jumps are moderate to challenging, with heights exceeding 10 meters, requiring precise landings. Long or steep slides are also present. This level is for highly experienced canyoners who are comfortable with technical terrain, significant water flow, and challenging climbing and jumping sections.
Rafting & Packrafting
For the Classification of Rafting & Packrafting Tours, We Use the Whitewater Difficulty Scale of the International Canoe Federation (ICF). The classification of flowing waters is subject to constant changes and is always dependent on the current water level. The evaluation is made under dry weather conditions and medium water levels. This scale serves as a reference to assess the difficulty of rivers, helping to determine the level of challenge presented by the current conditions, including water flow, obstacles, and technical requirements.
Level 1 – Easy
The route is consistently visible and offers clear sightlines. The water flow is even, with regular current, constant waves, and small swells. The obstacles in the riverbed are simple and clearly visible, with only minor challenges. This level is suitable for beginners and those with little experience in rafting or packrafting, as the conditions are calm and manageable.
Level 2 – Moderately Easy
The passages are mostly clearly visible, though there are occasional sections that require some attention. The water features irregular currents and waves, with medium-sized swells, weak hydraulics, eddies, and pressure waves. The obstacles in the riverbed are mostly simple, but there may be minor steps and challenges in the current. This level is suitable for those with some rafting or packrafting experience, as the conditions require more skill and attention but are still manageable for intermediate participants.
Level 3 – Quite Difficult
The route features clear yet more complex passages that require careful assessment. High and irregular waves occur, accompanied by larger swells, hydraulics, eddies, and pressure waves. The riverbed is marked by individual rocks, drops, and other obstacles, requiring challenging navigation. This level is suitable for those with solid rafting or packrafting experience, as it demands good technical skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle more difficult water conditions.
Level 4 – Difficult
The passages are often not immediately visible, requiring thorough scouting and assessment. The water features high, sustained swells, powerful hydraulics, eddies, and strong pressure waves. The riverbed is characterized by offset boulders and higher drops with strong backflows, presenting additional challenges. This level is suitable for experienced rafters or packrafters who are comfortable navigating complex and demanding water conditions, as it requires advanced skills, careful route planning, and the ability to react quickly to obstacles.
Level 5 – Very Difficult
A thorough scouting of the route is essential, as the passages are often hard to identify. Extreme swells, extremely powerful hydraulics, intense eddies, and pronounced pressure waves dominate the conditions. The riverbed is heavily blocked, with narrow passages and steep drops that require complex entry and exit techniques. This level is intended for highly skilled and experienced rafters or packrafters, capable of handling the most challenging water conditions with advanced technical skills, precise navigation, and the ability to react quickly to hazardous situations.
