Requirement profiles
Here you will find a standardized list of the requirements and skills you need to bring with you. But every mountain is different. If you are not sure whether your plan is right for you, together we will find the perfect tour, the optimal via ferrata, trail or slope for you.
Endurance and fitness
The classification is valid for all mountain sports areas.
The (walking) time required for ascent, descent or descent is made up of the altitude difference (Hm) to be covered and the distance (Km) of a daily stage.
The basis for calculation is 300 - 400 m/h and 5 km/h. Longer breaks are not included and must be added to the specified times.
The walking time/ascent time is calculated for good conditions and can be significantly longer due to difficult conditions such as fresh snow, wetness, icing or poor visibility. It is therefore particularly important that you can realistically assess your endurance and prepare adequately for the planned tour. The values given should not demand the maximum of your performance.
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Walking times up to 3 hours in ascent and descent, approx. 400 - 800 m/day
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Downhill meters, freeride and deep snow courses up to 4000 m/day
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Walking times up to 5 hours in ascent and descent, approx. 800 - 1200 m/day
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Downhill meters, freeride and deep snow courses up to 5000 m/day
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Walking times up to 7 hours in ascent and descent, up to 1,500 m/day
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Downhill meters for freeride and heliskiing over 5000 m/day
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Walking times up to 10 hours in ascent and descent, up to 2,000 m/day
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Downhill meters for freeride and heliskiing over 5000 m/day
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Walking times over 10 hours in ascent and descent, over 2,000 m/day
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Downhill meters for freeride and heliskiing over 5000 m/day
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IMPORTANT: The information is to be understood as an upper limit, i.e. the longest day of the tour is decisive for the rating. As a rule, there are also "more relaxed" days in between on a multi-day tour.
Technical requirements for via ferratas
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Not very difficult via ferratas (A + A/B).
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No special requirements.
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Suitable for beginners.
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Via ferrata courses in which slightly higher rated climbs are climbed are also rated with difficulty I, as these can be climbed safely and easily together with a mountain guide.
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Moderately difficult (B/C), steeper rocky terrain, ladders, iron clamps, stepping pins, steel ropes or chains are used as additional climbing aids and safety devices.
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Suitable for sporty beginners with a head for heights.
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Difficult (B/C to D) - this is where the "real" via ferratas begin!
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C climbs also include vertical, strenuous sections.
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Suitable for experienced and well-trained mountain climbers.
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Very difficult (D+, D/E).
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Longer, vertical and overhanging, strenuous passages.
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Extremely difficult (E to F).
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E and F via ferratas are very demanding in terms of strength, fitness and a head for heights.
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If you are at this level of difficulty, you can actually "really climb" and easily master the IV - V level of difficulty on the UIAA scale.
Technical requirements for ski tours
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Stem turns or parallel turns. No off-piste experience is required.
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Terrain predominantly below 30° (red slope).
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Unglaciated terrain, summits below 3,000 m.
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No experience with avalanche transceivers is required.
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Good downhill technique in normal snow conditions (except for e.g. broken rock, tracked, hard-frozen slopes, etc.).
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Terrain steepness up to a maximum of 35°.
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There may be hairpin bends on the climb.
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The basics of using the LVS device are known.
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Usually unglaciated terrain, peaks below or just above 3,000 m.
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Safe downhill technique in all types of snow, can also ski on steep terrain at 35° - 40° for short periods (e.g. steeper gullies), safe hairpin technique on the ascent.
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Summit altitudes also above 3,000 m and glaciated terrain,
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Possibly use of mountaineering equipment, use of crampons, fastening skis to rucksack.
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Experience in using an avalanche transceiver.
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Safe and quick downhill technique in all types of snow.
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Safe driving on steep terrain over 40° (e.g. also steeper gullies), possibly abseiling passages.
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Safe switchback technique, even on steep terrain.
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Glacier experience, knowledge of crevasse rescue, handling alpine touring equipment including crampons, carrying passages up to 45° (skis on a backpack).
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Safe handling of the LVS device.
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A fall in the key parts of the descent can have fatal consequences in this difficulty.
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Safe and speedy downhill technique in all types of snow.
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Skiing on steep terrain, even over 45°.
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Abseiling passages.
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Absolutely safe hairpin technique on the ascent.
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Glacier experience, use of alpine touring equipment including crampons, carrying and climbing passages over 45° (skis on rucksack).
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Safe handling of the avalanche transceiver.
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Tours of this difficulty are not included in the standard program and are planned individually.
Technical requirements for ski tours
WS = not very difficult
Predominantly moderately steep terrain, partly with obstacles (trees, boulders).
Steep sections up to 35° and narrow sections are short and not dangerous, in the ascent
occasionally hairpin bends are necessary.
ZS = quite difficult
Frequently steep terrain over 30°, short steep sections up to 40°. Narrow sections are short and
steep or longer and less steep. Safe hairpin technique is required, risk of injury
risk of injury if you slip.
S = difficult​
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Steep terrain over 35°, shorter areas up to 45°, long and steep narrow areas,
Danger of falling on steep steps in places.
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SS = very difficult
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Steep terrain between 40° and 50°, jumping around or slipping into
Narrow spaces, risk of falling over long distances.
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AS = extremely difficult
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Extremely exposed and fall-prone terrain, very steep slopes and
Couloirs with longer stretches between 50° and 55°
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EX = extremely difficult
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Rock faces interspersed with snow and downhill sections with an incline of 55°.
Technical requirements for deep snow skiing and freeriding
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Mastering red and black slopes using parallel skiing technique.
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No experience in deep snow skiing or off-piste is required, and no experience in using an avalanche transceiver (avalanche transceiver).
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Safe parallel turns on all slopes.
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Some experience off-piste in different snow conditions.
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Basics of using the avalanche transceiver. Mostly unglaciated terrain, peaks below or around 3,000 m.
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Fast off-piste skiing in all types of snow.
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Slopes and steep gullies up to 40°.
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The use of crampons and ropes may be necessary.
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Experience in using an avalanche transceiver is required.
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Fast skiing in all types of snow off-piste.
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Slopes and steep gullies up to 45°.
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Partly glaciated terrain, peaks also over 3,000 m.
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The use of crampons and ropes may be necessary.
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Experience in handling avalanche transceivers is expected.
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Fast driving in all types of snow.
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Slopes and steep gullies over 45°.
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Driving on glaciers, peaks over 3,000 m
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The use of crampons and rope may be necessary.
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Climbs up to 50° in snow and ice.
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Experience in using the LVS device.
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These are tours that we plan with our guests exclusively individually and on request.
Technical requirements for alpine tours
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Safe walking in pathless terrain. Otherwise no special requirements.
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Suitable for beginners.
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Easy but pathless walking terrain, flat glacier ascents, few crevasses.
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Experience of walking with crampons is advantageous, but not essential.
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Good surefootedness is a prerequisite. Suitable for sporty beginners.
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Experience in mountaineering, sure-footedness.
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Knowledge of securing and crevasse rescue.
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Climbing (up to UIAA grade 3) with crampons on rock, steep snow and ice faces up to 45°, exposed ridges.
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Rock climbing with crampons up to UIAA grade 4.
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Steep snow and ice slopes over 45° and exposed ridges.
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Experience in mountaineering and absolute surefootedness are necessary.
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Knowledge of securing and crevasse rescue.
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Rock climbing with difficulties >UIAA grade 5.
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Ice and mixed climbing in steep terrain >60°.
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We always plan tours in this category with our guests individually and in direct discussion.
Western Alpine Scale / SAC Mountain and Alpine Touring Scale
F = facile (L, easy for experienced people) = I
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Easiest route over the glacier, in the rock the technical difficulty is around I. The hands are only used to support balance.
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PD = peu difficile (WS, little difficult) = II
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The technical difficulty is around II. The choice of route is easy and the experienced amateur can master the requirements of the guiding technique. If there is a sudden change in the weather, you can retreat quickly.
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AD = assez difficile (ZS, quite difficult) = III
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The technical difficulty is around III. Choosing a route requires a trained eye. In terms of leadership, good rope handling and safety techniques are required. If there is a sudden change in weather conditions can become difficult.
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D = difficile (S, difficult) = IV
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The technical difficulty is around IV. The tours are long and demanding. Choosing a route requires a lot of experience. Many of the major alpine tours fall into this area. The leadership technique must be efficient and requires a lot of routine and absolute safety from the rope leader.
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TD = très difficile (SS, very difficult) = V
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The technical difficulty is around V. The choice of route is very difficult and if wrong judgment is made, retreat can be dangerous or almost impossible. Tours of this kind are among the great undertakings in the Alps.
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ED = extrêmement difficile (AS, extremely difficult) = VI
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The technical difficulty is around VI. The routes can be very confusing and safety points are largely missing. Withdrawal is only possible at very great risk. These tours are reserved for a few specialists who have extensive experience in all areas.
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EX/ABO = exceptionellement difficile/abominable (EX, extremely difficult) = VII
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Some of the most modern tours exceed the ED difficulty level. These tours are extremely steep, partly overhanging wall climbs.
+/-: Intermediate levels indicate whether the rating is at the upper (+) or lower (-) limit of the stated level of difficulty.
Technical requirements for climbing
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prior knowledge of belaying techniques and climbing skills required.
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Suitable for beginners.
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Moderate Difficulty (UIAA Grade III-V)
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Some experience with top rope climbing and belaying.
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Leading experience is helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
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Suitable for sporty beginners with a head for heights.
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Challenging Difficulties (UIAA Grade IV-VI).
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Mastering the safety technique in sport climbing.
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Initial experience in lead climbing in sport climbing is available.
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Difficulties in the range UIAA grade VI-VII+ / French 6a+ and higher.
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Partner belaying with various belay devices
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Mastery of all basic climbing skills such as abseiling, rethreading, rope maneuvers, etc.
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in alpine tours: use of mobile belay devices.
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Only suitable for experienced and seasoned climbers!
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Fully trained sport and alpine climber.
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Rope and belaying skills to perfection.
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The mountain guide as a competent rope partner on very difficult alpine tours.
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Only as individual tours with prior personal agreement
UIAA scale
1st degree:
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Rock: Low difficulty - easy terrain (scree and simple rock ridge). The hands are necessary to support balance. Beginners must be secured to the rope. A head for heights is already required.
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Firn and glaciers: simple firn slopes and hardly any crevasses
II degree:
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Rock: Moderate difficulty – clear climbing areas. This is where the climbing begins, which requires the three-point stance.
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Firn and glaciers: generally not very steep slopes, short steeper passages, few crevasses, retreat is always possible.
III. Degree:
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Rock: Medium difficulty - intermediate belays in exposed areas are recommended, vertical areas require effort. Skilled and experienced climbers can still climb passages of this difficulty without securing ropes.
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Firn and glaciers: steeper slopes, sometimes it is necessary to secure a stand, many crevasses, small bergschrund and retreat can be problematic under certain circumstances.
IV degree:
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Rock: Great difficulty – This is where the climbing in a harder direction begins. Considerable climbing experience is necessary and longer climbing areas usually require several intermediate belays. Even practiced and experienced climbers usually cannot manage passages of this difficulty without securing ropes. A good route sense is also required.
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Firn and glaciers: Very steep slopes, usually requiring security, many crevasses, large bergschrund and retreat is rarely possible.
Vth degree:
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Rock: Very difficult - increasing number of intermediate belays is the rule and there are increased demands on physical condition, climbing technique and experience. Long high alpine routes with difficulty level V are already among the major undertakings in the Alps and non-Alpine regions.
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Firn and glaciers: persistently steep terrain and constant securing of sites
VI. Degree:
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Rock: Extremely difficult – climbing requires above-average skill and an excellent level of training. A large amount of exposure is often associated with small locations. Passages of this difficulty can usually only be conquered under ideal conditions.
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Firn and glaciers: Very steep and vertical places require ice climbing.
VIIth degree:
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Rock: Exceptional Difficulty - This difficulty level is only achieved through increased training and improved equipment. Even the best climbers need training tailored to the type of rock in order to master passages of this difficulty close to the fall limit. In addition to acrobatic climbing skills, mastering sophisticated safety techniques is essential.
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Firn and glaciers: extremely steep and overhanging areas with ice climbing
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+/-: Intermediate levels indicate whether the rating is at the upper (+) or lower (-) limit of the stated level of difficulty.
Ice steepness (WI scale)
The WI scale (Water Ice) is used on our portal to measure the steepness of the ice surfaces at full speed:
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WI 1: 40°–60°
WI 2: 60°–70°
WI 3: 70°–80°
WI 4: 80°
WI 5: 85°–90°
WI 6: 90°
WI 7: 100° + / overhanging
Technical requirements for ice climbing
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WI 1, 40° - 70°, compact ice
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Still feasible for experienced alpine tourers
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Ice climbing trial course
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Fuses are easy to install
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WI 2, 60° - 70°, compact ice
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Beginning of challenging ice climbing
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Very good security options and rest points
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WI 3 & WI 4, 70° - 80°, short passages with tube ice possible
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Steeper, flatter and vertical passages alternate
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Lead climbing experience required
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Good security options
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WI 5, 85° - 90°, passages with tube ice possible
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Longer vertical passages
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Securing options are sometimes difficult
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WI 6, 90°, tube ice and free-standing columns
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Persistently vertical passages, tactically and psychologically demanding
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Poor backup option
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High level of climbing required
Technical requirements for hiking - trekking
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Easy and simple paths (SAC T1-T2).
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If available, exposed sections are very well secured.
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Danger of falling can be largely ruled out with normal behavior.
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Suitable for beginners.
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Easy and moderately difficult trails (SAC T2-T3)
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Terrain partly steep, danger of falling very low, but not completely excluded +.
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Some surefootedness required, good mountain boots.
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Suitable for sporty beginners!
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Medium and difficult trails (SAC T3-T4)
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Exposed areas can be secured with ropes or chains, using your hands for balance.
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Partially exposed areas, terrain at risk of falling, scree areas, pathless crags.
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Good sure-footedness is absolutely necessary!
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Difficult mountain trails (T4-T5 according to the SAC scale).
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Pathway not always available.+
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Using your hands to move forward (UIAA I).
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Exposed and fall-prone terrain, challenging grass heaps and crags.
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In the high mountains, snow fields and clear glacier passages.
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Walking with crampons, even over longer distances.
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Very difficult mountain trails (T5-T6 on the SAC scale), often pathless.
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Individual, easy climbing spots (UIAA II).
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Exposed, challenging terrain, steep cliffs.
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In the high mountains there may be apere glaciers and snow fields with a risk of slipping.
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Good alpine experience in high alpine terrain required.
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Use of crampons even over longer distances.