Trekking Grades
SWISS ALPINE CLUB TREKKING SCALE (SAC) | ||||
| SCALE | ACTIVITY | TRAIL | TERRAIN | REQUIREMENTS |
T1 | HIKING | Trail well cleared | Area flat or slightly sloped, no fall hazard | None |
T2 | MOUNTAIN HIKING | Trail with continuous line and balanced ascent | Terrain partially steep, fall hazard possible | Hiking shoes recommended Some sure footedness |
T3 | DEMANDING MOUNTAIN HIKING | Exposed sites may be secured with ropes or chains, possible need to use hands for balance | Partly exposed sites with fall hazard, scree, pathless jagged rocks | Well sure-footed Good hiking shoes Basic alpine experience |
T4 | ALPINE HIKING | Sometimes need for hand use to get ahead | Terrain quite exposed, precarious grassy acclivities, jagged rocks, facile snow-free glaciers | Familiarity with exposed terrain Solid trekking boots Some ability for terrain assessment Alpine experience |
T5 | DEMANDING ALPINE HIKING | Single plainly climbing up to second grade | Exposed, demanding terrain, jagged rocks, few dangerous glacier and névé | Mountaineering boots Reliable assessment of terrain Profound alpine experience Elementary knowledge of handling ice axe and rope |
T6 | DIFFICULT ALPINE HIKING | Climbing up to second grade | Often very exposed, precarious jagged rocks, glacier with danger to slip and fall | Mature alpine experience Familiarity with the handling of technical alpine equipment |
