Climbing Rates
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Contents |
[edit] General information
There are a whole lot of different systems used to determine the difficulty of (free) climbs. On Mount wiki, the UIAA system, with Roman numbers, is mostly used. How this system compares to other rating systems can be seen on the picture below. For even more different rating systems, visit: Climbing Grades
[edit] Grading Systems
[edit] UIAA
| Rate | Description |
|---|---|
| I | Easiest form of rock climbing. The hands are needed to support balance. Beginners should be protected with a rope. |
| II | You progress with simple foot and hand combinations. Real "3 fixed points" climbing, where you guard against a fall due to loose holds by only moving one limb at a time. For practiced climbers, usually done without a rope or going together on a short rope. |
| III | Intermediate protection recommended. Vertical places or overhangs with good hand holds already require some strength. Even practiced climbers will use a rope. Occasional protection on long exposed sections. |
| IV | Considerable climbing experience necessary. Longer pitches require several pieces of protection. |
| V | Increasing number of protection pieces. A higher level of physical fitness is required. Climbing technique and experience are required. Long high Alpine routes at this level are among the serious routes in the Alps. |
| VI | Climbing requires above average ability and physical fitness. High amount of exposure with few holds. Usually requires good conditions for success. Smallest holds require exceptional strength and sense of balance. Over long sections protection placement not feasible. |
| VII |
The hardest (Alpine) ascents normally don't contain pitches higher than VII. On the French Alpine Hiking Grade Scale these UIAA grades pitches can be found these hiking routes:
| UIAA (rock) | French Alpine Hiking Grade |
|---|---|
| I | F |
| II | F and PD |
| III | PD and AD |
| IV | AD and D |
| V | D and TD |
| VI | TD and ED |
| VII | ED |
The higher grades, VII and above, are found on vertical or overhanging walls and in indoor climbing and usually require a lot of equipment.
[edit] Overview table
