TREKKING GRADES

Swiss Alpine Club Trekking Scale (SAC)

SCALEACTIVITYTRAILTERRAINREQUIREMENTS

T1

HIKINGTrail well clearedArea flat or slightly sloped, no fall hazardNone

T2

MOUNTAIN HIKINGTrail with continuous line and balanced ascentTerrain partially steep, fall hazard possibleHiking shoes recommended
Some sure footedness

T3

DEMANDING MOUNTAIN HIKINGExposed sites may be secured with ropes or chains, possible need to use hands for balancePartly exposed sites with fall hazard, scree, pathless jagged rocksWell sure-footed
Good hiking shoes
Basic alpine experience

T4

ALPINE HIKINGSometimes need for hand use to get aheadTerrain quite exposed, precarious grassy acclivities, jagged rocks, facile snow-free glaciersFamiliarity with exposed terrain
Solid trekking boots
Some ability for terrain assessment
Alpine experience

T5

DEMANDING ALPINE HIKINGSingle plainly climbing up to second gradeExposed, demanding terrain, jagged rocks, few dangerous glacier and névéMountaineering boots
Reliable assessment of terrain
Profound alpine experience
Elementary knowledge of handling ice axe and rope

T6

DIFFICULT
ALPINE HIKING
Climbing up to second gradeOften very exposed, precarious jagged rocks, glacier with danger to slip and fallMature alpine experience
Familiarity with the handling of technical alpine equipment