Variable grades are given where there are options for different levels of climbers
Grading routes is a complex combination of factors including:

• The technical difficulties of the crucial sections of the route
• Length of the route
• Height of the peak
• Objective dangers

The overall grade is defined within a scale of 1 to 6 for technical difficulty together with a letter grade A-D indicating the level of fitness required alongside other variable factors. All technical difficulties described for each grade may not be relevant, for example if the route is predominately on snow then rock climbing skills may not be needed. Please feel free to contact Adventure Peaks if you are in doubt as to whether your experience or fitness would match your choice of expedition.

Fitness:
A. Good basic fitness.
B. Good cardio-vascular fitness that would normally require some training, by running, cycling or gym work.
C. Training would tend to become essential to attain a good level of fitness. Previous experience of multi-day walking is recommended.
D. A high level of all round fitness will be required to cope with the exceptionally strenuous nature of these expeditions.
A resistance to extreme weather conditions over extended periods of time. Heavy loads over multiple days may need to be carried.

Expedition Fitness
In all cases your chance of success and level of enjoyment will depend very much on your level of fitness. The grading system set out above gives you an indication of the level required for each expedition.

Technical Difficulty (could include):

1. Easy scrambling, broad scree or low angled snow ridges at angles up to 30 degrees. Ropes are not usually required. Previous climbing experience is not essential.

2. Snow and ice sections at a low angle of up to 30 degrees. Climbing experience useful but not essential.

3. Snow and ice sections at an angle 35-45 degrees. Previous snow and ice climbing experience is essential. (Alpine F- PD Scottish Grade 1/2 Rock D)

4. Snow and ice sections at angles over 45 degrees with steep steps. Rock sections up to VD. Confident mountaineering skills including some rock and ice leading experience. Previous Alpine climbing or high altitude experience is normally required unless technically very confident beyond the grades below. (Alpine AD+ Scottish Grade 2-3 Rock VD-S).

5. Sections of very steep snow and ice at angles over 50 degrees. Rock sections up to Severe. Suitable only for experienced mountaineers who can be self- sufficient, previous alpine experience is essential. (Alpine D-TD Scottish Grade 3 Rock S-VS)

6. Very steep snow and ice with sustained steep ice pitches, Rock sections up to HVS, possibly requiring the use of aiding techniques. (Alpine TD Scottish Grade 4 or harder Rock HVS)

High Altitude Warning
All members involved in climbing 7-8000m peaks must be aware there are dangers involved that cannot be avoided. Extreme altitude, weather, cold and other mountain hazards can make high altitude climbing extremely risky.