FRENCH GRADING SYSTEM

This is one of the most straight forward grading systems, but you must be aware of the range of difficulty that each level covers.

F – Facile
Easy, suitable for initiation into the sport
PD – Peu Difficile
Not very hard, suitable for beginners and possibly children
AD – Assez Difficile
Fairly hard, suitable for accompanied beginners
D – Difficile
Difficult, for those accustomed to the sport
TD – Tres Difficile
Very difficult, physically demanding, for regular participants
ED – Extremement Difficile
Extremely difficult, very physically demanding, and suitable for experienced practitioners with a high level of fitness.

ITALIAN GRADING SYSTEM

This system was developed mainly for mountain based via ferrate and it is a little more complicated . It takes into account the terrain(Fletcher/Smith) and the technical (Hofler/Werner)skills required for each individual route. Both the Fletcher/Smith and the Hofler/Werner rating have to be used together for a proper rating to be established.

Fletcher/Smith Rating
1 – Easy
2 – Straight forward
3 – Difficult and not for novice
4 – Demanding, steep ascending , require a degree of mountaineering experience
5 - Highest technical standard, only for the experienced mountaineer

Hofler/Werner Rating
A – For foot sure mountain walkers, easy and without problems
B – For foot sure mountain walkers free of vertigo, easy
C – Sure footedness and freedom from vertigo necessary
D – Absolute sure footedness and freedom from vertigo necessary
E – Additional mountain experience and climbing ability necessary
F – Good climbing technique on very steep rock required

MOUNTAIN TORQ’S ROUTES

Low’s Peak Circuit – French AD, Italian 3C

Walk the Torq – French PD, Italian 2A

Caution:
Grading systems are only a guideline, not a rule.
Choose your route carefully based on your own abilities.
Keeping in mind that it is in a mountain environment