Tourtypes 08.02.2022 3 min read

Mountaineering

A mountaineering tour is a mountain tour that takes place at the altitude level of year-round ice cover. Mountaineering tours require special preparation and equipment.

Mountaineering
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    A mountaineering tour is a mountain tour that takes place at the altitude level of year-round ice cover. 

    One should never underestimate these tours. Mountaineering tours require special preparation and equipment.

     

    Packing list

    Proper equipment for the tours is a question that is very difficult to answer! It depends on the season and weather, as well as the type and duration of the tour. Basically: as little as possible, as much as necessary!

    Here is the link to our suggestion.

     

    Mountaineering scale

    The SAC has developed its own scale especially for alpine rock and ice tours. The reference point for the classification of a route is always the corresponding key point . In the case of major deviations, the areas are indicated directly in the description header. From the second degree of difficulty, there is a fine gradation via + and - and any climbing points are described with the UIAA scale.

    In addition, French terms are often used. For example, the grade "quite difficult" is abbreviated ZS or AD for "assez difficile". From grade AS or ED (extremely difficult/extrêment difficile), you must also expect ice climbing passages that require appropriate equipment such as ice axes or crampons.

    German French English Rock UIAA grade Firn and glaciers Examples
    L
    leicht

    F
    facile

    easy

    Easy walking terrain (scree, simple boulder ridge). from I Easy firn slopes, hardly any crevasses.
    • Piz Tschierva, Ostgrat
    • Wildhorn, from Wildhornhütte
    • Bishorn, from Tracuithütte
    WS
    wenig schwierig
    PD
    peu difficile
    not very hard Mostly still walking terrain, increased surefootedness necessary, climbing passages clear and problem-free. from II As a rule, little steep slopes, short steeper passages, few crevasses.
    • Piz Palü, Normal route
    • Balmhorn, Normal route
    • Weissmies, Normal route
    ZS
    ziemlich schwierig
    AD
    assez difficile
    fairly hard Repeated belaying necessary, longer and exposed climbing sections. from III Steep slopes, occasional belay, many crevasses, small bergschrund.
    • Piz Bernina, Biancograt
    • Mönch, Westgrat
    • Matterhorn, Hörnligrat
    S
    schwierig
    D
    difficile
    hard Good route sense and efficient rope handling required, long climbs, mostly require belaying. from IV Very steep slopes, mostly belaying necessary, many crevasses, large bergschrund.
    • Piz Palü, Ostpfeiler des Ostgipfels
    • Eiger, Mittelegigrat
    • Weisshorn, Schaligrat
    SS
    sehr schwierig
    TD
    très difficile
    very hard In the difficult sections belaying is necessary throughout, persistently demanding climbing. from V Sustained steep terrain, continuous belay.
    • Piz Bernina, direct Westwand
    • Doldenhorn, Ostgrat
    • Dent Blanche, Nordgrat
    AS
    äusserst schwierig
    ED
    extrêmement difficile
    extremely hard Wall climbs that require great commitment. from VI Very steep and vertical places, require ice climbing.
    • Eiger-Nordwand (Heckmair)
    • Matterhorn, Zmuttnase
    EX
    extrem schwierig
    ABO
    abominablement difficile
    incredible hard Extremely steep, partially overhanging wall climbs. from VII Ice climbing extreme direction.
    • Eiger-Nordwand (various routes in the western part of the wall)

     

    Help criteria

    • demanding orientation,
    • difficult protection, unreliable rock,
    • Aborting the tour problematic. [1]

    SimplyTourIt assumes no liability for this information.

    References

    [1] Berg- und Hochtourenskala SAC. 5. September 2012

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