Quick Post - Hiking Tips

The Takeaway:

• It’s important to understand the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) Alpine Hiking Grade Scale

• Understanding the scale and differences between the grades will help you plan a hike that is within your level of skill, fitness, and experience

Welcome back!

The SAC Alpine Hiking Grade Scale is broken down into six grades: T1-T6. When researching possible hikes, the descriptions will typically list the grade of the hike. Not all hikes fit into a single grade. For example, some hikes will have easier and harder sections that may fall within two grades so you will see both grades in the description (e.g., T2/T3).

Knowing the grade of the hike will let you make an informed and educated decision about whether the hike fits within your relative level of skill, fitness, and experience. These are important considerations to ensure your hike will be safe and enjoyable.

The Grades:

• T1: Hiking. Well-constructed footpaths. Exposed areas are secured. No risk of falling with normal behavior. Well-marked with yellow signs and blazes; no map needed. Any decent athletic shoes will do. Example - the beautiful walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (highly recommended).

• T2: Mountain Hiking. Continuous footpath and exposed areas are largely secured. Terrain may be steep. The risk of falling is small with normal behavior, but cannot be ruled out. Well-marked with white-red-white signs and blazes. A map may be helpful. Should be surefooted and have an intermediate level of fitness. Decent hiking boots recommended. Example - hike from Goscheneralpsee to Bergseehutte SAC (highly recommended).

• T3: Difficult Mountain Hiking. Path is not always clear or visible. Path may traverse scree or talus. More exposed areas may be secured and you may need to use your hands for balance or security. Risk of falling in exposed areas. Reasonably well-marked with white-red-white signs and blazes. Should be surefooted, agile, with good balance, and have an intermediate-high level of fitness. Good mid to hightop hiking boots recommended. Will benefit from having basic orientation skills and a little alpine experience. Examples - hike up the Grosser Mythen and to the Hohturli (both highly recommended).

• T4: Alpine Hiking. Path may fade in and out. Count on needing to use your hands in places. Some terrain is quite exposed and there is a risk of falling. You may encounter very steep slopes, rock ledges, and snow fields. Reasonably well-marked with white-blue-white signs and blazes. Must have experience and comfort in exposed terrain, alpine experience, and good orientation skills. Sturdy hiking boots are important. Timing, weather, and trail conditions should be considered. Also, consider the experience level of everyone in the group. Example - hike to the Shreckhornhutte (highly recommended).

BIG GAP BETWEEN T4 and T5. The upper end of this scale encompassing T5 and T6 hikes are usually significantly more demanding than T4 hikes and below. The major difference between a T4 and a T5 hike is that on a T4 hike, the steep, difficult terrain will usually be fitted with security aids to prevent falls (chains, cables, iron bars, etc.) or have natural features that serve the same purpose. A T5 or T6 hike generally will not have these features. T5 and T6 hikes often require technical equipment and the knowledge of how to employ it correctly. Do not underestimate a T5 or T6 hike.

• T5: Difficult Alpine Hiking. Often no path at all. Easy climbing sections. Exposed, challenging terrain, steep cliffs, and/or glaciers. Real risk of falling. Marked with white-blue-white signs and blazes. Mountaineering boots recommended. Must have advanced orientation skills and experience in high alpine terrain. Basic skills with an ice ax, rope, crampons, etc. are important to have. Example - Bristen.

   

• T6: Very Difficult Alpine Hiking. Mostly pathless. Frequent scrambling over steep, exposed terrain. Increased risk of falling. Trails often unmarked. Must have significant experience in exposed alpine terrain, mountaineering boots, and excellent orientation skills. Must be skillful with all technical alpine climbing aids and protection (e.g., ice ax, rope, crampons, etc.) Example - Via alta della Verzasca.

The weather also plays an important role in determining whether you should attempt a hike at any grade. The descriptions above assume favorable conditions, that is good visibility and dry terrain and/or suitable snow conditions. Poor weather will make any grade of hike much more dangerous.

The sources for the information above are the official SAC Alpine Hiking Guide Scale webpage (https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/ausbildung-und-sicherheit/tourenplanung/grading-systems) and my own hiking experience. But in full disclosure, I have only hiked T4 hikes and below, so I have no personal experience with T5 or T6 hikes.

As with any hike, consider your personal skill level and available gear, including safety items, and remember to check the weather forecast. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. A little planning goes a long way towards making your trip a successful one. Everyone has to assess and assume the risks for themselves. I also recommend becoming a Rega patron. Rega provides emergency medical rescue services if at all possible for a small annual fee. Rega can be reached by dialing 1414 or via the Rega app. More info on Rega can be found here: https://www.rega.ch/en/

Happy hiking!