Difficulty Ratings
Difficulty Ratings
A comparison of difficulty ratings across all Alpine Recreation trips.
Endurance is your body's physical capability to sustain exercise for an extended period.
1 - Basic hiking/trekking fitness
Suitable for people who regularly undertake day hikes. Day pack up to 4kg and short duration of activity (2-4 hours). Some prior training is always beneficial.
Snowshoe Heli-Hikes1.5 - Basic hiking/trekking fitness +
Suitable for people who regularly undertake day hikes. Day pack up to 4kg and short duration of activity (2-4 hours). Some prior training is always beneficial.
2 - Slightly challenging
A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. Suitable for people who regularly undertake multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips. Must be comfortable carrying a light-moderate backpack (5-8 kg) for 4-6 hours. Expect ascents of 500-800 vertical metres.
Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing Tekapo High Country Hike2.5 - Slightly challenging +
A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. Suitable for people who regularly undertake multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips. Must be comfortable carrying a light-moderate backpack (5-8 kg) for 4-6 hours. Expect ascents of 500-800 vertical metres.
Lake Tekapo Nordic Ski Touring Heli Ski & Split-board Tours3 - Challenging
A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.
Introductory Mountaineering Course Ski Two Thumb Range Cass Valley Ski & Split-board Tours Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek Aoraki Mount Cook Trek Backcountry Ski Course Ball Pass Summit Trek Aoraki Mount Cook Snowshoeing Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek3.5 - Challenging +
A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.
4 - Very challenging
A high level of fitness is expected. Fit people will still need to train prior to undertaking this adventure. Ascents of 1200+ vertical metres are likely. Expect 10-12 hour days or longer, carrying a 10-12kg backpack. Early alpine starts may be required. Expect some discomfort due to long days and exposure to elements. Must be dedicated and used to long days in rough, untracked terrain.
Ski Mount Cook Range Sealy Range Ski Traverse Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course Specialized Alpine Climbing Course Mount Sefton Ball Pass Crossing Copland Pass Crossing Fitzgerald Pass Crossing Mount Aspiring Trek Guided Ascents Sealy Range Traverse4.5 - Very challenging +
A high level of fitness is expected. Fit people will still need to train prior to undertaking this adventure. Ascents of 1200+ vertical metres are likely. Expect 10-12 hour days or longer, carrying a 10-12kg backpack. Early alpine starts may be required. Expect some discomfort due to long days and exposure to elements. Must be dedicated and used to long days in rough, untracked terrain.
5 - Extreme
Regular alpine starts with long and sustained days (14+ hours) on difficult or technical terrain. Expect to carry a heavy pack at times (12-16kg) between huts or bivvies. Consecutive days with ascents of 1200+ vertical meters in often steep terrain are expected. Prior experience with bivouac / snow camping is recommended. For hardened mountaineers only.
Aoraki Mount Cook Mount Tasman Mount Aspiring Symphony on Skis Dixon PeakAgility is a performance related component of physical fitness. It describes your ability to move efficiently over obstacles and through rough terrain.
1 - Basic hiking/trekking agility
Hiking on unmarked routes in sub-alpine terrain. Able to move efficiently on uneven terrain with steps, rocks, tree roots etc. while carrying a light backpack. No scrambling or technical equipment required. Little or no exposure.
Tekapo High Country Hike Snowshoe Heli-Hikes1.5 - Basic hiking/trekking agility +
Hiking on unmarked routes in sub-alpine terrain. Able to move efficiently on uneven terrain with steps, rocks, tree roots etc. while carrying a light backpack. No scrambling or technical equipment required. Little or no exposure.
2 - Basic scrambling agility
Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.
Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing2.5 - Basic scrambling agility +
Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.
3 - Moderate scrambling agility
Scrambling over rough ground with hand placement needed (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Good foot placement required across a variety of terrain, including steep grass, alpine scrub, scree, boulder-fields and snow. Must be competent and efficient at moving over uneven and untracked terrain carrying a moderate backpack. Sections of steep and/or exposed terrain at times. May involve crossing snow slopes and/or glaciers, requiring the use of crampons and ice axe if conditions are firm.
Introductory Mountaineering Course Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek Aoraki Mount Cook Trek Ball Pass Summit Trek Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek3.5 - Moderate scrambling agility +
Scrambling over rough ground with hand placement needed (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Good foot placement required across a variety of terrain, including steep grass, alpine scrub, scree, boulder-fields and snow. Must be competent and efficient at moving over uneven and untracked terrain carrying a moderate backpack. Sections of steep and/or exposed terrain at times. May involve crossing snow slopes and/or glaciers, requiring the use of crampons and ice axe if conditions are firm.
Ski Mount Cook Range Sealy Range Ski Traverse Aoraki Mount Cook Snowshoeing4 - Advanced scrambling agility
Committing and challenging for experienced trekkers. Sustained concentration and focus required for difficult sections. Exposure to heights or large drops likely. Confident footwork and scrambling over rough, loose and steep terrain required (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Crampons and ice axes required for crossing moderate snow slopes (≤ 35°), alpine passes and/or glaciated terrain.
Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course Ball Pass Crossing Copland Pass Crossing Fitzgerald Pass Crossing Mount Aspiring Trek Sealy Range Traverse4.5 - Advanced scrambling agility +
Committing and challenging for experienced trekkers. Sustained concentration and focus required for difficult sections. Exposure to heights or large drops likely. Confident footwork and scrambling over rough, loose and steep terrain required (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Crampons and ice axes required for crossing moderate snow slopes (≤ 35°), alpine passes and/or glaciated terrain.
Symphony on Skis Turner Peak5 - Expert scrambling/climbing agility
A high level of commitment required with serious consequences for mistakes. Frequent and sustained exposure to significant heights or large drops. Moderate - steeper (30-50°) slopes common. Concentration and focus required at all times. Recent mountaineering experience required. Solid footwork, cramponing (including front-pointing) and ice axe skills expected.
Aoraki Mount Cook Mount Tasman Mount Aspiring Mount Sefton Dixon Peak Guided AscentsMountaineering specific techniques are required for many alpine objectives. Choosing a suitable objective for your experience level will ensure an enjoyable trip as well as the opportunity to further improve your skills.
1 - Beginner mountaineer
No prior rope skills or experience with crampons/ice axe required. Basic 10-point crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and glacier travel skills introduced by guide if applicable.
Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek Aoraki Mount Cook Trek Ball Pass Summit Trek1.5 - Beginner mountaineer +
No prior rope skills or experience with crampons/ice axe required. Basic 10-point crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and glacier travel skills introduced by guide if applicable.
Ball Pass Crossing Aoraki Mount Cook Snowshoeing Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek2 - Introductory-intermediate mountaineer
In-depth crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and climbing skills instructed by guide. Basic rope skills, knots, abseiling, anchor placement, belaying skills instructed if applicable. Ability to apply skills with coached practice and demonstrate proficiency required to progress to next grade. Prior rock climbing experience beneficial.
Introductory Mountaineering Course Ski Mount Cook Range Sealy Range Ski Traverse Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers Copland Pass Crossing Fitzgerald Pass Crossing Mount Aspiring Trek Sealy Range Traverse2.5 - Introductory-intermediate mountaineer +
In-depth crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and climbing skills instructed by guide. Basic rope skills, knots, abseiling, anchor placement, belaying skills instructed if applicable. Ability to apply skills with coached practice and demonstrate proficiency required to progress to next grade. Prior rock climbing experience beneficial.
Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course Symphony on Skis3 - Experienced mountaineer
Proficiency with technical rope skills and a basic understanding of rescue systems required. Comfortable crossing moderate-steeper snow slopes (30-50°) with ice axe and crampons. Experience climbing with 1 and 2 ice tools, front-pointing and 10-point cramponing technique in various snow/ice conditions. Competency climbing on rock (AU grade 12-15).
Specialized Alpine Climbing Course Mount Sefton Guided Ascents3.5 - Experienced mountaineer +
Proficiency with technical rope skills and a basic understanding of rescue systems required. Comfortable crossing moderate-steeper snow slopes (30-50°) with ice axe and crampons. Experience climbing with 1 and 2 ice tools, front-pointing and 10-point cramponing technique in various snow/ice conditions. Competency climbing on rock (AU grade 12-15).
Mount Aspiring4 - Advanced mountaineer
Efficient anchor management and fast adjustment of gear expected. Solid crampon and ice axe skills expected with ability to move efficiently across a variety of terrain and conditions. Confident climbing on rock (AU grade 16-20).
Aoraki Mount Cook Mount Tasman Dixon Peak4.5 - Advanced mountaineer +
Efficient anchor management and fast adjustment of gear expected. Solid crampon and ice axe skills expected with ability to move efficiently across a variety of terrain and conditions. Confident climbing on rock (AU grade 16-20).
5 - Expert mountaineer
Difficult long sections of technical climbing (50-70°) common. Must be self sufficient in rope and anchor skills and current in mountaineering technique. Recent alpine experience required - up to 20 days on crampons within the past 2 years. Regular rock climbing grade AU 18 or higher.
As in skiing and snowboarding, there are different levels of ability when it comes to ski touring and split-boarding. Choosing the right trip for your ability will ensure an enjoyable experience as well as the opportunity to further improve your skills.
1 - Beginner off-piste skier / snowboarder
Confident and controlled on-piste skier (black runs), just beginning to venture on to off-piste slopes of up to ‘red’ run angle (approx. 20 - 25°) in favourable snow conditions. No previous backcountry ski / split-board experience or has only toured on groomed trails (eg. nordic skiing at Snow Farm). Borrowed or rented equipment.
Lake Tekapo Nordic Ski Touring1.5 - Beginner off-piste skier / snowboarder +
Confident and controlled on-piste skier (black runs), just beginning to venture on to off-piste slopes of up to ‘red’ run angle (approx. 20 - 25°) in favourable snow conditions. No previous backcountry ski / split-board experience or has only toured on groomed trails (eg. nordic skiing at Snow Farm). Borrowed or rented equipment.
2 - Intermediate off-piste skier / snowboarder
Used to skiing off-piste with a pack in the majority of snow conditions and competent in the skills of of side-slipping, traversing and downhill kick-turning. Able to ski in control on steeper slopes with short sections up to 30°. Limited or no previous backcountry ski / split-board experience. Borrowed or rented equipment. Learning how to kick-turn uphill and use equipment safely and efficiently.
MSC Avalanche Skills Course 2 Backcountry Ski Course2.5 - Intermediate ski tourer / split-boarder
Used to skiing off-piste with a pack in the majority of snow conditions and competent in the skills of of side-slipping, traversing and downhill kick-turning. Able to ski in control on steeper slopes with short sections up to 30°. Some previous backcountry ski / split-board experience. Borrowed or rented equipment. Able to kick-turn uphill if necessary and has practiced using an avalanche transceiver. Knows how to use skins, heel lifters and ski crampons.
Ski Two Thumb Range Heli Ski & Split-board Tours3 - Experienced ski tourer / split-boarder
Able to link turns confidently and continuously in most snow and to control speed and follow a precise line in restricted terrain (e.g. crevasses, amongst trees, near gullies or in confined spaces). Able to link turns on longer slopes up to 35° in favourable snow. Comfortable with uphill kick-turns in favourable conditions. Climbing 350m+ per hour with tours of up to 1000m of climbing, with a rest / break each hour. Likely to have own touring kit and is proficient in using pin-tech bindings, heel lifters, ski crampons and avalanche safety equipment.
Cass Valley Ski & Split-board Tours Ski Mount Cook & Westland Glaciers Potts Range Ski & Split-board Tours3.5 - Experienced ski tourer / split-boarder +
Able to link turns confidently and continuously in most snow and to control speed and follow a precise line in restricted terrain (e.g. crevasses, amongst trees, near gullies or in confined spaces). Able to link turns on longer slopes up to 35° in favourable snow. Comfortable with uphill kick-turns in favourable conditions. Climbing 350m+ per hour with tours of up to 1000m of climbing, with a rest / break each hour. Likely to have own touring kit and is proficient in using pin-tech bindings, heel lifters, ski crampons and avalanche safety equipment.
4 - Advanced ski tourer / split-boarder
Skis the fall-line on most slopes and in most conditions, although windblown crust and heavy snow may be a challenge. Confident and controlled skiing on steep slopes up to 40°. Uses appropriate techniques to ski couloirs or restricted slopes safely and at a reasonable speed. Able to do longer ascents with fewer rests, at speeds of 400m+ per hour. Uphill kick-turns are straight-forward unless it's firm and icy. Has modern, lightweight gear and uses it regularly.
4.5 - Advanced skier +
Skis the fall-line on most slopes and in most conditions, although windblown crust and heavy snow may be a challenge. Confident and controlled skiing on steep slopes up to 40°. Uses appropriate techniques to ski couloirs or restricted slopes safely and at a reasonable speed. Able to do longer ascents with fewer rests, at speeds of 400m+ per hour. Uphill kick-turns are straight-forward unless it's firm and icy. Has modern, lightweight gear and uses it regularly.
Ski Mount Cook Range Sealy Range Ski Traverse5 - Expert ski tourer / split-boarder
Skis the fall-line on all slopes and in any conditions. Confident and controlled skiing on steep slopes up to and above 40°. Uses appropriate techniques to ski couloirs or restricted slopes safely and at a reasonable speed. Uphill speeds of 500m+ per hour and ascents of 1500m+ are expected. Extra equipment includes harness, rope, carabiners, boot crampons and ice axe.
Symphony on Skis