Trip grading system - a comparative system for alpine treks, courses and ascents, considering all aspects of physical fitness and endurance, agility over terrain and technical skills required for each trip. The ratings are not measured against any specific alpine grading system and are intended for comparing Alpine Recreation trips.
| Endurance | Trip Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | The Best Day Hikes and Tracks in Tekapo |
| 1.5 | ||
| 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. | Tekapo High Country Hike Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 2 day overnight hike Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing Great walks (Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track) |
| 2.5 | ||
| 3 | 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. | Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 3-4 day traverse Aoraki / Mount Cook Trek Ball Pass Summit Trek Mount Cook Snowshoeing Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek Introductory Mountaineering Course |
| 3.5 | ||
| 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. | Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 3-4 day traverse via advanced route Ball Pass Crossing Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft FitzGerald/Copland Pass Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course |
| 4.5 | ||
| 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. | |
| Agility - Trekking & Scrambling | Trip Examples | |
| 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 Great walks (Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track) |
| 1.5 | ||
| 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. | Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 2 day overnight hike Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing |
| 2.5 | ||
| 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. | Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 3-4 day traverse Aoraki / Mount Cook Trek Ball Pass Summit Trek Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek Introductory Mountaineering Course |
| 3.5 | Mount Cook Snowshoeing | |
| 4 | 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. | Ball Pass Crossing Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course |
| 4.5 | FitzGerald/Copland Pass | |
| 5 | 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. | |
| Technical Mountaineering | Trip Examples | |
| 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. | Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - 3-4 day traverse Aoraki / Mount Cook Trek Ball Pass Summit Trek Brodrick Pass - Landsborough Trek & Raft |
| 1.5 | Ball Pass Crossing Mount Cook Snowshoeing FitzGerald/Copland Pass Mount Cook Glaciers Trek Westland Glaciers Trek | |
| 2 | Introductory 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 Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course |
| 2.5 | ||
| 3 | Intermediate 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). | |
| 3.5 | ||
| 4 | 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). | |
| 4.5 | ||
| 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. | |