Climbing Grades
Our international expeditions and Northwest climbs are graded 1-3 based on the climbs difficulty, time commitment and experience requirements.
Climbing Grade: Beginner
No prior climbing experience is required, however previous climbing experience is beneficial. Strong hiking skills and good physical conditioning are required. Basic snow and ice climbing skills are introduced during the program. No high-altitude experience is required.
Climbing Grade: Intermediate
This climb requires alpine snow and ice climbing skills with proficiency on steep and icy terrain. Strong backpacking and excellent physical conditioning is requisite for this expedition. Prior climbing experience is required. High altitude experience is beneficial.
Climbing Grade: Advanced
This climb requires a high level of climbing proficiency on steep, exposed and technical terrain at high altitude. Class 4 ice or 5.8 rock climbing is required. Excellent physical conditioning is requisite for this expedition. Climbers must provide climbing resume including high altitude experience.