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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.

Trekking Grades

Our treks and adventures are graded 1-3 based on the adventures difficulty, time commitment and experience requirements.

  Trekking Grade: Beginner

No experience required.

  Trekking Grade: Intermediate

This trek requires 4-6 hours of hiking per day with a small pack. Elevation gains of 1000-2000 feet per day. Strong hiking skills and good physical conditioning are requisite.

  Trekking Grade: Advanced

This trek requires 6-8 hours of hiking per day with a small pack. Elevation gains of 2000-3000 feet per day. Strong hiking skills and great physical conditioning are required.

If you have further questions about our climbing or trekking grades; or about your qualifications for an expedition, trek, climb or course, please contact us.