Explanation of the difficulty levels

Hiking & trekking

Routes with a daily elevation gain up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) and/or marching time less than 4 hours/day.

Routes with a daily elevation gain between 500 and 1,000 meters (1,640 and 3,280 feet) and/or marching time less than 6 hours/day. Good physical condition is required.

Routes with a daily elevation gain exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and/or marching time more than 6 hours/day. Excellent physical condition is required.

Routes with a continuous effort during 10 days or more, with a daily elevation gain exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and marching time more than 6 hours/day; and/or alpinism routes with strenuous efforts between 3,000 and 5,000 meters (9,842 and 16,500 feet). Excellent physical condition is required.

 

Cycling

Bicycle tours of less than 5 days, with flat stages.

Bicycle tours between 5 and 7 days, with flat stages in most of the tours.

Bicycle tours of more than 7 days, with some climbs not exceeding 300 meters. Good physical condition is required.

Bicycle tours of more than 7 days, with frequent climbs exceeding 300 meters. Excellent physical condition is required.

 

Ski mountaineering

Routes with a daily elevation gain up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) and/or marching time less than 4 hours/day. Descent grade: slopes do not exceed 30° with no narrow sections.

Routes with a daily elevation gain between 500 and 1,000 meters (1,640 and 3,280 feet) and/or marching time less than 6 hours/day. Descent grade: few technical difficulties, slopes do no exceed 35°. Good physical condition is required.

Routes with a daily elevation gain exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and/or marching time more than 6 hours/day. Descent grade: some technical sections; long slopes at 35° with very short sections at 40-45°. Excellent physical condition is required.

Routes with a continuous effort during 6 days or more, with a daily elevation gain exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and marching time more than 6 hours/day. Descent grade: couloir or steep skiing, some slopes between 40 and 45° over more than 200m vertical. Excellent physical condition is required.

 

Skiing

Ski resort suitable for beginners.

Ski resort suitable for beginners and confirmed skiers.

Ski resort suitable confirmed skiers, with a predominance of red and black slopes, and off-piste.

Ski resort suitable for expert skiers.