Climbing Grade

Listed peaks are graded using the Alpine Grade system. The overall seriousness of the complete route based on all factors of the final approach, ascent, and descent—including length, altitude, danger, commitment, and technical difficulty. This system originated with UIAA Roman numerals; it is now generally seen with French letters and is increasingly being used worldwide. Grades described below are for the 'classic' route ascent lines. Alternative routes will obviously be of a higher grade.

F: Facile/easy. Rock scrambling or easy snow slopes; some glacier travel; often climbed ropeless except on glaciers.

PD: Peu Difficile/a little difficult. Some technical climbing and complicated glaciers.

AD: Assez Difficile/fairly hard. Steep climbing or long snow/ice slopes above 50º; for experienced alpine climbers only.

The original 'B' group trekking peaks are rated no more than Alpine grade AD. Many of the easier peaks also have harder routes that are not listed here. Some of the newly introduced 'A' group peaks are technically harder and are comparable in grade to many "expedition peaks"