Tech Grade
Wherever possible, I’ve attempted to assess a trail’s technical difficulty in line with the Swiss Alpine Club Technical Grade Scale
See more at https://www.sac-cas.ch/fileadmin/Ausbildung_und_Wissen/Sicher_unterwegs/Sicher_unterwegs_Wandern/2020_Berg_Alpinwanderskala_EN.pdf
The scale corresponds to the following categories:
- T1 (Easiest): Well-developed, broad, and flat trail. No risk of falling. Suitable for trainers.
- T2: Clear, somewhat steeper path. Basic hiking boots and sure-footedness are recommended.
- T3 (Demanding): Often indistinct tracks and steep, uneven terrain. You may need to use your hands for balance, and there could be exposed sections. Good physical fitness is required.
- T4: Alpine trail requiring solid mountain footwear. Terrain involves exposed areas, loose scree, and short climbing sections where you’ll use your hands.
- T5: Challenging alpine terrain. Often exposed, steep, and requires basic climbing techniques or traversing loose rock.
- T6 (Most Difficult): Extremely difficult alpine terrain, frequently exposed, with difficult climbing passages. Exceptional navigation skills and alpine experience are required.
Nav Difficulty
- Easy: Well-marked trails, clear signage, and obvious paths. Very little map reading required.
- Moderate: Generally clear paths but requires some attention to trail markers and basic map use.
- Hard: Intermittent markings; requires consistent navigation skills and topographic map reading.
- Expert: Unmarked or poorly defined routes. Significant off-trail sections requiring GPS and advanced route-finding.
- Extreme: No markings or visible trail. Navigation is a primary challenge; high risk of getting lost without professional skills.
Suck Factor
Hardest prominent underfoot conditions
- A dream: Paved/Hardpack Road, tarmac, or heavily compacted surfaces. Low energy cost.
- Too easy: Well-maintained trails or dry gravel roads. Standard hiking pace.
- Mind your step: Loose/Uneven Scree, rocky paths, or mild roots. Requires more focus and muscle engagement.
- A bit of a slog: Deep sand, persistent mud, or tall grass. Significantly slows progress.
- Make it stop: Deep bogs, waist-high heather, or loose talus. Maximum effort for minimal distance.
Budget notes
Budgets have been collected in euros. If viewed in sterling and dollar values are calculated from the euro base value.
We all have different styles and needs when it comes to comfort, meals, booze, and so on. No one is judging. Whether you are a strict budgetary discplinarian or you know you like to splurge, I hope there’s a category to help with your planning.
To keep things relatively straightforward, I’ve collated three budget categories for each trail as follows:
- Dirtbag: Focuses on minimal spending – wild camping where possible, supermarket resupplies, no alcohol or restaurants.
- Average Joe: For a standard hiker on holiday using organised campsites and hostels, occasional beer/coffee, occasional restaurant meals.
- Flashpacker: Staying in nicer accommodation (hotels/cabins), regular alcohol consumption, using baggage transfer services where available, and eating at restaurants wherever possible.
Remoteness
- Urban/Suburban: Constant access to services, shops, and transport. Roads are never far away.
- Rural: Frequent access to villages or farms. Cell service is generally reliable.
- Backcountry: Day’s walk from a road head. Some infrastructure (like huts) may exist, but self-reliance is needed.
- Wilderness: Multiple days from significant help. No permanent infrastructure; satellite communication recommended.
- Expedition: Extremely isolated. Requires significant logistics, food drops, or specialized rescue plans.
Popularity
How popular is the trail with other thru and day hikers?
- Solitary: you may go days without seeing another hiker. True isolation.
- Quiet: Occasional sightings of others; you have the trail to yourself most of the time.
- Steady: A regular stream of hikers, especially at hubs, but not crowded.
- Busy: Popular sections are crowded; campsites and huts frequently reach capacity.
- Congested: Major crowds; “queueing” for photos or obstacles is common. Heavy impact.
Social vibe
How social are hikers on this trail?
- Isolationist: Hikers actively seek solitude and avoid interaction. Stealth camping is the norm.
- Polite: Brief greetings and small talk, but hikers generally keep to their own groups.
- Friendly: Common to share meals or trail info; a welcoming atmosphere at campsites.
- Strong: A distinct “trail family” culture; high levels of cooperation and shared social bonds.
- Festive: Party-like atmosphere; high-density social hubs with frequent group gatherings.
Local Interaction
How much interaction can you expect with locals and communities along this trail?
- None: The trail is entirely remote or self-contained. No contact with local populations.
- Transactional: Interactions generally commercial (buying supplies, paying for transport). Minimal cultural exchange.
- Welcoming: Locals are accustomed to hikers and generally friendly/helpful. Open to brief conversations.
- Integrated: The trail is a part of local life. Hikers may be invited into homes or participate in community events.
- Immersive: The experience is defined by local hospitality. Deep cultural exchange and reliance on local community support.
Tourism overrun
How touristy is the area the trail goes through?
- Zero: Hikers and locals only. No mainstream tourism.
- Low: A few day hikers or small independent travellers.
- Moderate: Noticeable at viewpoints and car parks.
- High: Tour buses are present; major infrastructure geared for tourists.
- Disney: Gift shops and inflated prices; crowds everywhere.
Plushness
- Primitive: Shitting in a hole, filtering all water, no infrastructure.
- Basic: Sporadic amenities; perhaps a pit toilet or a simple shelter.
- Rustic: Huts and hostels; access to hot showers and kitchens.
- Comfort: Guesthouses, cooked breakfasts, and real beds.
- Luxury: Baggage transfers, spa hotels, and 3-course dinners.
Litter levels
- Pristine: No visible litter or environmental degradation.
- Clean: Occasional piece of litter; well-managed.
- Noticeable: Occasional micro-trash or fire rings; some trail wear.
- Degraded: Frequent litter, overflowing bins, or scarred landscape.
- Hazardous: Significant pollution, industrial waste, or dangerous debris.