Technical introduction
10
CLASSIFICATION OF ITINERARIES BASED ON THEIR DIFFICULTY
T
T = Tourist Itineraries which run along lanes, mule tracks or easy paths, with evident routes and do not offer uncertainty or orienteering problems. They are usually carried out below 2000 metres and usually consist of access paths to alpine pastures or mountain huts. They require some knowledge of mountain environments and fitness for walking.
E
E = Excursionist Itineraries which almost always run along paths, or else along tracks on varied terrain (pasture land, debris, screes), usually with sign posts; can be short, flat sections or slightly inclined with residue snow, and in case of falling, the sliding down can be stopped within a short distance and is without dangers. They often develop along open terrain, without paths but not problematic, always with adequate sign posting. They may develop along steep slopes; the exposed sections are generally protected (barriers) or can be carried out in safety (cables). They may have single passages on rock, not exposed, or short sections which are not tiring nor difficult thanks to equipment (ladders, pegs, cables) which do not require specific gear (harness, carabiners, etc). They require a sense of orienteering, as well as a certain amount of experience and knowledge of mountainous terrain, fitness in walking, as well as adequate shoe wear and gear.
EE
EE = for expert excursionists Itineraries which are usually sign posted but that require ability to move along particular terrain. Paths or tracks on arduous and treacherous terrain (steep slopes and/or slippery on grass, or mixed with rocks and grass, or rock and debris). Varied terrain at relatively high altitudes (scree, short and not steep snow fields, open slopes with no points of reference, etc). Rocky sections, with slight technical difficulties (equipped routes, vie ferrate, the least difficult). Excluding itineraries along glaciers, even if flat and/or with no crevasses on appearance (because crossing them would require the use of a rope and ice axe and knowledge of belaying manoeuvres). You will need: experience in the mountains in general and good knowledge of alpine environments; a steady step and must not suffer from vertigo; equipment, gear and adequate physical preparation.
EEA
EEA = for expert excursionists with gear Equipped routes or vie ferrate, the use of self-belay devices is necessary (harness, energy absorber, carabiners, Kevlar threads) and personal protection gear (helmet, gloves).
F
CAUTION: any mountaineering difficulty must be considered superior to excursion difficulties. F = Easy, does not present any specific difficulties It is the easiest climbing grade, you have to know how to choose foot holds and often it is necessary to use hands to keep your balance; you can find moves of I and II grade and the progression could be not so easy for anyone suffering from vertigo.
PD
PD = Not very difficult, presents a few mountaineering difficulties on rock The single moves on rock can reach up to III grade and often mountain progression is necessary. You have to move one limb at a time and the use of hands is continuous on good holds.
