Grade guide

Decode the grades — rock, ice, and overall commitment.

Two systems, one mountain

Alpine climbs get two numbers: a rock grade for the hardest move, and a Roman numeral for the overall commitment. Both matter.

The commitment grades

I    an hour or two, near the road
II    half a day, easy descent
III   most of a day, some ropework
IV    a full day, real exposure
V     a multi-day objective
VI    big-wall or expedition scale

Read both

A 5.10 grade II is a cragging day. A 5.7 grade V is a serious alpine objective. The numeral, not the number, is what kills.