Target audiences & difficulty

Experience
: I have no experience of ski touring or freeriding. I am confident and experienced on the piste and feel fit and healthy.

Skills
I can perform parallel turns on red and black runs. I have some initial experience in deep snow, but I find it difficult to make turns. I have never ascended or skied on touring skis. 

Endurance
I am able to manage a 3- to 4-hour ascent at a pace of around 300 metres of elevation gain per hour. Covering 600 to 800 metres of elevation gain per day is no problem for me.

Experience
: I already have some experience and have completed a few runs on the slopes. Off-piste, I still have some difficulties with ascents and descents. I am unable to assess the avalanche risk and therefore do not ski alone in open terrain. I use safety equipment but have never practised using it extensively.

Skills
: I feel comfortable on black runs. I’ve had some initial experience in deep snow and can turn well in ideal conditions. When conditions are difficult, I still struggle to turn or control my speed. I’ve practised kick turns, but I still find them challenging.

Endurance
: I can ascend for a good 3 to 4 hours a day. My pace is roughly at Level 1, and I can easily cover up to 1,000 metres of elevation gain per day if the pace is steady.

Experience
: I regularly go on ski or freeride tours and usually join groups of experienced skiers. I have already attended one or more courses or camps on this subject. I am not yet able to assess the conditions myself or plan tours or runs on my own. I am very familiar with safety equipment.

Skills
: I feel comfortable even on steep terrain away from the slopes. I ski frequently and for long periods, and go on ski tours regularly. Making kick turns is no particular effort for me. I have absolutely no fear of heights and am sure-footed. I climb regularly, up to difficulty level 3.

Endurance
I can easily ascend for around 4 to 5 hours a day. I can also manage ascents with a well-packed week’s rucksack (8–10 kg) and a rate of 350 metres of elevation gain per hour. 1,200 metres of elevation gain is possible at a good pace.

Experience
: I have led ski tours myself. I know how to break my own trail. I have planned ski tours myself, but I enjoy joining guided tours. Under the guidance of a mountain guide, I get to experience my dream tours all over the world.

Skills
I have been ski touring for a very long time and feel completely at ease doing so. I know most knots and can tie them correctly and independently. I am experienced in using crampons and an ice axe. I have led tours across glaciers. I climb regularly and enjoy doing so, and am confident at Grade 5 difficulty.

Stamina
: I am fit and can easily manage daily stages of up to 6 hours. I can cover approximately 350 metres of elevation gain per hour on the ascent, even with a heavy rucksack. 1,500 metres of elevation gain is no problem for me.

Experience
: I have little or no experience and do some sport now and then. I feel healthy.

Skills
: I am a beginner and have not learnt any technical skills. I am not familiar with crampons and have never worn them before. I have never been climbing before.

Endurance
I am capable of managing a 3- to 4-hour ascent at a rate of approximately 350 metres of elevation gain per hour. 700 to 900 metres of elevation gain per day is no problem for me.

Experience
: I have some experience and have already taken part in some easy hikes. It’s been a while, though. I don’t feel entirely confident yet.

Skills
I’d like to refresh my knowledge and learn as much as possible. I’ve been out and about with crampons before, though not very often. I’ve done some easy climbing and am comfortable walking in hiking boots.

Stamina
I can manage a good 3 to 5 hours of ascending per day. My pace is roughly at Level 1, and I can easily cover up to 1,200 metres of elevation gain per day if the pace is steady. 

Experience
: I have some experience and have already taken part in several guided tours. I also go into the mountains regularly without a guide. I feel safe and at ease in the mountains.

Skills
I have completed training courses and have also undertaken tours independently. However, I have never crossed a glacier without a mountain guide. I have absolutely no fear of heights and am sure-footed. I climb frequently and up to difficulty grade 3.

Stamina
I can easily ascend for around 4 to 6 hours a day. I can also manage ascents carrying a well-packed week’s rucksack (8–10 kg) and covering 350 metres of elevation gain per hour. I can cover 1,500 metres of elevation gain at a good pace. 

Experience
I have a great deal of experience and feel at ease even above 4,000 metres. I’m regularly out on the mountains and have already taken part in a great many tours. I’d describe myself as a good mountaineer. Under the guidance of a mountain guide, I’m able to fulfil my dream tours all over the world. 

Skills
I know most knots and can tie them correctly and independently. I am experienced in using crampons and an ice axe. I have led routes across glaciers. I climb regularly and enjoy doing so, and I am confident at difficulty grade 5.

Stamina
I am fit and can comfortably manage daily stages of up to 8 hours. I can cover approximately 400 metres of elevation gain per hour on the ascent, even with a heavy rucksack. 1,500 metres of elevation gain is no problem for me.