SAC snowshoe tour scale
The SAC snowshoe tour scale is a difficulty scale specially developed for snowshoe tours by the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) . It is divided into six different grades: WT1 (easiest) to WT6 (most difficult) where «WT» stands for "winter trekking". The length of the tours is not taken into account in the difficulty rating. For all tours, a good knowledge of the means of orientation ( map , compass , altimeter or GPS ) and the choice of route is necessary. The related requirements and the seriousness usually increase with increasing difficulty. Next (except WT1) for all tours is the carrying of avalanche transceiver (LVS), shovel and avalanche probe recommended. The levels of difficulty are approximate values in good snow , weather and visibility conditions and only apply to the route covered with snowshoes .
scale
| Degree | terrain | hazards | conditions | Sample tours |
|
WT1 easy snowshoe hike |
<25 °. Overall flat or not very steep
In the vicinity are no steep slopes available |
No danger of avalanches
No risk of slipping or falling |
Knowledge of avalanches is not necessary | Buffalora - Jufplaun ; Goldau - Wildspitz ; Zettenalp; La Lécherette - Mt. Chevreuil ; Chasseron |
|
WT2 snowshoe hike |
<25 °. Overall flat or not very steep
In the vicinity are steep slopes available |
Avalanche danger
No risk of slipping or falling |
Basic knowledge of assessing the avalanche situation | Val S-charl (valley floor); Parpan –Churer Joch; Dreibündenstein ; Realp - Tiefenbach ; Hundsrügg ; Solalex - Pas de Cheville ; La Dole ; Alpe Casaccio - Campo Solario |
|
WT3 Demanding snowshoe hike |
<30 °. Overall little to moderately steep
Short, steeper passages |
Avalanche danger
Low risk of slipping, short, sloping slide paths |
Basic knowledge of assessing the avalanche situation | Munt Buffalora ; Mattjisch Horn ; Buochserhorn ; Stallion (Schrattenflue) ; Gymnastics ; Bürglen ; Staldhorn ; Croix de Javerne (N ridge); Campo Solario - Passo del Sole - Cap. Cadagno |
|
WT4 snowshoe tour |
<30 °. Moderately steep
Short, steeper passages and / or slope traverses . Partly rocky. Glaciers with few crevasses |
Avalanche danger
Risk of slipping with risk of injury. Low risk of falling |
Good knowledge of assessing the avalanche situation
Good running technique. Elementary alpine knowledge |
Piz Calderas ; Schilt ; Bannalp– Chaiserstuel ; Hohgant ; Steghorn ; Wistätthorn ; Col de Chaude - Rochers de Naye ; Madrano - Foisc |
|
WT5 Alpine snowshoe tour |
<35 °. Steep
Short, steeper passages and / or slope traverses and / or rock steps. glacier |
Avalanche danger
Danger of falling. Risk of falling into crevasses. Alpine dangers |
Good knowledge of assessing the avalanche situation
Good alpine knowledge. Safe walking |
Piz Kesch ; Piz Buin ; Sustenhorn ; Wildstrubel ; Wall flueh ; Äbeni Flue ; Jet horn ; Pigne d'Arolla ; Basodino |
|
WT6 Demanding alpine snowshoe tour |
> 35 °. Very steep
Demanding passages and / or slope traverses and / or rock steps. Crevasse glaciers |
Avalanche danger
Danger of falling. Risk of falling into crevasses. Alpine dangers |
Good knowledge of assessing the avalanche situation
Very good alpine knowledge. Safe walking on rock , firn and ice |
Piz Palu ; Tödi ; Galenstock ; Wetterhorn ; Virgin ; Mont Vélan ; Pizzo Campo Tencia |
See also
Web links
- Assessment of the difficulty of snowshoe tours, SAC (PDF file; 46 kB)