One of my goals this year is to climb 20 peaks.
Why 20 Peaks?
In recent years, I've been focused more on rock climbing and improving my skills leading and moving on rock. I thought it would be nice this year to get back to climbing mountains. Trying to climb a total of 20 means I need to commit to it, not just occassionally climb something. It needs to be a regular part of my outdoor plans.
The first four peaks this year were fairly straightforward. Some were just hikes up steep hills to the summits and some had short scramble sections. These peaks were great for training fitness and preparing to climb higher, more challenging peaks later in the season. There are links to the trip reports for those four peaks below.
Upper Kananaskis Lake
Alpine Climbing Grades and Scrambling Difficulty Classes
A quick word on Alpine Grades. F is the easiest grade that can be assigned to an alpine climb. It is from the French word facile which means easy. Routes with this grade have very little technical difficulty or route finding challenges. This is typically the grade given to scrambles.
Within the F grade, there are different levels of scrambling difficulty ranging from first to fourth class. Fifth class terrain requires rock climbing skills and most folks will use a rope and some form of belay or protection. First through fourth class scrambling is defined as follows:
First Class
Simple hiking on well defined trails, no need for hands. Could involve long distances, creek crossings and navigation challenges.
Second Class
Simple scrambling and off trail travel on scree, talus and boulders with low exposure. Hands are used at times for balance. Good route finding improves efficiency and safety. Falls can cause serious injuries.
The hardest mountains we've climbed so far this year are rated F Second Class.
Third Class
Involves steep rocky terrain requiring hand holds for upward movement. Mountain guides will often rope up and belay their guests on this terrain. Typically there are plenty of hand and footholds, easy to find, but may be loose and require testing before trusting. Good route finding skills are needed to avoid unsafe terrain. A fall could result in serious injury or death.
We are planning to attempt a few F - 3rd Class climbs next. On the list are Mount Chester, Mount Hood and Mount Kidd.
Fourth Class
Difficult and exposed scrambling often requiring a rope. Steep and rocky terrain is more loose and longer than third class. Exposure is greater such that a fall will likely result in serious injury or death. Rock climbing skills are very useful. Route finding skills are often necessary to avoid technical climbing sections. Many people will want to use a rope and belay.