What difficulty rating is right for me?
All our tours are rated on a scale from 1 to 5. Find the right difficulty level for your fitness and experience below. Always refer to the “Difficulty Level” section in each trip’s information packet for specific details.
Hiking
Level I - Easy
2–4 hours, max 300 m (985 ft) ascent/descent. No technical difficulty, easy paths and trails.
Level II - Easy to moderate
2–6 hours, 300–700 m (985–2,300 ft) ascent, 300–1,000 m descent. Easy to medium paths.
Level III - Intermediate
3–6 hours, 500–1,000 m (1,640–3,280 ft) ascent, 500–1,200 m descent. Few technical sections.
Level IV - Sustained
3–7 hours, 750–1,250 m (2,460–4,100 ft) ascent, 750–1,500 m descent. Some technical sections, possible snow patches.
Level V - Expert
3–9 hours, 1,000–1,800 m (3,280–5,900 ft) ascent/descent. Technical sections, off-piste, high altitudes, unstable terrain.
Cycling
Level I - Easy
25–45 km (15–28 mi)/day. Flat, virtually level. E-bike option available.
Level II - Easy to moderate
25–55 km (15–34 mi)/day, up to 300 m (985 ft) ascent. E-bike option available.
Level III - Intermediate
35–65 km (22–40 mi)/day, 200–500 m (655–1,640 ft) ascent. Prior multi-day cycling experience preferred.
Level IV - Sustained
35–65 km (22–40 mi)/day, 400–850 m (1,310–2,790 ft) ascent. Hilly route, good physical condition required.
Level V - Expert
35–80 km (22–50 mi)/day, 400–1,200 m (1,310–3,940 ft) ascent. For cyclists who ride at least once a week.
Skiing
Level I - Discovery
5–10 km (3–6 mi)/day, 2–5 hours. Flat, gently undulating terrain. Learn to position yourself on skis.
Level II - Initiation
8–15 km (5–9 mi)/day, 200–300 m ascent, 2–5 hours. Requires good fitness and at least one week’s cross-country experience.
Level III - Intermediate
15–25 km/day, 200–500 m ascent, 3–6 hours. Good balance and braking techniques required.
Level IV - Sustained
15–35 km/day, 300–700 m ascent, 4–6 hours. All-round skier with mastered basic techniques.
Level V - Expert
20–40 km/day, 400–900 m ascent, 5–7 hours. Versatile skier adapting to changing snow conditions.
Snowshoeing
Level I - Easy
2–4 hours walking. Little change in elevation. No technical difficulties.
Level II - Easy to moderate
2–5 hours, 50–250 m (165–820 ft) elevation gain. Accessible to all.
Level III - Intermediate
3–6 hours, 150–500 m (495–1,640 ft) elevation gain. Good fitness essential.
Level IV - Sustained
3–6 hours, 300–750 m (985–2,640 ft) elevation gain. Hilly itinerary.
Level V - Expert
3–7 hours, 350–850 m (1,150–2,790 ft) elevation. Steep ascents and descents. Good fitness and hilly terrain experience required.
How to prepare for your trip
Getting in shape
Don’t panic, it’s manageable! Hiking, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing are all endurance activities. A little regular exercise all year round or a few months in advance will keep you in shape.
Accessible daily options: walking, cycling, swimming, running. Yoga, dance and martial arts strengthen muscles and flexibility. Supplement any sport with gentle endurance exercise a few weeks before your trip.
For cycling: start riding regularly beforehand. Your anatomy will adapt to the saddle. Against soreness: drink plenty, stretch, alternate hot and cold showers. Don’t skip a day if you wake up sore. Gentle activity recycles lactic acid.
Expert tip
Match your ambitions to your reality. The higher the level, the better shape you need. Be honest with yourself. We openly talk about it together!
FAQ
- Older travellers? Prepare well in advance, gently and regularly. Endurance remains strong with age. You probably still have decades of beautiful journeys ahead!
- Taking beta-blockers? Check with your doctor. Choose a suitable trip and test yourself on a day or two of the same activity before booking.
- Pre-existing condition? Consult your doctor before booking. Only medical professionals can advise on your specific situation.
- Regular sports but first trip? Don’t default to level 1 unless the activity is technical (skiing). Your general fitness likely suits a higher level.
Not sure which level is right for you?
Our team can assess your fitness and experience to recommend the perfect trip.