Evaluate your level of fitness and climbing/mountaineering or skiing skills
If you want to enjoy skiing, climbing, trekking or you want to pass the course, you have to practice throughout the year and you have to target training 1 or 6 months before departure.These training programmes will guarantee you a higher chance of success.
Don’t count only on your experience and past fitness level – it is essential you focus on your current capabilities!
So don’t wait until the last minute to train intensively – your fitness level and physical shape must be long lasting and it requires committed preparatory training over a pre-determined period. Success is ALWAYS built on sound preparation.
Fitness Level
Level A
You can hike 4-5 hours (run 5 to 10 km) per day up to 250 vertical metres per hour and can ascend 600 to 800 metres per day with 3-8 kg pack.
Level B
You hike in the mountains regularly or run regularly, having already made tours of several days and can walk 5-8 hours a day (run 10 to 20 km) up to 250 vertical metres per hour and can ascend 600 to 800 metres per day with 8-10kg pack.
Level C
You excercise every day, hike or run regularly, having already made tours of several days and able to walk at least 8 hours per day (run 20 to 30 km)and 300 vertical metres per hour and can ascend 1000 to 1300 metres per day with 10-12kg pack.
Level D
You are great athlete or seasoned mountaineer who accept physical and moral commitment and can walk between 8 to 12 hours per day (run a marathon). You can ascend 1300 to 1800 metres per day with 10-12kg pack.
Technical Level
Level 1
F (easy) and PD (Little Difficult) bit steep snow slopes: max 30 °, easy routes UIAA grade rock II *
Level 2
AD (Fairly difficult), snow and ice slopes 40 ° maximum, rock climbing pretty easy UIAA grade II and III *
Level 3
D (difficult) TD (very difficult), snow and ice slopes 55 °, UIAA grade IV and V * rock climbing
Level 4
ED (Extremely Difficult) long, sustained and engaged, snow and ice slopes 70 °, rock climbing UIAA grade VI *
* Mountain climbing routes are harder than you can imagine due to altitude, cold, personal stamina and weight of the backpack.
Ski Level
Ski Level S1
Great off-piste beginner doesn’t scare of red and black runs. You can ski snow slopes up to 35 °. You will improve your descent technique in all snow conditions with your guide.
Ski Level S2
Good piste and off-piste skier. You have already practiced ski touring.You master all snow conditions and style of skiing, you control the downhill conversion conditions. You can ski down on a black run with a 3.6 kg backpack (about 8 pounds). You can traverse short steep slopes ski touring or with crampons if is necessary.
Ski Level S3
Very good skier and ski tourer (backcountry skier). You can do ski touring/skiing in all snow conditions on slopes up to 40 °. You have already made several ski tours. You have a good experience ski touring (carrying skis on the bag, ice axes and crampons using) and have technical skills to ascend or traverse steeper slopes.
