Grading for Tracks and Trails Holidays

We have given each of our activities a grading system of three levels.

It is very important to read this information and the individual holiday description, so that you are aware of the experience required, necessary fitness needed and technical ability required.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular trip, including, length of day, terrain, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience.

If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please contact either Julia or Lindsay by emailing
info@tracks-and-trails.com

Walking

Moderate Designed to be suitable for most people in good health with little or no mountain walking experience. These walking holidays are predominately on good paths and at lower altitude. Expect to walk from between 4-5 hours per day.

Difficult Suitable for most hill-walkers, these trips involve long days at a moderate altitude (up to 3,000m), on good paths and tracks. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required as these treks can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day on rougher paths. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day.

Demanding These holidays are physically challenging and are suitable for regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days. These treks can involve difficult and demanding days as well as lengthy periods at higher altitudes (3,000m- 3,500m). A high level of fitness and previous trekking experience is essential. Expect to be walking 5-7 hours per day with the occasional longer day.

Nordic Walking

Easy Designed to be suitable for most people in good health with little or no experience, but who take regular gentle exercise. These Nordic walking holidays are on good tracks and mostly flat terrain.

Moderate Aimed at those who take regular exercise and have a reasonable fitness. You will probably have already been introduced to Nordic Walking. Our walks will be on good tracks and paths, but may involve undulating terrain and short uphill sections.

Difficult For fitness fanatics who want to get some serious aerobic exercise. These trips will be mostly on good paths and tracks, but may include narrower paths and steep uphill sections. These trips may also include short sustained bursts of fast exercise.

Snowshoeing

Novice Full instruction is given on snowshoe technique and equipment. Designed for those who have done little or no snowshoeing, but who take regular exercise and have a reasonable level of fitness. This is ideal for walkers who want to explore the mountains in winter. Expect to walk on a variety of terrain from flat to undulating, on and off the beaten tracks. Expect to walk for up to 4-6 hours a day.

Intermediate Suitable for most summer hill-walkers, but generally involving longer days at a moderate altitude (up to 3,000m). Routes taken are mainly off the beaten track. A good level of fitness is required as these trips can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day.

Advanced These holidays are very physically challenging and are suitable for regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days. These treks can involve difficult and sometimes demanding days, as well as lengthy periods at higher altitudes (3,000m- 3,500m). A high level of fitness and previous snowshoeing experience is essential. Expect to be walking 5-7 hours per day with the occasional longer day.

Cross Country Skiing

Beginner These holidays are designed for either newcomers to Cross Country Skiing, those that have had a break from Cross Country Skiing or those who feel they need further instruction before moving on to Intermediate. Alpine ski experience is useful. Full instruction is given on all ski techniques and equipment. All skiing will take place on prepared tracks on relatively flat terrain. We will expect you to have a reasonable level of fitness so that you can be active and on skis each day for 4-5 hours, with a good lunch stop and breather.

Intermediate Designed as a continuation from the Beginner holidays. Expect to ski on a mixture of flat and slightly more undulating terrain. Participants should have mastered a basic snowplough and be of good fitness. Improvements on technique will be taught and as the days progress longer journeys are to be expected. Time on skis will be 4-6 hours per day. You will be able to have a good break for lunch. You may carry a packed lunch or stop at a café en route.

Advanced These holidays are designed for those that can confidently get on their skis and go! Once we have re-found our ski legs we will enjoy a variety of journeys which will increase in length daily to more strenuous terrain. Participants should be able to ski at a good pace and have mastered a controlled snow plough for steep descents. You should be at a very good fitness level and be able to ski between 4-6 hours per day. You will be able to have a good break for lunch. You may carry a packed lunch or stop at a café en route.