Black Mountaineering
Grade Framework
These grades provide a general guide to the physical, mental and skill set demands of each expedition. Difficulty can vary depending on weather, altitude, terrain, porterage, and remoteness.
GRADE 1 – Low Effort
Grade
Easy –Moderate
Gain
Low
Max Altitude
Low altitude
Comfortable single walking day at low altitude with light packs.
Examples:
Time
4 – 8 hrs per day
GRADE 2 – Moderate
Grade
Moderate–Strong
Gain
400–800 m (occasionally up to 1,000 m)
Max Altitude
0-5500m
Strong fitness required. Longer days and back-to-back mountain days carrying personal gear. You should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours.
Examples:
Time
7 – 8 hrs per day
GRADE 3 – Challenging
Grade
Challenging
Gain
500–1,000 m
Max Altitude
4000-6,000 m
Back-to-back multi-day self supported hiking challenge. No experience required but a high level of fitness is required. Includes multiple very long summit days in cold conditions. You should be comfortable walking 8–10 hours.
Examples:
Time
7 – 8 hrs per day
GRADE 4 – Advanced Challenge
Grade
High Challenge
Gain
500–1,000 m
Max Altitude
6000 -7000m
Remote and committing environments. Includes 10–15 hr summit days with consecutive demanding days. High Level of physical fitness is required. You should be comfortable climbing 7–10 hours in crampons on snow ice.
Examples:
Time
6–8 hrs per day over multiple days
GRADE 5 – Expedition Extreme
Grade
Expedition Extreme
Gain
Sustained and cumulative
Max Altitude
7,500 m
Requires exceptional Mountaineering skill in remote, glaciated environments with prolonged exposure in rapidly changing conditions. You should be comfortable climbing multi day 8–10 hours in crampons on snow ice.
Examples:
Time
8–10 hrs per day
GRADE 6 – Expedition Elite
Grade
Expedition Elite
Gain
Extreme and sustained
Max Altitude
8,000 m+
Total self-sufficiency above 8,000 m.
Requires exceptional Mountaineering skill, elite physical conditioning, mental resilience, and tolerance for prolonged hardship.
Requires exceptional Mountaineering skill, elite physical conditioning, mental resilience, and tolerance for prolonged hardship.
Examples:
Time
30–45 day expeditions
