Grading system: I use the following grading systems for bushwalks and cross country ski tours.
Bushwalks:
The Canberra Bushwalking Club grading system is used for bushwalks:
Distance & Ascent:
(S) Short - under 12km/day.
(M) Medium - 12-20km/day.
(L) Long - over 20km/day.
NB: In calculating walking distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.
Terrain:
(E) Easy - firetrail, tracks, beaches etc.
(M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub.
(R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles.
(W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings.
Cross Country Ski Tours:
The Canberra Cross Country Ski Club grading system is used for ski tours:
Distance & Ascent:
(S) Short- under 8km/day and < 200m vertical climb.
(M) Medium - 8-15km/day OR 200m to 600m vertical climb.
(L) Long - over 15km/day OR > 600m vertical climb.
Terrain:
(E) Easy- flat to gently rolling hills, no big hills to cllimb or descend. There may be some steep sections but these will be short and easy to negotiate.
(H) Hilly - large rounded hills requiring several turns to descend but not technically difficult. There may be some steep sections but these will be short and easy to negotiate.
(V) Very steep -the steepest of skiable hills including black runs at resorts, cornices and chutes. Technically difficult slopes to descend.
(R) Rough - descents on narrow trails with limited choice of route because of rock outcrops or trees, exposed routes or high risk of icy conditions.
Skill:
(B) Basic - can maintain control and perform the following skills on gentle terrain: kick turns, snow plough, side step, herringbone, traverse and diagonal stride.
(I) Intermediate - can maintain control and perform the following skills on hilly terrain: kick turns, snow plough turns, step turns, side slip, side step, herringbone, traverse, diagonal stride and self arrest.
(A) Advanced - can maintain control on hilly terrain and pace over long distances. Has good style and technique in the following skills: kick turns, snow plough turns, step turns, side slip, side step, herringbone, traverse, diagonal stride and self arrest.
(D) Telemark/XC Downhill - can maintain control descending steep hills and highly proficient at self arrest technique. Has intermediate skills plus linked stem, parallel or telemark turns.
Fitness:
A moderate level of fitness is required.
A high level of fitness is required.