The Class System

-Technical climbs in the United States are based off the Yosemite Decimal System. Explaining the numbers that are in the guidebook.




Overview


Class 1

• An easy trail with no obstacles

Class 2

• Still an easy trail, but there may be some times where scrambling is required.

Class 3

• Scrambling will be required with more exposure. An unprotected fall from a class 3 would quite possibly be fatal.

Class 4

• Easy climbing, a rope may be used on the way up, and is often recommended for the descent if there is not a trail off the backside. High exposure.

Class 5

• Technical climbing, where gear is used for protection both going up and coming down. Exposed.

Class 6

• Normally used in rescue scenarios, where climbers ascend or descend on the gear that they put in place. Used when the situation leaves the party unable to free climb the face safely. 

In Other Words

The way that makes it easiest for me to process is by counting the number of parts in contact with the rock. Class one, your legs are in contact, class three, you will be using your legs and two arms, all the way up to a class 5 where you are using both legs, arms, and protection to keep you safe. In Colorado the most common place to see the class rankings would be on the descriptions of 14ers,




The Thing That Kills 

What makes a climb difficult is not the level of skill one must possess, but the ability to stay focused while moving across exposed sections of the route. The section where you step out and there is suddenly a 300 foot drop away to either side. Even though that portion of the hike by not be technically difficult the exposure increases the risk evolved.




Final Thoughts

The outdoors provide an escape from reality and the opportunity to set and achieve your own goals. When you head outside please be sure to have all of your bases covered and know exactly what you are getting into before you stumble across them. This will lead to a fulfilling day for everyone evolved.


Thanks.


K