Rock Climbing Guide
The IOC uses the U.S. rating system as explained below.
Please note: In Japan, routes tend to be overrated. In other words, A 5.10 rated route here is probably considered a 5.8 or a 5.9 in the U.S.
1 -- Hiking.
2 -- Hiking using some hands.
3 -- Requires 3-point stabilization. May be scary for beginners
4 -- In principle it requires protection but not necessary for experienced climbers.
5 -- Climbs requiring protection. Severe penalties for groundfall (injury or death).
5.6 -- Beginner's level rock climbing.
5.7 -- Advanced beginner.
5.8, 5.9 -- Intermediate
5.10, 5.11 -- Advanced
5.12, 5.13 -- Expert
5.14 -- Non-human
Route difficulties including and over 5.10 include a,b,c,d suffixes. These are additional subcategories of difficulties. For example, 5.10d is more difficult than 5.10a. At present, there is nothing rated higher than 5.14c
Hiking and Cycling Guide |
