Hiking in Tyrol – the difficulty levels
In Galtür you will find optimum hiking tour signage. The colour on the sign indicates the difficulty of the trail you are about to take. This categorisation is similar to that of ski slopes.
The difficulty levels for hiking tours:
- Blue: generally accessible, no steep inclines or drop offs
- Red: average-difficult, often narrow, and frequently steep
- Black: difficult, narrow, steep, with frequent interruptions, longer sections for climbing that are not secured
- Incline: very difficult, exposed, unsecured passages, risk of falling
Blue hiking trail – easy tours – blue circle on yellow sign
These hiking tours are not very demanding when it comes to experience or equipment. As a rule, these trails can be mastered by all hikers without any problems. The trails are wide and have only minor inclines or drop offs.
Red mountain trail – average difficulty level tour – red circle on yellow sign
Trails with red signs are usually narrow and have steep inclines in many areas. Hikers have to expect to encounter secured climbing and walking passages. Alpine experience and a secure step are absolutely necessary for these kinds of tours. For red mountain trails you will have to be in good basic shape physically, in terms of equipment you will need the minimum described on this site.
Black mountain trail – difficult tour – black circle on yellow sign
Tours marked with black signs are suitable only for mountain climbers with alpine experience. The trails are continuously steep, very narrow and exposed. Extended secured walking and climbing passages are commonplace on these trails. A firm step and no problems with altitude sickness are definite prerequisites. You will be able to master these trails only if you are in excellent physical shape. In terms of equipment, you will need the more extensive version.
Incline – very difficult tours – some are marked STEIG = INCLINE
These extremely difficult inclines can be found in the high alpine terrain. Most of these routes are exposed and include unsecured walking and climbing passages. The risk of slipping and falling is very high on inclines, given that the routes are frequently slippery. Inclines appear unexpectedly, which is why you won’t find the respective signage throughout. Mountaineers climbing inclines will have to have an absolutely safe step and must not be prone to altitude sickness. High alpine climbing passages must not pose a problem for them. In terms of orientation, physical condition, terrain assessment and equipment, climbers must be absolutely top notch.
Make safety your number one priority when you embark on hikes in Tyrol. Reasonable self-assessment in terms of one’s skill level should be a given for any hiker. If you are in doubt about your own, simply consult with the mountain guides in Galtür. You can always boost your skill level by attending a class at the alpine schools.
Still looking for the perfect room or vacation rental for your hiking vacation in Galtür? If so, make your online reservations here right now.
