Judging ones physical ability is a tricky and subjective exercise. To help you determine your preparedness for your upcoming activity with International Alpine Guides, we have devised a scale of self-determined physical fitness levels. Please use the following scale to help you determine your level of physical fitness and your readiness for one of our programs. You can find the required level of physical fitness on each trip page.

Please keep in mind that these standards are suggestions and everyone is different. And if you have any questions at all please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to chat with you about it!

 

Fair

  • You exercise infrequently and perhaps not every week. But you do get out and get solid exercise at least a few times per month.

  • Hiking a mile or two on easy trails is fine for you.

Good

  • You exercise for at least an hour a minimum of twice a week on average. Or a total of 2 hours a week.

  • Hiking up to 8 miles in a day on wilderness trails with a lightweight day pack in fine for you

  • Hiking on easy trails up to 5 miles in a day with a 35lb pack is probably fine for you

Very Good

  • You exercise 3-4 times per week for over an hour. Or a minimum total of 6 hours per week on average. You occasionally put in full 6-8 hour days of physical activity.

  • Hiking up to 11 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a lightweight pack is fine for you

  • Hiking up to 9 miles with 1500 ft of elevation gain with a 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) on a multi day backpacking trip is fine for you

Excellent

  • You exercise 5-6 times per week, sometimes for over 3 hours. Or a minimum total of 10 hours per week. At least twice a month you put in full 8-10 hour days of activity.

  • Hiking 12-14 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) is fine for you.

  • Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 5000 feet while carrying a lightweight pack should be ok for you

Athletic

  • You have a set training regimen 5-7 days a week sometimes for over 6 hours, or participate in strenuous mountain sports more than 2 days per week plus other exercise during the week. A minimum total of 15 hours of exercise per week on average. You regularly put in full 8-12 hour days of activity.

  • Hiking up to 16 miles in a day on wilderness trails with up to 4000 feet of elevation gain with an overnight 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) is fine for you.

  • Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 6000 feet is ok for you.