Yosemite decimal system to v scale The guidebook Adirondack Rock rates it 5. 8, 5. From the Yosemite Decimal System that offers a glimpse at the rockface’s difficulty level and degree of challenge to the V Scale, which gives an idea of the bouldering rating, it’s essential to understand each so you know precisely what you’re in for. Scrambles in North America are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System, ranging from Class 1 (Easy Hiking) to Class 5 (Rock Climbing). 12. If a gym focuses solely on grading, and ignores the less discernible factors, the community loses out - different styles, likes & dislikes, biases, etc. The YDS grades are divided into five distinct classes according to the technical difficulty and level of fitness required in each Nicht zu verwechseln mit dem Klassensystem, das unter dem Yosemite Decimal System beschrieben wird, misst die NCCS Climbing Grade Scale, was Kletterer oft als „Commitment Grade“ bezeichnen. From grade 5. These help ensure Darth Grader remains accurate and accessible, regardless of climbing style or grade, from moderate beginner routes to the most challenging Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing style and route characteristics have a significant influence on these conversions. The National Climbing Classification System (NCCS) and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) introduced a distinctly U. 8 in the gym or a 5. May 25, 2024 · In the US, climbers measure the pure gymnastic difficulty of a route using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The "V" scale is used for bouldering routes, with V0 representing the easiest and V17 meaning the most difficult. 5th class was intended to be a decimal system. 10. ), the world of bouldering (at least in North America) has its own distinctive grading scale: the V-scale. Apr 27, 2025 · In the U. A Breakdown of the YDRS. Traveling. 1-5. Ok – why do you need to know any of this? Dec 30, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a standardized scale that categorizes the difficulty of trails and climbing routes, helping adventurers evaluate the physical and technical challenges of a route. are graded using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). It was developed in the 1950’s by members of the Sierra Club, used to describe local hikes. While rope climbers use the Yosemite Decimal System (5. 10a, 5. This scale has 5 difficulty levels: Class 1: Walking on easy terrain Aug 30, 2021 · It’s no longer the most accurate way to describe the climbing difficulty. When the scale reaches 5. The system is mainly used for mountaineering in North America and was initially developed by Southern California’s Sierra Club. The Sierra Club in the United States of America established the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the 1950s after combining and refining other climbing grade systems from the early days of climbing in Yosemite Valley. Though it was born in the outdoors, the system is also used to rate route difficulty in climbing gyms. The V-scale doesn't consider risk and is purely focused on the technical difficulty of the movements. [1] Oct 20, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System is the dominant free climbing grading system in the U. 7a+ is equivalent to 5. Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a numeric scale used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, scrambles and climbs, primarily used by climbers in the United States and elsewhere in North America. When it comes to indoor climbing grades, two popular grading systems are the V-Scale and the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). 8+. Each grade allows climbers to choose routes appropriate to their ability. 10c, etc. 0 (semblable à l’ascension d’une échelle verticale en termes de difficulté) à 5. Feb 12, 2019 · Let’s talk about about the Yosemite Decimal System also known as YDS. In this post, you’ll see how these grading systems compare, why they can be tricky to convert, and what to consider if you’re climbing across different systems. we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to grade routes, while we use the V-Scale to grade boulder problems. 9 and easier you would have 5. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with vertical pitches ranking at a 5-level difficulty with a decimal addition. While it is primarily used in the U. Originally developed in the 1950s by the Sierra Club, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) has become the go-to rating system for hiking and climbing routes in the U. When it comes to bouldering, the V-scale, created by John “Verm” Sherman in 1991, raised the bar. What they're describing is the difficulty level of the climb and the rating is from the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 9 stands for 9 cups of miralax. “Dieses System kategorisiert im Wesentlichen die Zeit, die ein durchschnittliches Kletterteam investieren muss, um eine Route erfolgreich abzuschließen. Indoor gyms, to top it off, often have their own grading systems that can be subjective. They are for grading sport climbs and traditional climbing, but we will also cover the bouldering grades V-scale and French (Font). May 31, 2020 · Grading happens both indoors and outdoors. The adjectival grades range from Easy to E11, while the technical grades range from 3 to 7b. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a rating system used by rock climbers to choose appropriate climbs that are challenging, within their abilities, and to bring proper gear. 2. “Tento systém v podstatě kategorizuje čas investice v průměru lezení tým se musí zavázat, aby se úspěšně dokončit trasu. The original ice climbing UIAA scale is still widely used and adopted in some regions. The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. 🗿 Bouldering Grade Converter. D. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Jun 23, 2024 · V-Scale vs. A route with one 5. 5. These classes are based on the Yosemite Decimal System. Even with metrics like the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) and the V Scale, it fails to account for the variance and subjectivity natural to climbing. 6, 5. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. The system was first developed in the 1950s at Yosemite National Park in California and has since become widely used around the world. Scrambles in the UK are graded from 1-4, with 1 being moderately difficult and 4 being extremely difficult: Yosemite Decimal System. 6c to V-scale. Converting between the French and V-scales is not straightforward. 0 (like climbing a steep ladder) and progresses in difficulty up to 5. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how the Fontainebleau (or “Font”) system—like 9A—converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s a quick answer: Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how 8A in the Fontainebleau grading system compares to the V Scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s your quick answer: 8A on the Fontainebleau scale equals V11 on the V Scale; 8A also translates to about 5. (YDS) Other countries and/or activities will have different designations. Australian: used in Australia and New Zealand, this system ranges from 1 (easiest) to 35 Apr 27, 2025 · It has become the scale used for V scale, the bouldering standard in the States. There are other ones, like the B-Scale, the P-Scale, the Joshua Tree Scale, and a few others, but you don’t really need to know those as they are not really used. If you take away the handrail on an outside stairway, it is fatally exposed but still only class 1 in either system. Converting between them is no cakewalk, and figuring out which system applies to what type of climbing adds another layer of confusion. The most common and widely accepted rating system for climbing route difficulty rating is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The rock climbing portion was added by the Los Angeles chapter of the club in the 1950s. Originally developed by the Sierra Club in the 1930s, this is the grading scale used in North America for all sport and trad climbs. Route-climbing grades begin at 5. On the other hand, the YDS is used for roped climbing, with ratings like 5. 8-, 5. The YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) is one of the oldest measurement tools used for mountain climbing. Apr 27, 2025 · The V-scale is used to rate bouldering problems in the United States, starting at V0. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how 8A+ converts to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System, the short answer is: 8A+ equals V12 and roughly 5. A 7a in font bouldering grade can be converted into a V6 bouldering grade. The class 5 portion of the class scale is primarily a rock climbing classification system, while classes 1–4 are used for hiking and scrambling. 8+ route was about as hard as climbs got. V scale equivalents that establish performance standards for elite climbers on US soil. A 7c on the French scale is about a V9 on the V scale. 6 (easiest) to 5. This simple conversion takes it and converts it into its V scale equivalent, which is the scale predominantly used in the United States. It ranges from V0 (easiest) to V17 (hardest), and is based on the overall difficulty and physical challenge of the boulder problem. There are some issues when attempting to convert an 8c+ Font grade to the V scale. 11 if established more recently were given a grade of 5. In contrast, bouldering grades use the V-scale or Fontainebleau scale, as mentioned earlier. 8+ on the Yosemite Decimal System scale of difficulty. See full list on climbinghouse. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine . e. En Amérique du Nord, l’escalade sportive et l’escalade traditionnelle sont classifiées selon le Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Since then some of the originally graded climbs have become easier with the use of modern climbing equipment so the grading system has become open ended to allow for tougher climbs to be graded. It was first devised by the Sierra Club in the 1930s , when it ran from 1 to 6, but today it runs from 1 to 5. Most rock climbs over 20 feet tall in the U. The French Numerical System and the Yosemite Decimal System, predominant in the U. Jan 31, 2025 · Additionally, the tool bridges different grading systems—such as the French scale, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the V-scale, and the Fontainebleau—using correspondence tables. The YDS grades are assigned to roped climbing routes, and the "V" Scale grades are assigned to boulder problems. 10 or even 5. Free climbing grades are generally understood to reflect the hardest move or section on a particular route. , climbing grades are divided into two systems: the V-grade scale for bouldering and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped routes. The UK system is made of two sub-grades, an adjective grade and a technical grade. A sport climb in the Yosemite scale is always denoted with the number 5, a decimal, another number between 0 and 15 Moved Permanently. 15 (paroi très déversante). Jan 27, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) rating of climbing difficulty has seen some changes over the years from when it was introduced in the 1950's. 0 was capped at 5. Here is a chart showing the bouldering rating conversions between the V Scale and Font Scale. In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 0 and advance with technical difficulty. 12 move is 5. , we use the Yosemite Decimal System ( known as the YDS scale) to grade climbing routes. Originally designed for rock climbing, the YDS has become an essential tool for hikers and scramblers, providing a framework to ensure that trails For a long time, there was no 5. The V-Scale is used for bouldering, ranging from V0 (easiest) to V16 (most difficult). As a way to remember the general progression of these classes, you can think of each class as the number of limbs or support points needed to scale the given terrain. 9, 5. Here's the link if you're interested. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the Hueco Scale (the "V" Scale). [2] The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a five-part grading system used for rating the difficulty of rock climbing routes in the United States and Canada. The Yosemite Decimal System is a scale for rating the difficulty of trails and climbing routes. 한편 미국에서는 1937년에 “Welzenbach"의 방식이 소개된 이후 1950년대에 독자적인 난이도 표기법인 YDS(Yosemite Decimal System)를 도입했습니다. Originally known as the Southern California or Wilts-Sierra system, it eventually became cemented as the Yosemite Decimal System, despite its inception outside of Yosemite. 10b, 5. Originally, the YDS scale started at 5. This is where the real climbing scale begins. 0 and topped out at 5. In North America both sport and trad rock climbs are graded using the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). Apr 29, 2024 · The most common free-climbing grading scales are the French, US or Yosemite Decimal System, and the UK scale. Aug 18, 2017 · YDS stands for the Yosemite Decimal System and it is a grading system for hiking, scrambling, and climbing. YDS. Dec 7, 2016 · Understanding rock climbing grades and ratings will help you to challenge and strengthen yourself as a climber. Apr 18, 2017 · “We solved the problem by placing a decimal point after the first number followed by a second number indicating the actual level of technical difficulty,” Robbins writes. May 4, 2020 · American Bouldering is graded on its own scale, known as the Hueco System (also known as the V Scale). 9. Yosemite Decimal System. For bouldering, on the other hand, there are varying systems in place. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada . and parts of Canada. The "old-school" scale started at 5. The grades, annotated with roman numerals, indicate the length of the climb, and are intended to help climbers properly prepare for their ascent. 10d on the Yosemite Decimal System. The V-scale is an open-ended scale that starts at V0 (although a slightly easier "VB" has been used for beginners), and increases in single-digit steps (i. We have charts posted throughout the gym for climbers to reference the different grade levels. The Yosemite Decimal System. It grades the difficulty of climbs, particularly in the United States. Developed by the U. com Rock climbing is Class 5. Ce système classifie les niveaux de difficulté par des chiffres qui vont de 5. The Yosemite Decimal Scale for Auto Belay/Top Rope/Lead Climbing and the Hueco/V Scale for Bouldering. While these grading systems are widely used, they are subjective and have even evolved over time, so we often hear about the inconsistency climbers see between different climbing Apr 27, 2025 · There are several rock climbing grade systems, each with their own history and regional use, but the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the French scale are the two grading systems used most. 国内岩友熟悉的 5. Apr 27, 2025 · The American scene went in a very different direction. 0 (class + difficulty) and currently goes up to 5. 0 and the hardest climbs were supposed to be 5. The YDS is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of climbs in rock climbing, mountaineering, and similar outdoor activities. The Knife Edge on Capitol Peak in Colorado is an example of a Class 4 climb. Some gyms use the classic V-grade system, marking each boulder problem with a V-grade on a tag or piece of tape at its start. Oct 15, 2021 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a method for rating the difficulty of walking trails and sport climbing routes. 1. Mar 17, 2023 · Both 6b and 6b+ graded boulders in the Fontainebleau system convert into a V4 grade in the V-scale bouldering grading system. You only get into hard or easy number for grades without a letter so 5. For instance, a 7a+ on the French scale can actually climb like a 5. X) on the roped climbing routes and the Vermin (V0-VX) grades on the bouldering problems. Feb 26, 2021 · The very low grades are for scrambles. Skip to content This is for an announcement and can be turned on to display and off to not display. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, understanding this system can help you track progress and select problems that match your ability level. The decimal notations range from 5. French Numerical System (FR) — 6a+, 8b+, etc. All climbing grades begin with the number five. It was soon discovered that class 5 encompassed such a large group of rock that it was sub-divided into a decimal system. Let’s break it down the grade 5. This is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). xx 难度系统来自美国，它叫优胜美地难度体系（ Yosemite Decimal System,YDS ），它由两个部分组成，“ 5. It’s no wonder then that some of those 5. The exact definitions of each of the classes are not fully agreed upon, but the general canyoneering interpretation is included below. For leading climbing and top-roping, the watch supports Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and French systems. For many years, climbing primarily focused on routes, so there was no need for a separate grading system. The Sierra Club initially developed the system in the 1930s to grade hikes and climbs in California’s Sierra Nevada. Sep 16, 2021 · Bouldering Grades Conversion Chart: V Scale to Font Scale. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) In the U. Outside, that same V0 could be more difficult or easier depending on things like the sun, rock quality, or how the problem is graded. Grades initiate at 5. Sub-Grade (Yosemite Decimal System). At higher grades, the Font Scale and V Scale become almost directly translatable. Convert from Font to Hueco and more. com Mar 17, 2012 · In the United States for sport climbing and other forms of rock climbing we use the Yosemite Decimal System. Here are some key points for converting 7a+ to the V scale: 7a is about the same as V6. May 5, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is used in the United States to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment associated with rock climbing. At the same time, the French scale (like 7c) is in heavy global use. The Bouldering V Scale (a. Each trail has two trekking variations that are hiked between 5 to 9 days and differ in summit success rates (42 to 95%), climbing level of difficulty (ranked on a linear order scale of 1-7, using the Yosemite Decimal System) and the number of days traveled measured over a 53 to 72 kilometer (32-45 mile) hiking distance. 11d on the Yosemite Decimal System. Feb 19, 2021 · American Climbing Grades and the Yosemite Decimal System. The Yosemite Decimal System is used mainly for rock climbing, but it is also widely used in hiking. ” Gills’ sliding scale suggested that B1 was a climb at the highest level of traditional roped climbing, B2 signified a bouldering Feb 6, 2016 · Yosemite Decimal System The American Yosemite Decimal System was originally designed in the 1930s to rate hikes and climbs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. While climbers in the U. Yosemite Decimal System - Grades: The Yosemite Decimal System also includes an optional Grade rating. This confusion usually happens even for people who are used to operating within a single grading system. However, it has its limitations in terms of mountaineering, due to the fact that it doesn’t account for ice, snow, or winter conditions. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal System for climbing. 9 was the hardest a human could accomplish. 1 and currently go up to 5. Aug 23, 2024 · Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. Class 1-4: Refers to hiking and scrambling. The rope grading system at Velocity Miami is based on a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Nov 1, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading scale that evaluates the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes, especially for mountaineering and rock climbing. 10a being less difficult than 5. Mar 24, 2022 · Nonetheless, like the V-scale, the Font scale’s open-endedness has given it staying power: Michel Libert’s L’Abbatoir, done in 1960, is still le forêt’s first and benchmark 7A (V6), even if Font’s current hardest problem merits 8C+ or 9A (V16 or V7)… depending on who you ask. British (Traditional): this complex system includes two grades: the adjectival grade (overall difficulty) and the technical grade (specific moves' difficulty). For bouldering, the watch supports V-Scale and Font Scale. This decimal extension was created and developed in Southern California to classify the difficulty of various routes at Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks. But the YDS is an empirical system not a intellectual one, and any attempt to reduce it to research and discussion is bound to be flawed. Flavor to climb rating. 0 through 5. , bouldering is typically graded using V-scale, while top rope climbs are graded using the YDS scale (Yosemite Decimal System). To break down the system, class 1 is for walking on a pre made trail; class 2 is hiking an incline; class 3 is climbing a sharp incline without a rope; class 4 is an exposed route along a ledge, possibly including a rope; and class 5 signals technical rock Nesmí být zaměňována s třídou systému je uvedeno pod Yosemite Decimal System, NCC lezení stupeň stupnice měří to, co horolezci často se odkazují na jako „závazek Třídy. 15 scale, is used to measure the difficulty of both bouldering and top rope routes. Initially, the easiest climbs were rated 5. , you can find YDS grades all around the world. United States – Yosemite Decimal System(YDS) is a grading system commonly found in the United States, starts with a 5. 9 classics feel several grades harder. This system then assigns an additional number from 1 to 15 to a climbing route based on its overall difficulty, encompassing factors like technical Jan 6, 2024 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), Font, French, Alpine, British Trad, British Tech—the list goes on. Jul 8, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System. Sep 11, 2015 · Here’s a rough guide to the different classes. Let’s break down this system to better understand what it all means! Class. Apr 27, 2025 · The term “6b+ to v scale” means to translate a Fontainebleau system bouldering grade of 6b+. 11d in the Yosemite Decimal System. Mar 1, 2021 · The United States uses the Yosemite system with a range of 5. The sub-grades, indicated by the “S-” prefix, are created by the Sierra Club to add useful risk assessment / planning information to each grade: YDS CLASS 1. something. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. See relevant content for every-last-rock. a the Vermin Scale) The V-Scale is as follows: V0-V3: Beginner; V4-V6: Intermediate The Sierra Club in the United States of America established the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the 1950s after combining and refining other climbing grade systems from the early days of climbing in Yosemite Valley. If you’ve been to a climbing gym in the US, chances are you have seen the Yosemite Decimal System (5. The simple class definitions 1-4 of the YDS Yosemite Decimal System are as follows. 12 moves is 5. At lower grades, a single V grade often translates to being ‘wider’ than a single grade on the Font Scale. Like the Yosemite Decimal System, it takes into account the difficulty of the holds, foot placements and muscular moves, not the danger of the route. In other words, as the challenge level rises, V11 or V12 usually equates to the challenge level of an 8a+ route. 10, etc. The Wikipedia description may be found here. It begins at V0 for the least challenging ascents and increases with subsequent numerals for more difficult puzzles. Attempts to directly compare these scales may be challenging due to the different nature of challenges in each discipline. 10c, 5. ） The Yosemite Decimal System (which is the one that's mostly used in the US, and the one you'll see around here most often - it's the 5. 1 (easiest) to 5. In America, we use two primary grading systems to rate the difficulty of rock climbs. The Yosemite Decimal System, used in the States, describes both trad and sport routes, and has some similarities with the British trad scale. The sub-grade ranges from 1 to a theoretically infinite number (today the highest number is 15). , would be lost in the narrow pursuit of grades. This system ranges from V0 to V16, with V0 considered to be easy and V16 saved for the elite. Apr 27, 2025 · For reference, a V0 on the V Scale translates to about a 5. All rope climbs start with a “5” which signifies that it is a rope route. 12a. The V scale is commonly utilized in climbing gyms. Apr 27, 2025 · What is the V-Scale System? The V-scale is a system of grading bouldering problems, the most common system used in the United States. 11a, etc. In this edition of On Sight, we’ll demystify climbing grades, and take a closer look at how a subjective sport like climbing tangles with the Feb 2, 2025 · In the U. 7a to V-scale. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. The Yosemite Decimal System is the oldest climbing grade system still in use. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. UIAA stands for Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme, but the scale isn’t used in France. Thus, the first Yosemite scale ranged from 5. So in the thirties or forties, a 5. feet ony) Class 3: Technical Hiking (3-points of contact) Class 4: Scrambling (4 points of contact) The Yosemite Decimal System is a commonly used rating system in bouldering and climbing. UIAA – This system is used in Germany, in other areas of Eastern Europe and in Italy for the classic routes. YDS is the dominant classification system in the United States and parts of Canada. 0 (easiest) to 5. This is largely a result of differences in grading philosophy and the lack of a clear, consistent approach. You may choose the system and the level of route before starting the climb. 10, a new wrinkle is added: we add a letter (a, b, c or d) to more finely indicate how difficult the climb is - 5. 9 (then extremely hard). Jul 20, 2020 · In the U. The Yosemite Decimal System is a complicated entity fully worthy of dissertation-like exploration. A route with 20 5. n + 알파벳(a,b,c,d) 가 붙는 형태로 처음에는 알파벳이 붙지 않았지만 세부난이도 구분을 위하 알파벳이 추가되었고, 암벽 For example, a ‘V’ is equivalent to a ‘4c’ and ‘X+’ is equivalent to ‘8a+’. The short answer is that they’re part of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). While a 7a+ can be converted into Oct 23, 2023 · The V-scale, used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), used for route climbing, represent two distinct grading systems tailored to their specific forms of climbing. You will find that Ape Index uses a tape system to identify routes, and route ratings can be found on every wall. Nov 13, 2023 · V-scale: The V-scale is a bouldering grading system used primarily in the United States. Jun 5, 2023 · The Yosemite climbing scale was developed by Royal Robbins, Don Wilson, and Chuck Wilts in Southern California in the early 1950s. YDS classes . Feb 25, 2025 · In the U. Class 1 Hiking on a trail. Mar 31, 2016 · I'm pretty sure bouldering grades are predicated on the same basic ideas behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which sets the rating of the route as the single hardest move on that route. The Yosemite Decimal System: A Quick Overview . 难度是攀岩的语言，难度级别是线路或抱石的一种表达形式，最早的难度诞生是因为人们想用一种方式来表示他们攀登或走过的路有多难，于是决定用一个量化的指标来描述它。在20世纪30年代，美国的SIERRA CLUB制定了一个难度系统，也就是约塞米提难度系统（Yosemite Decimal System）（以下简称Y. Oct 27, 2017 · Isn't the Yosemite decimal system great?! This works but I would even take it a step further and say 5. Major countries in which the grades' system is used : French grades: France, Spain, Switzerland YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) USA, Canada, Mexico: UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) Germany, Austria: Ewbank system: Australia, South Africa: Brazilian grades: Brazil: British grades: United Kingdom Feb 21, 2017 · Here in the U. When I started climbing, there were two rating options for bouldering: doing your best to apply the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to boulder problems or using the Gill System, neither of which was entirely satisfactory. It begins with VB for easy boulder problems and goes all the way up to V17. The difficulty grades 1-4 refer to increasingly difficult walking terrain. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) was developed by the Sierra Club in the 1930's to describe hiking and climbing routes. [1] It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems from the 1930s, [2] and quickly spread throughout North America. I cover the meaning be Jun 10, 2024 · Convert from French to Yosemite Decimal System and more. , the Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used rock climbing ratings system. The Yosemite Decimal Rating System, with the 5. Developed in the 1930s by the Sierra Club, the YDS has become the standard grading system for rock climbing in the United States. The 1-5 hiking classes are part of the Yosemite Decimal System and was created in the 1950s by members of the Sierra Club who wanted a way to communicate and assess the difficulty of routes in their mountaineering efforts. 15 (hardest). Finally onto the US grading system – also known as the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Today’s scale ranges up to 5. Class 1: Easy, well-maintained trails It's the Yosemite Decimal System. The document has moved here. 15c. This grading system was first established in California, then revised in the Yosemite Valley to become close to what it is today. . 10d, indicate difficulty levels. 0 the scrambling terrain starts. Jun 24, 2013 · The climb, like so many of his others, is called simply Wiessner Route. Go figure… USA grades. You will be able to choose the system and the level of route before starting the climb. When the scale was established in the 1950s, it ended at 5. Feb 9, 2023 · Seems like the Manure Pile Buttress would be a good place to do the initial drop of the Yosemite Colonoscopy System. Generally speaking, 6b+ aligns with V4 on the V scale. Feb 4, 2015 · East German Rating System (GDR (Saxon)) East Germany (former DDR) French numerical system: France, Europe, International: Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) USA, Canada, South America: Ewbank: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa: British (tech) Great Britian May 16, 2022 · 1. Within the YDS there are five classes, 1-5. The Yosemite Decimal System consists of five general classes, the fifth being subdivided with a decimal notation, but it is generally accepted that some ratings are too high or too low because people want to brag or because the standards among climbers has changed over time, and many people have editorial comments about the YDS. Both 6c and 6c+ in Font, convert to a V5 bouldering grade in the V-scale system. These ratings do not describe the amount of effort required; class 1 can be long and strenuous and class 5 can be quick and easy. 0 was the easiest of the climbing where a rope is required and 5. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System , also known as YDS, is used to determine hiking difficulty and sport climbing routes based in North America. Note: In the 1950s, the Class 5 portion of this ranking system was expanded to include a decimal at the end of the ranking to further define the difficulties of rock climbing. A YDS grade is split into two numbers separated by a period and looks like this: Class. 14a in sport climbing grades Mar 4, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. YDS Yosemite Decimal System 1-4 …expanded with Sierra Club Mountain Scrambling subGrades. It's fairly easy to understand, and it's great because it encompasses things outside of pure rock climbing Class 1: Walking Class 2: Hiking (no hand use, or 2-points of contact i. The classes describe the routes in terms of what a "typical person" would need to do in order to negotiate the route (walking, use of hands for balance, use of hands for upward and downward movement, etc. 9+. 0 to 5. The difficulty of a rock climbing grade is typically classified using one of three different systems: the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the French Adjectival System, or the British Technical Grade (TG) system. But it was a start, and it helped develop every system that’s still in use. 10d. , drew heavily on the original 1-6 scale. Class 5 is used for rock climbing and bouldering. , climbers routinely confuse the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the V-scale. United States Grading. Then it is counted up from 5. 14b. To follow the Graded System in Adrenaline Climbing climbers follow the same colored climbing holds with both hands and feet from the denoted start hold/holds to the top hold/marked end hold/holds. V5, V6, V7), and was at V17 in 2023 with Burden of Dreams. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. A basic guide for those looking to learn the Yosemite Decimal System. Comparing these scales is somewhat akin to comparing sprinting to a marathon; while both are running, the skills and attributes required are quite different. 10 doesn't exist and any grade that has - is a/b and + is c/d and outside of that everything else will be a,b,c,d. 10 grade in the Yosemite Decimal System, and routes that would have been given a grade of 5. Aug 3, 2021 · Previously boulders used either the Yosemite Decimal System, meaning problems had confusing route grades, or John Gill’s B-system, suggested in his 1969 American Alpine Journal article “The Art of Bouldering. Fixed. Class describes a climb or an approach/descent to or from a climb. As I started to rock climb I got confused by these different rating systems and their relationships. Sep 25, 2023 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS Grade): Born in the USA during the 1930s, this system, particularly its ‘fifth class’, is tailored for technical climbing. The YDS Classification System. This is the class. Mar 25, 2024 · Sport climbing grades are typically denoted using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the United States, ranging from 5. S. Over the years, YDS has become a widespread system throughout North America to categorize the technical difficulty of hikes. Jun 5, 2023 · The two most popular grading systems are the V-Scale and the Font-Scale. In the USA, both indoor and outdoor routes are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System. May 16, 2004 · Yosemite Decimal System A scale for rating the difficulty of outings ranging from day hikes to extreme mountaineering. ”以及后面跟着的数字及字母。后半部分从 0 开始，上至 15d 。 为什么前面是 5 开头，没有 1-4 ？ Mar 30, 2023 · Gym Grading: Gyms in North America use the Yosemite Decimal System for route grades. The scale starts at 5. Class 1 is flat terrain, while Class 4 involves steeper, more challenging scrambling that may require the use of hands. Though usually applied to climbing, the YDS covers hiking and scrambling as well. The YDS grades are divided into five distinct classes according to the technical difficulty and level of fitness required in each Feb 14, 2024 · In bouldering, the V Scale denotes difficulty, starting with V0 for entry-level climbs. 0 (very easy) to 5. At one of my visits to Planet Granite in SF, the indoor gym I typically go to, I finally saw a conversion chart. In the United States, Canada and Mexico the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is typically used to rate the technical difficulty of climbs. The system has three parts. Note that actual conversions may vary because of local grading customs and the nature of each boulder problem. Jul 6, 2023 · Understanding the rating system for hiking trails is essential before you set off to try a new route. Apr 27, 2025 · The V scale is the dominant bouldering grading system here in the United States. k. All the Yosemite legends probably rate the difficulty of a route relative to the prep for a colonoscopy. Apr 13, 2025 · From the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to the Fontainebleau grades, this article will serve as your go-to reference for decoding climbing difficulty. Feb 28, 2023 · This scale is known as the Yosemite Decimal Scale (YDS). Many systems exist worldwide, though the most common are the Yosemite system and the French system — we’ll talk more about the various systems in a moment. The Yosemite Decimal system excels at differentiating how hard various technical climbs are, but it often fails to accurately describe mountaineering climbs. The number is increased when a ‘harder’ climb is developed. Yosemite decimal rating system and the vermin v-scale rating system for rock climbing. May 2, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System is a grading system for hiking and climbing. Class 4 is not as tricky of terrain as Class 5 but has the potential for dangerous falls. Sport climbing grades, represented by the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), like 5. Especially in the USA, but also in large parts of the world, the YDS scale (YDS = Yosemite Decimal System) is used. 15 (most difficult). Hiking The Yosemite Decimal System is a five-class scale that categorizes the technical difficulty of various terrain, from simple walking paths to highly technical rock climbs. Here's how to read it and pick the route for you. The YDS scale has five classes – classes 1 and 2 are reserved for walking and hiking, respectively. What Is a Climbing Difficulty Ranking? A climbing difficulty ranking is a standardized scale used to assess the technical challenge, physical demand, and risk associated with a climbing route. ). This system starts at 5. There are 3 parts to a YDS grade. 14 (most difficult). 15. Grades 1 to 4 refer to walks of increasing difficulty, by the time you reach 5 you are assumed to be Conceptually, the "V" Scale is the bouldering equivalent of the earlier Australian (Ewbank) grading system for climbing - both have the advantages of not predefining an upper limit on difficulty measurement (as happened with the original Yosemite Decimal System), nor of having artificial divisions within the range of grades (as is the case with Mar 7, 2021 · But if you are serious about this amazing, adventurous sport, you’ll need to know all about climbing grades and bouldering ratings. 15 (an overhanging cliff). Class 5 is divided into sections or “climbing grades Sep 5, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. Route setters and those who rate climbing routes have decided on this system in order for climbers to have a good sense of what a route might expect of them before climbing. The reason for having two systems stems from the history of the sport. Apr 27, 2025 · In the United States climbing community, the V scale is prevalent. These rating systems have since been supplanted by the V-Scale and the Font Scale. The YDS Grades are listed below: Grade I: 1-2 hours Grade II: < half day Grade III: Half Day Feb 9, 2023 · In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The “5” is known as the difficulty of class and indicates that the climbing is technical and rope belaying with protection is required. However, as climbers got better, it became obvious that the scale had to keep getting harder, so we ended up with 5. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. vbmqp tuojb dhd szbi iuec ntrnur fnngxow jadmh auqqllak idv