The use of crampons and traditional ice axe is the core technique of this very complex discipline due to the severe environment and the many variables it can involve. Previous experience is a great help in understanding your current level:
Winter ascents
Technical difficulty
Level 1
You have no experience of high mountains, but you do have hiking experience. You have never used ice axe and boot crampons;
Level 2
You are able to climb simple routes on glaciers, preferably marked trails of difficulty level PD. You are familiar with the basic use of boot crampons and ice axe, using the traditional technique, you have experience of crossing glaciers with progression in a roped party;
Level 3
You are able to tackle climbs of difficulty level AD, so you know how to use boot crampons and ice axe using the traditional technique, you have experience of progression in a roped party on glaciers and you are able to tackle short mixed climbs and/or on short ice wall climbs;
Level 4
You are able to tackle climbs of difficulty level D, so you are very familiar with using boot crampons and ice axe using the traditional technique, you have experience of progression in a roped party on glaciers and mixed climbing and/or on ice wall climbing;
Level 5
You are able to tackle climbs of difficulty level D+, so you are very familiar with using boot crampons and ice axe using the traditional technique, you have experience of progression in a roped party on glaciers and you have solid experience in mixed climbing and/or ice wall climbing.
