DAV/ÖAV

Valley trails are mostly wide, generally have only a gentle incline, and do not feature any sections posing a risk of falling. Valley trails are generally not maintained by alpine clubs due to their low difficulty and proximity to the valley.

Mountain trails are predominantly narrow, they are often steep and may have sections where there is a risk of falling. With increasing difficulty, and thus higher classification, the frequency of places at risk of falling increases, as does the frequency of secured hiking sections and/or easy climbing sections where hikers will need to use their hands for balance.

Easier trails, which may be narrow and steep.

Predominantly narrow, often steep and may have sections that pose a risk of falling, may
include short hiking sections that are secured with wire ropes.

Narrow, often steep and pose a risk of falling. There are also frequent secured hiking sections and/or easy climbing sections where hikers will need to use their hands for balance. Being surefooted and having a good head for heights are essential.

These routes lead into open alpine and high alpine terrain and are not mountain trails as previously described. They can be visible as footprints due to the terrain having been frequently walked, but they are occasionally pathless. Alpine routes contain exposed sections with a risk of slipping and falling as well as unsecured hiking and climbing sections. Their technical difficulty level may significantly exceed that of difficult mountain trails (but may also fall below it, for example on an unmarked glacier crossing).
Alpine routes are generally neither created nor maintained, so hikers should not expect to be able to use any markings or signposting to help them find their way. Alpine routes require absolute surefootedness and a good head for heights, a good level of fitness, excellent orientation skills, ability to reliably assess the terrain, alpine or even high alpine climbing and mountain experience, and familiarity with the necessary mountain and emergency equipment. Alpine routes lead into open alpine or high alpine terrain and are not mountain trails as previously described. They may include exposed hiking and climbing sections that pose a risk of slipping and falling, and are unsecured.

Source / Further information

Deutscher Alpenverein e.V und Österreichischer Alpenverein (Hrsg.) (2017): Wegehandbuch des Alpenvereins. - München und Innsbruck. online:  https://www.alpenverein.at/portal_wAssets/docs/berg-aktiv/wege_touren/wegehandbuch_digital.pdf .

Responsibility for the preparation and publication of the trail manual lies with the German Alpine Club (DAV) and the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV). The content was developed by the DAV Department for Huts, Trails and Climbing Facilities and the ÖAV Department for Huts, Trails and Cartography. The trail manual summarises fundamental definitions, trail categories, signage and marking standards, as well as technical and organisational guidelines. It serves as a binding reference for trail managers, alpine organisations and all actors involved in trail management within the areas of responsibility of DAV and ÖAV.