The following explanations are based on the trail manual of the Alpine associations, prepared jointly by the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein, DAV) and the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein, ÖAV) and updated in 2016. The manual defines the fundamental principles for the uniform planning, marking, signage, and management of alpine trails within their respective areas of responsibility.
Valley trail (no colour):
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 trail:
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.
Mountain trail marked with a blue dot:
Easier trails, which may be narrow and steep.
Mountain trail marked with a red dot:
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.
Mountain trail marked with a black dot:
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.
Alpine route:
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.
Responsibility for the preparation and publication of the trail manual of the Alpine associations lies with the German Alpine Club (Deutscher Alpenverein, DAV) and the Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein, ÖAV). The content is developed by the Department of Huts, Trails and Climbing Facilities of the DAV and the Department of Huts, Trails and Cartography of the ÖAV. The trail manual of the Alpine associations brings together the fundamental definitions, trail categories, signage and marking standards, as well as the technical and organizational guidelines. It serves as a binding reference for trail managers, Alpine organizations, and all stakeholders involved in the planning, maintenance, and management of the trail network within the respective areas of responsibility of the DAV and the ÖAV.
