UIAAasteikko

The UIAAasteikko, often referred to as the UIAA scale, is a standardized system used to grade the difficulty of rock climbing routes. It is maintained by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). This scale is designed to provide a consistent and objective measure of the challenge presented by a climb, taking into account factors such as steepness, exposure, and the technical skill required.

The UIAA scale is a numerical scale, typically starting from grade 1 and progressing upwards. Lower numbers represent easier climbs suitable for beginners, while higher numbers indicate extremely difficult routes that demand advanced climbing techniques and significant physical strength. The scale is not linear; the difficulty increase between consecutive grades can vary. Some grades are further subdivided with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols to indicate finer distinctions in difficulty.

It is important to note that the UIAA scale is primarily used in Europe and has been adopted by many national climbing federations. While widely respected, it is not the only grading system in use globally, with other regions and climbing disciplines sometimes employing different scales, such as the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in North America. Climbers often consult guidebooks that provide UIAA grades alongside descriptions of the route's characteristics to assess its suitability for their abilities. The UIAA continuously reviews and updates the scale based on feedback from the climbing community to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy.