Climbing skills are a prerequisite for gaining an entry into the Pinnacle Ridge Extreme sky race.

We will accept the following with regards to Scrambling Skills:

Graded scrambles; Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 are acceptable, but we will not accept just Grade 1 scrambles, you must have a minimum of 5 graded scrambles, in different weather conditions. If you have been guided, this is not acceptable. If you have soloed them, then this is a bonus.

For an example:

1: Jacks Rake, Grade 1, Weather fine, soloed

2: Tryfan North Ridge, Grade 1, Weather foul, used ropes and led

3: Curved Ridge, Grade 2/3, during Glencoe Skyline, soloed

4: Pinnacle Ridge on Great Gable, Grade 3, Winter, Roped and led

5: Ledge Route, Grade 2, Windy, Solo

Sky Races [Extreme]; the following sky races will gain you an entry to Pinnacle Ridge RE:

• Glencoe Skyline
• Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme
• Trofeo Kima
• Tromso Sky Race (full version)
• Zacup Sky Race
• Livigno Sky Marathon

Please note, this list is not exhaustive, so of you have done a 'sky race' that you believe is applicable, please note it in your registration, with a link to the website and your position in the results and we will check it out.

We readily accept climbing skills and expect a good level of competency. The following is not exhaustive and is listed as an example of how to present your climbing background.

We require a minimum of 3 rock climbs, the more you present, the more likely you are to gain a place, assuming the grades concur. We will accept 'seconded routes', but these must be of a much higher standard.

Anything above VD [V Diff/Very Difficult] standard will be accepted, assuming you have not been 'guided' on these routes.

1: Little Chamonix, Shepherds Crag, Grade: VD, Style: Led

2: Pendulm Chimney, Chair and Ladder, Grade: S 4b, Style: Led

3: Bracket and Slab, Gimmer Crag, Grade: VS 4b, Style: Led

4: Bowfell Buttress, Bowfell, Grade: HS 4b, Style: Solo

5: Central Pillar, Esk Buttress, Grade: E2 5b, Style: Seconded

** Please note, the Race Directors decision on allowed climbs and styles is final.

Winter climbing is a transferable skill to rock climbing and scrambling, however you must be able to demonstrate you possess the required skill set and you might need to add this to 'scrambles' you have achieved for example.

We will require a minimum grade of Grade 2 in order for you to gain an entry with 'winter climbing skills' alone and must be able to show a minimum of 3 climbs of the correct standard. Weather conditions will be taken into account.

You can combine 'winter climbs' with 'graded scramble' ascents to gain an entry to the race.

Below is an example of the presentation we require:

1: V Corner, Helvellyn, Grade 3, solid neve and ice, weather: Blue skies, Style: Led

2: Summer Step, Brown Cove Crags, Grade 2, heavy snow, weather: snowing, Style: Solo

3: Crib Goch - Crib Y Ddysgl Traverse (Winter), Grade 1, weather: Overcast with light snow, Style: Solo [not quite acceptable, but when combined with other experience, this will help]

4: Liathach, Main Ridge Traverse, Torridon (winter), Grade 2, weather: Blue skies start, finished in heavy snow, Style: Alpine

We will take into account the following:

• Enchainments; these are groups of scrambles taken on in one day, for example: Jacks Rake, Threading the Needle, Sphinx Ridge, Pinnacle Ridge (Gable Crag). Classic Rock Round in the Lakes [instant entry gained], Ledge Route, descended Number 4 Gully, Tower Ridge, summit of the Ben and down the CMD arete
• UK Rounds; these will help us understand your mountain competency but will not necessarily gain you an entry. Examples are: Bob Graham Round via Halls Fell and Broad Stand. Paddy Buckley Round, Ramsay Round etc.
• Via Ferrata; Please list any Via Ferrata you have undertaken and the style you have completed them in.