HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1)

switzerland/Bernese Oberland / Glarus Alps / Valais
VS
Route B

Great Divide Trail (GDT)

canada/alberta-british-columbia-border

Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1) vs Great Divide Trail (GDT): Intensity Score Comparison

Great Divide Trail (GDT) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+12 points). While Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1) is a serious endeavor, Great Divide Trail (GDT) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+12 Great Divide Trail (GDT) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Greater Commitment
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Great Divide Trail (GDT) wins 7 of 10 metrics
3
Route A
7
Route B
switzerland/Bernese Oberland / Glarus Alps / Valais

Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1)

SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
Full Route Report

The Alpine Pass Route (National Route 1) is a classic trans-Swiss trek that crosses the backbone of the Bernese Oberland and the Glarus Alps. Beginning in Sargans near the Liechtenstein border and finishing in Montreux on Lake Geneva, the trail traverses 16-20 major alpine passes, including the formidable Hohtürli (2,778m) and Sefinafurgga. The route is defined by its constant verticality, offering uninterrupted views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau massifs. While technically categorized as hiking, the cumulative ascent of over 24,000 meters and the exposure of the high-altitude pass crossings place it among the most demanding non-glacial treks in the Alps.

canada/alberta-british-columbia-border

Great Divide Trail (GDT)

LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
Full Route Report

The wild heart of the Rockies. Stretching over 1,100km from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a loosely connected series of trails, old forestry roads, and off-trail cross-country segments. It follows the Continental Divide, crossing between Alberta and British Columbia dozens of times. Unlike more established National Scenic Trails, the GDT is often a "choose your own adventure" experience where the path frequently vanishes into scree slopes or dense willow bushwhacks. Hikers must be prepared for extreme isolation, technical river crossings, and the relentless verticality of the Canadian Rockies.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
78
WINNER90
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
75
WINNER88
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
50
WINNER75
DistanceLonger route
390 km
WINNER1130 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
24,000 m
WINNER44,000 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,778 m WINNER
2,590 m
DurationShorter commitment
20 days WINNER
55 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE WINNER
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5
WINNER5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // TRAIL
3
MODERATE // CHALLENGING
4
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
5
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1)
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
high altitude exposure: Passes like the Hohtürli and Bunderschrinde involve steep, loose shale paths with significant drop-offs.
rapid mountain weather shifts: The Bernese Oberland acts as a barrier for northern weather fronts, often resulting in sudden afternoon thunderstorms and hail.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
Extreme remote navigation failure risk: The trail frequently disappears into high alpine meadows or dense forests, and many markers are non-existent.
High grizzly density throughout the route: The GDT passes through some of the most densely populated grizzly habitat in western Canada. Encounters are possible throughout, particularly in berry patches and near water sources.

Required Gear Comparison

Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina Route 1)
Stiff-soled B1 or B2 trekking boots (essential for shale/scree traverses)High-capacity hydration system (3L+ recommended for dry limestone pass sectors)Precision terrain navigation (GPS + physical SwissTopo 1:50k maps)Compression-focused multi-day pack (12kg max weight recommended)
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Ultralight backpacking gear (every gram matters over 1,100km)Satellite Communicator (Garmin InReach/SPOT)Bear-resistant food storage (check park-specific requirements per section)Two cans of Bear SprayReliable water filter (Sawyer/Katadyn) plus pre-filter for glacial siltDurable waterproof jacket and pantsGoTrekkers map set or FarOut (GDT) app with offline maps

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
argentina
Huemul Circuit
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
SERIOUS // HIGH CONSEQUENCE
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
LETHAL // NO-MARGIN