WHAT IS THE MIDE METHOD?
The MIDE method is a system used to assess and grade the difficulty of hiking routes. It uses a rating scale that takes into account the technical and physical demands of each route, providing basic information at a glance.
This MIDE method is an assessment tool that determines the difficulties of a route, providing information that can be used to help prevent accidents and improve safety along the itinerary.
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Here we find information related to the route. These values range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Sections that provide general information about the itinerary and sections that indicate the level of difficulty of the route:
GENERAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
TIME
This is indicated in hours and minutes. It refers to the actual walking time and does not include breaks or stops. However, the estimated total time for the entire route may also be indicated.
ASCENT ELEVATION GAIN
This refers to the elevation gain accumulated while ascending throughout the route, from the starting point towards the highest sections of the itinerary.
In this case, we indicate the total accumulated positive elevation gain, which includes all metres climbed
throughout the entire route.
Bear in mind that along the route you may encounter several ascents and descents. These additional climbs are also included in the positive elevation gain, not only the difference in altitude between the starting point and the highest point.
DESCENT ELEVATION LOSS
This refers to the elevation loss accumulated while descending throughout the route, from the starting point towards the lowest sections of the itinerary.
In this case, we indicate the total accumulated negative elevation loss, which includes all metres descended
throughout the entire route.
Remember that along the route you may encounter several ascents and descents. These additional descents are also included in the negative elevation loss, not only the difference in altitude between the highest point and the finishing point.
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE
This refers to the actual distance covered throughout the entire route.
TYPE OF ROUTE
1- One-way route
2- Out-and-back route
3- Circular route
4- Point-to-point route
INFORMATION ABOUT ROUTE DIFFICULTY
SEVERITY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
1- The environment is not free from risks.
2- There is more than one risk factor.
3- There are several risk factors.
4- There are quite a few risk factors.
5- There are many risk factors.
ROUTE NAVIGATION
1- Paths and junctions are clearly defined.
2- Trails or signs indicate the continuation of the route.
3- Requires identifying features that indicate the continuation of the route.
4- Requires off-trail navigation.
5- Navigation is interrupted by obstacles that must be bypassed.
DIFFICULTY OF TRAVEL
1- Walking on a smooth surface.
2- Walking on bridle paths.
3- Walking on stepped trails or uneven terrain.
4- Hands or jumps are required to maintain balance.
5- Hands are required for progression.
AMOUNT OF EFFORT REQUIRED
1- Up to 1 hour of actual walking.
2- Between 1 and 3 hours of actual walking.
3- Between 3 and 6 hours of actual walking.
4- Between 6 and 10 hours of actual walking.
5- More than 10 hours of actual walking.
Data from www.montañasegura.com
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS AND ADVICE TO KEEP IN MIND
Other factors may also be very useful when assessing the difficulty of the itinerary or outing you are planning, and they should also be taken into careful consideration.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE ROUTES
Is the route we are going to undertake a one-day or multi-day route? It is important to know the number of days we will spend on the itinerary and where we will stay overnight, as this will influence the equipment we need to carry and the accumulated fatigue we may experience.
The number of people taking part in the route should also be considered. A larger group may progress more slowly and may also highlight the importance of having one or more leaders within the group.
The time of year when the activity will take place is also important, as conditions can be very different in the middle of summer compared with the middle of winter.
Likewise, special weather conditions at the time of the route should be considered, whether general or specific, as certain areas may regularly experience particular local weather phenomena.
The gradient of the terrain can be a very important factor if the route is covered in snow or includes sections of snow and/or ice.
It is also important to know whether there are any climbing sections along the route, whether there is one or several, as well as their difficulty and length.
Abseiling is a highly technical and potentially dangerous manoeuvre. It is therefore very important to indicate whether any abseils are required, whether they are compulsory and the length of each descent.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN
0 Comments