Today’s thrilling rumination revolves around a question we've seen on multiple climbing forums, Twitter threads, and Facebook communities: What bouldering grade is considered advanced? Let’s uncover the answer to this question and learn more about the fascinating grading systems while we’re at it.

A Climb Through Bouldering Levels

Before we delve into determining which grade lands you the much-coveted label of an "advanced" climber, let's go back to basics and explain how bouldering grades work. Bouldering grades typically follow the V-Scale or Fontainebleau Scale. Want to know more about climbing grades? Check out more about climbing grades here.

The V-Scale, straight from the heart of bouldering in the USA (You guessed it, right? Yosemite!), runs from V0 to potentially V17, although that's a frontier few climbers have ventured past.

Across the Atlantic, the Fontainebleau Scale, from the lush forests of France, kicks off at 1A and ascends into the nebulous realms of 8C+.

Now that we’re on the page about the grading systems, let's find out where the great divide lies.

Onwards and Upwards: The Leap from Intermediate to Advanced

Different sources may give slightly varying answers, but the general consensus in the climbing community is that advanced bouldering begins at around V4-V5 on the V-Scale, and it parallels roughly to 6C/7A on the Fontainebleau Scale.

If you’ve graduated from V4 and started on V5, congratulations, you’re an advanced climber!

Of course, keep in mind that climbing grades can be subjective, affected by factors like the route setter’s style, the specific kind of challenges a climb presents, and sometimes, the wild mood swings of the weather.

Now, don't be disheartened if you haven't hit the advanced benchmark yet. Climbing is a deeply personal journey, and everyone’s pace and progress are unique. Above all, the key is to enjoy the process of challenging yourself, developing your skill set, and eventually gaining the ability to tackle more complex problems. Each hold you grip stronger, each foot you plant steadier is a triumph in its own light!

Wrapping Up

And there we have it, a high-level view of the bouldering mountain. Remember that grades are just one facet of climbing; the real joy comes from pushing your limits, getting stronger, and soaking in the captivating allure of climbing.

Whether you’re an experienced climber or someone who just took their first climbing step, we hope this guide sheds light on your climbing path. Now go ahead, chalk up those hands, grip onto that thrill, and let’s go bouldering!