| What it is | Loose small rock on a slope |
| Formed by | Frost-shattering, erosion |
| Vs | Talus (larger blocks) |
| Difficulty | Beginner (tiring underfoot) |
Scree is an accumulation of small, loose rock fragments on a slope, formed by frost-shattering and erosion. Hikers and mountaineers cross scree on the way to peaks; loose scree can be tiring and treacherous to ascend but is sometimes descended quickly by ‘scree skiing’. It contrasts with the larger blocks of talus.
Underfoot
Scree shifts as you step, making ascents slow — gaiters keep the grit out. Descending suitable scree can be quick (‘scree skiing’).
Scree vs talus
Larger blocks are talus — see scree vs talus.
Frequently asked questions
What is scree?
Scree is a slope or field of small, loose rock fragments — typically pebble- to fist-sized — that have broken off cliffs above and collected on the mountainside. It shifts underfoot, which makes ascending it slow and tiring.
What's the difference between scree and talus?
It's mainly size: scree is made of small, loose fragments, while talus is composed of larger blocks and boulders. Scree slides and 'flows' under your feet; talus is crossed by hopping between bigger, often more stable rocks.
What is scree skiing?
Scree skiing is descending a loose scree slope by sliding and plunge-stepping as the rocks move with you, almost like skiing on gravel. It's a fast way down suitable scree, though it can be hard on ankles and is discouraged where it causes erosion.
Sources
- Mountain terrain — The Mountaineers