variation route; alternative route
Primarily used in mountaineering and climbing to refer to a less-traveled or alternative path to a summit or destination. Can also be used more broadly for any alternative route.
The variation route on this mountain is for advanced climbers.
To avoid the crowds, we chose an alternative route.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some contexts.
Loanword from English 'variation route'. The term is used in Japanese primarily in mountaineering contexts, mirroring its English usage.