Mountaineering: Rock Climbing Ice Axe Rope Harness Helmet

MOUNTAINEERING
What is Mountaineering?
Mountaineering is, quite simply, the sport of climbing mountains. Frequently, mountaineering includes rock
climbing or ice climbing and often involves the use of technical equipment, such as an ice axe, rope, harness and
helmet, as well as other gear.

Physical Benefits of Mountaineering
Mountaineering offers aerobic exercise, can improve cardiovascular fitness in participants and can reduce
body fat. This can occur not only on the climb, but also while training for mountaineering. Also, mountaineering
requires a climber to be physically strong and have great endurance in order to carry heavy loads or use technical ice
tools while ascending a mountain.
(Bill Sassani, https://www.trails.com/facts_38953_benefit-mountaineering.html)
Mountaineering (also referred to as ‘mountain climbing’ or ―mainly in Europe― ‘Alpinism’) is the sport of
climbing a mountain.
Regardless of the length of the trip ―which can range from a few hours to multi-day expeditions―,
mountaineering is more physically demanding than hiking. Mountains often provide a mixed terrain (with the
presence of rock, ice and snow), so climbers need to be able to navigate through a wide variety of conditions.
Depending on the case, mountaineering may involve using technical equipment and combining a series of related
skills like scrambling, climbing, glacier travel, ice climbing or mixed climbing.
Besides reaching a summit or completing a ridge traverse, the true success (and the main objective) of a
mountaineering trip lies on overcoming safely every hazard along the route.
Most challenges in the mountain derive from the terrain’s characteristics: crevasses, avalanches, rockfall,
glaciers, etc. High altitude (especially when attempting a peak over 4,000 meters) and adverse weather conditions are
two other essential factors that may add difficulty to a mountaineering trip.
Other factors are directly related to mountaineers themselves, including their physical condition and acclimatization,
technical skills, equipment, orientation, resourcefulness and decision-making skills.
Mountaineering is mostly practiced in groups: team-work and support are very important parts of the activity.

When is the best time of the year for a mountaineering Figure 1. Mountaineering trip in the Ecuadorian Andes.
trip? Photo: Fredy Tipan.
The best conditions for a mountaineering trip are generally during Spring, early-Autumn, and Summer.
These seasons provide more pleasant and stable weather
conditions and allow mountaineers to avoid heavy snowfalls,
extremely cold temperatures, and strong winds.

Many mountains have a specific ‘peak season’: a
time of the year when climbing is more popular. During peak
season, all services on the mountain (mountain huts, gondolas)
are fully-functional, while most of them close in the off-
season. Some routes are only open during the official climbing
season as well. On the downside, climbing a popular mountain
in peak season ―and especially during weekends or
holidays― usually also implies more crowds.
Winter mountaineering is considered a more advanced stage in mountaineering, which requires specific
equipment and a more complete technical training. Winter conditions add technical difficulty to all mountain climbs.
Besides, the risk of avalanches is bigger during this time of the year. Winter mountaineering is only recommended for
mountaineers with previous experience.
Figure 2. Winter mountaineering in the German/Austrian Alps. What equipment do you need for mountaineering?
Photo: Bernd Eberle.  Mountaineering rope.
 Harness designed for mountaineering.
 Mountaineering helmet (to protect from
rockfall).
 Carabiners.
 Belay devise.
 Crevasse rescue equipment.
 Mountaineering boots.
 Camping items: 4-season tent, sleeping bag
(check climate conditions), backpack.
 Crampons.
 Ice axes.
 Mountaineering gloves.
Some guides who lead mountaineering trips include their clients’ necessary equipment in the price. However, in other cases,
you will need to take your own equipment or rent it.
Why hiring a guide for a mountaineering trip?

Going on a mountaineering trip with a certified mountain guide is always recommended, either if you don’t have much
experience in the mountains or if you want to accomplish more challenging goals. A certified guide usually knows the area very
well, can handle the logistics of the trip and above all, is responsible for the group’s safety.
You can also check out mountaineering courses, which are designed either for beginners or advanced climbers. Taking a
course is the best way of honing your skills on the terrain and learn from a professional guide!
The world’s 10 best spots to practice mountaineering
1. French Alps. The cradle of alpinism boasts several classics, including the iconic Mont Blanc.
2. Cordillera Blanca, a stunning mountain range with many 4,000m summits, tucked deep in the Peruvian Andes.
3. Nepal, the ultimate goal for every mountaineer. Mountain expeditions to the summit of the imposing eight-thousanders of the
Himalaya take several weeks and are definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
4. The Swiss Alps: Jungfrau, the Monch, Eiger and, of course, the Matterhorn. These mountains are full of some of the big names
in the mountaineering world.
5. Russia: mountaineering in the Caucasus Mountains should definitely be on your bucket list! Not only do they have Mt Elbrus,
the highest peak in Europe, but also many other exciting mountains to climb.
6. The Kyrgyz mountains are still under the radar, but deserve a place on this list! From the easiest 7,000 m peak to climb, Lenin
Peak, to the beautiful mountains of Ala Archa, this country is a mountaineering gem.
7. The Ecuadorian Andes provide mountain adventures for all levels! The highlights are the big volcanoes: Chimborazo (the
highest peak in the country) and Cotopaxi.
8. Head to Argentina for two majestic summits that break all the records: Aconcagua, the roof of America and one of the Seven
Summits; and Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world at 6891 m.
9. The Japan Alps are a great mountaineering destination, especially for beginners or those who want to hone their skills to pursue
bigger challenges.
10. Denali (6190 m), also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in the United States and also one of the Seven Summits.
It’s located in Alaska, very close to the Arctic Circle, so temperatures are below freezing!
(Source: Marina Parra (June 04, 2018) https://www.explore-share.com/blog/what-is-mountaineering/#)

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MOUNTAINEERING

Why hiring a guide for a mountaineering trip?

(Source: Marina Parra (June 04, 2018) https://www.explore-share.com/blog/what-is-mountaineering/#)

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