Climbing a mountain is considered an extreme sport by some while for others it is simply a fun pastime that challenges strength, endurance and sacrifice. It can be extremely dangerous, sometimes fatal if the climber slips or is hit by a landslide or avalanche or other hazards. Inexperience, little planning and the wrong equipment can all contribute to injury or death so learn what it takes. In spite of everything negative there may be, if practiced correctly, climbing is an exciting and fun experience, full of satisfaction. This article serves as a basic guide for a beginner and points out what needs to be learned, each step deserves its own article and entire volumes have been written on the art of climbing, so we recommend that you spend some time researching. For now, get an idea by reading on.
Steps
Step 1. Do your research
Before deciding to climb a mountain, you must inform yourself and understand what is required in terms of ability. It is important to understand the mental state required to climb, the physical one, knew it of the right equipment and one of the best methods is to read the testimonies of other climbers who have challenged multiple mountains. Many bookstores have sections dedicated to the subject so it won't be difficult to find good books.
- To get started, try Steve M Cox and Kris Fulaas' Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.
- Watch DVDs about it. There are many documentaries and films focused on climbing.
- Discover the best times to climb in the various areas of the world. If you are really interested in doing it outside your country as well, this will be an ample opportunity as the Alpine seasons differ from country to country. For example, in Europe the best time is from June to September, in New Zealand from December to March, in Alaska from June to July. Within these general dates there are variations that depend on the number of people in the consortium, the weather and the seasons themselves.
- Learn all you can about weather and mountain conditions. The mountain has its own meteorological system (micro-climates). Learn how to read the signs of bad weather, how to understand clouds, test wind direction and understand changes throughout the day. You also need to know how to react to lightning.
Step 2. Assess your mental strength
Much of the climb is about your mental attitude because you will have to make decisions, directions, etc. quickly. For many, the mental challenge is a big part of the charm because you are completely derailed from the normal routine of the office and life, in a world where decision making has huge consequences. Some things to ask yourself are:
- Do you panic easily or make impulse decisions? This type of character is dangerous in roping, where you have to be calm and think straight, and the ability to find the right solution quickly is vital.
- Are you able to overcome the barriers or do you prefer to let go and find something less exhausting?
- Are you a positive person by nature, honest to yourself? Overconfidence is not good and could lead to big problems in this case.
- Are you good at problem solving?
Step 3. Keep fit
Climbing requires good physical fitness and stamina because it is a costly activity. You can't just tackle a climb after a relatively sedentary lifestyle, sitting at your desk. Train at your best. Ideal exercises include:
- Running and jogging, including endurance running.
- Walking and climbing, including the most difficult climbing levels.
- Weight lifting, or walking or running with weights in a backpack or in the hands.
- Practice climbing - walls and glaciers are perfect.
- Skiing and snowboarding (especially if you want to use them to get back to the valley, which is really extreme but still possible in some mountains).
- Anything that improves strength and endurance, two vital things.
Step 4. Purchase the equipment
The one to climb the mountains is very specific and absolutely essential. You have two options: buy yours or rent it. If you choose to buy it, you will spend a lot but if you do it gradually it will be a great option and you will know that everything is tailored to you, which makes it a great investment if you intend to climb more mountains. If you rent it, you will never have the guarantee that everything is perfect for you and the tools will obviously have already been used by other climbers so they will still be of quality and tested. It is probably a good idea to rent it for the first experience to understand if you really like the mountains and then decide whether to start making your own. Even with the one for rent there will be objects that you will still have to buy such as clothes and boots, two very important elements, even more than an ice ax and crampons.
- See under "Things You Will Need" for a starter list.
- Remember that climbers' obsession with weight has a reason. You will take everything with you to the mountains. Having ballast is not ideal for climbers, which is why we always try to reduce weight without detracting from safety. This could add to costs because lightweight materials such as titanium cost more.
Step 5. Learn the ethics of climbing
Climbing a mountain is not just a physical and mental aspect. Many peaks are in remote parts of the world, and your adventure can impact your surroundings. It is a privilege to be able to climb untouched mountains and most climbers care to keep them in their natural state, not abusing what the mountain offers them.
- Learn the principles of Leave No Traces.
- Take it easy, support the protection of untouched nature and obtain all necessary permits.
- Read the Code of the Climb. It was created for safety purposes and is an essential guide for a beginner.
- No climbing should be done alone, at least with some friends who already have experience.
Step 6. Train
If you intend to do your first climb as a beginner's course then the course will be useful for you as training. On the other hand, if you plan to climb with a buddy, you will still need to have basic training before leaving unless you are ready to "learn in the field" with a guide. A climbing club always offers specialized courses in techniques such as:
- Ice climbing, carving of ice steps, use of the ice ax.
- Techniques to stop.
- Slide (descent technique) in which you slide using the ice ax to control your speed.
- Crack crossing and rescue techniques as well as crossing snow bridges.
- Use of crampons including how to wear them, walk on them and specific techniques.
- Glacier walk.
- Various climbing techniques and skills to find the way, read a map, use nails, wedges and screws, make knots, use a rope etc.
- Avalanche safety course. Usually this is a specific course that can be attended in many places, suitable for those who ski, snowboard but also for those who want to climb or be a rescue professional. It is also useful if you do not stop but want to do winter sports.
- Basic rescue techniques and rescue signals must be learned as part of training.
Step 7. Plan your first climb
The ascent should be suitable for a beginner and preferably done with a guide. The difficulty level of the mountain is determined by the height and terrain. The mountains are categorized from easy to extremely difficult with many central grades. A beginner has to face an "easy" one to start while always taking all the necessary precautions because a mountain is still a mountain. Each country assigns a different degree of difficulty so you will need to do your research first. You will also need to understand that rock spurs (from very difficult to very difficult) and ice spurs are a problem.
- To start you can try a non-technical "hike" in mountains such as Mount Elbert and Kilimanjaro. You will learn what it feels like to climb, the atmospheric changes and you will get a taste of what it means to spend so much energy.
- The "where" will depend on where you live and how much you can spend, but we recommend starting at the bottom of course. This way you get a taste of everything and can then spend more time focusing on technique instead of worrying about exposure, oxygen deprivation and lack of capacity. Remember that each climb can be a little more difficult and tall so don't go overboard from the start.
- Research the mountain you will climb. Check the region, the weather for that time of year, the known dangers and every possible way to get off. Beginners must always choose the most recommended routes, to ask the guides if they are not clear.
- Find out if there are any service or other shelters available at the base or along the route. Learn the rules of use and the cost.
- Find route maps and learn everything you can about the various entrances. You should always have a map when climbing, cut out the edges if you worry about the weight.
Step 8. Keep improving your skills and try more complex climbs
Experience a glacier that requires basic equipment and techniques. Volcanoes are another beginner-friendly climb and you should do it easily. Examples can be Mont Blanc, Rainer, Baker and volcanoes in Ecuador and Mexico as well as trekking mountains in Nepal. Grand Teton and Mount Stuart are fine if you have good rock climbing skills.
Move on to expeditions that require long walks, good climbing techniques, and global knowledge. Once you get to this point there will be no more limits
Step 9. Find a good guide
One of the best things to do is join some club. You will automatically be connected to others through a network of shares and thus find reliable and experienced guides. The good thing about clubs is that they organize group climbs often for beginners and intermediates, so you can learn and hone the techniques in company.
- Spend time talking to other experienced climbers. They can tell you a lot about what you learn by reading and offer themselves as a mentor or connect you with the right people.
- Climbing clubs tend to tackle more technically difficult mountains. As you improve, remember that.
Step 10. Prepare for your experience
If your mountain is close there will be less to do than preparing a trip abroad. If you live where there are no mountains you will have to travel and book a seat, if you have to take a plane you will also have to calculate your luggage and visa, etc. In any case, consider taking out insurance in the event of equipment loss, injury, medical treatment and death.
- Pack your equipment carefully. If you have to travel by plane, the necessary things must be carefully arranged. Some items can easily break other travelers' bags and things or get out and get lost. When driving, remember to put everything in a safe place to prevent it from moving if you brake suddenly.
- Check if you need permissions. Many mountains now require permits for safety, control and environmental reasons.
- Even if you don't need a permit, you should always know where to leave your travel details and make sure you inform the local authorities about the expected departure and return times.
Step 11. Make sure you know what it is like to get to the mountains
Before climbing, a base camp is usually done. If you are in a class, they may already have a place to stop so inquire when you book. The base camp serves as a starting point and sometimes you can spend time there waiting for the weather to improve, depending on the difficulty of the mountain. For less dangerous mountains, base camp may simply involve a night before leaving.
- Use this time to double-check the equipment several times. Check that you have everything (better make a list) and that it is in perfect condition.
- Check if you need anything else such as food, water, clothing, etc.
- Spend time talking to your guide or climbing partners, informing yourself about the road, what dangers to expect, the weather conditions, any problems and more. Consult the map of the area and mark the road in your mind. Look for others that could act as a loophole if something goes wrong.
- Stretch, walk, run etc. - what you usually do to stay fit.
- Have a good meal and go to sleep early.
Step 12. Start the climb
This step is a simple overview as the actual climb requires many different and contextual techniques to the mountain. Here you will need those famous books you have read, as well as dialogue with those who have already tried the climb. Most of the climbs start "very" early in the morning to have time to get back before dark, or if you sleep at high altitude, to make sure you find a suitable place to stop. Once you have checked everything (you have to pack the night before), and have had a substantial breakfast, you leave. Practice everything you have learned.
- Stay on the path unless there are obstacles that divert you.
- Always follow what the guide tells you to do. As a beginner, rely on the experience of those who have been doing it for years but use common sense.
- Take regular breaks to eat energetic stuff, get some rest, and gauge your direction. However, don't stop for too long or you might get cold.
- Stay hydrated. It's easy to get dehydrated in the cold because you don't feel thirsty.
- Always stay with your companions.
- Enjoy the summit. Take pictures and feel proud.
Step 13. Get off in time to return safely
Remember that the descent can be difficult and dangerous. It may have been easy to get on, but most accidents happen on the way down when concentration tends to get lost.
- Stay focused on finding footprints when you get back downstream.
- Use your hands when it is safe to do so. It's easier and faster.
- Pay attention when climbing a wall: at the end of the day it is a practice that causes many accidents because you get tired, the anchors are wrong, the ropes break and generally you do not remain alert.
- When descending, keep in mind any falling boulders, avalanches, soft snow and bridges.
- Stay tied up. You can feel that you have arrived when you are about to cross the last glacier but if you are not tied up and fall into the crevasse it is over.
Advice
- Always be cautious before doing something stupid. Better to go home and try again than to go too far and never come back.
- Group climbing with experienced people. Never alone; if we emphasize this point there will be a reason!
- Learn to recognize the signs of oxygen deprivation, fatigue and hypothermia: not only for yourself but also for others because you may be forced to understand if someone is delusional and therefore needs medical attention.
- This is a sport "for life". You can do this at various ages if you stay fit and keep the right mindset.
- Unless there are toilets during the climb, take any dejection with you.
- Stay hydrated. The cold leads people to believe that they are not thirsty but together with the altitude and activity it requires constant hydration.
Warnings
- Climbing is an extreme and dangerous sport. Practice with someone experienced before trying it on your own.
- Until you have a good experience, don't try to climb a mountain. And remember it's dangerous. According to 2008 statistics, the most dangerous mountains are: Annapurna (8, 091 m), 130 climbers have tried, 53 have died (the global fatality rate is 41%); Nanga Parbat (8, 125m), 216 attempts, 61 deaths (28, 24%); and K2 (8, 611 m), where 53 of 198 climbers died. The rate of K2 is therefore 26, 77%.
