Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

For some, mountaineering is an extreme sport, while for others it is a pleasant pastime that requires strength and courage, patience and sacrifice. This sport can be very dangerous and even fatal, especially when the climber is exhausted, got into terrible natural conditions, on difficult terrain, ice, or other obstacles in the mountains. Inexperience, poor training and improper equipment can cause injury or death, so knowing what to do is very important.

Despite all the negative aspects, when you do everything right, mountaineering becomes fun and rewarding. This article describes tutorials for beginners and provides basic knowledge; in fact, you need to write a separate article about each step of the article, volumes about mountaineering have already been written, so it is advised to spend a sufficient amount of time on self-preparation. This basic article will give you an idea of ​​what is involved in rock climbing.

Steps

1. 1 Do your research. Before heading out into the mountains, read as much as possible about the skills you need and the experiences of other people. It is very important to understand the level of mental effort required to climb the mountain, as well as the requirement to be in good shape, and to know how to use the equipment correctly. One of the best ways to understand this is to read the stories of climbers who have climbed challenging, interesting peaks. Many bookstores now have a dedicated section dedicated to the art of mountaineering, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding good books on the topic.
   • A good book for beginners is Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by Steve M Cox and Kris Fulaas.
   • Watch a video about the experiences of other climbers. There are many good mountaineering documentaries out there.
   • Find out when is the best time to climb the mountain in different regions of the world. If you can and are interested in traveling to these mountains outside of your country, then there are more opportunities for you due to the different climbing seasons around the world. For example, in Europe, choose between June and September, in New Zealand, from December to March, and in Alaska, June and July. Within these generalized seasons there are different options depending on the number of climbers, the unpredictability of the weather, and simply that certain seasons are better than others.
   • Find out everything there is to find about the weather and the mountains. The mountains create their own weather conditions (micro-climate). Learn how to predict bad weather, how to navigate the clouds, how to check the direction of the wind, how to determine what changes in weather will mean for your climb throughout the day. Find out what to do in case of a thunderstorm.
2. 2 Think about the power of your mind. A lot depends on your mental attitude while climbing the mountain, because you will need to make quick important decisions regarding conditions, direction and safety. For many climbers, this mental challenge is enjoyable because they break out of their daily routine of offices and organized life into a world where decisions have important consequences and are tested in earnest. Here's what you can ask yourself:
   • Do you panic easily or are you making hasty decisions? This type of temperament is dangerous when climbing a mountain, where you need meaningful solutions, calm and clear thinking and the ability to quickly find a solution to a problem.
   • Are you able to endure the pain, or do you prefer to give up and find something less stressful?
   • Are you naturally positive but always truthful to yourself? Your overconfidence is undesirable here, as it can lead to serious problems during the climb.
   • Are you good at problem solvers?
3. 3 Get fit. Mountaineering requires good athletic qualities and good endurance because it is an intense activity with a high level of physical activity. You can't just go for a long climb just by getting out of your office chair. Train and get stronger, this will be your advantage. Here are the types of sports activities that can help you:
   • Running and jogging, including endurance running.
   • Walking and hiking, and while the treks get more difficult, you may have to climb up somewhere.
   • Weight training, or running or walking with weights in your backpack or in your hands while going upstairs.
   • Practice rope climbing - classes at the local climbing wall, ice climbing lessons and glacier walking can be helpful.
   • Skiing and snowboarding (especially if this is how you intend to go down after climbing the mountain, which can be very dangerous, but possible on some mountains).
   • Anything that makes you stronger and more patient are two important properties when climbing a mountain.
4. 4 Purchase equipment. Mountaineering equipment is very specific and really necessary. You have two options - buy it or rent it. If you decide to buy it, then initially it may seem like an expensive undertaking to you, but if you buy everything gradually, which is important, since then you will be sure that everything is selected in size, and if you plan to conquer more than one mountain, then this is will be a good investment.If you rent equipment, then this does not guarantee that everything will fit perfectly in size, and that everything will be new and unused, but if you turn to a good specialist, then you will be provided with quality tested equipment. It will most likely be wise to rent equipment for the first time to see if you enjoy climbing and then decide if you will buy your own equipment. Even if you rent equipment, you will have to buy a few things, like some clothes and most likely shoes, as it is very important that the clothes fit perfectly, unlike, for example, an ice ax or a cat.
   • Check the "What you need" list, it can be your basic equipment list.
   • Remember that climbers are concerned with the weight of the equipment, and there is a reason for that. You will have to carry everything up the mountain with you. Being loaded with unnecessary equipment is not the best option for a climber, so they are always looking for ways to reduce the weight of the equipment without compromising its safety. This can increase the cost of equipment, as lightweight materials such as titanium will cost much more than their heavyweight counterparts.
5. 5 Learn all about mountaineering ethics. Knowing how to climb a mountain isn't just about the physical and mental aspects. Many mountains are in remote areas and your ascent will affect the local environment. It is considered a privilege to climb pristine mountains, and many climbers are very worried about leaving the mountain in its original state, as well as trying not to overuse local attractions or harass the local culture.
   • Learn the Leave No Trace set of rules.
   • Go soft, be a wildlife advocate, and get all the permits you need.
   • Read the Climbing Code. This code has been developed for safety reasons and is a must-read for all novice climbers.
   • No climbing is allowed alone, at least go with friends who have already climbed the mountain.
6. 6 Start exercising. If you intend to climb the mountain for the first time, then you can enroll in a beginner course, which will be your initial preparation. On the other hand, if you are going uphill with a companion, then you need to exercise before you climb, unless you are ready to "learn on the road." The Climbing Club can offer you the following specialized courses (and you need to know all of them):
   • Ice climbing, cutting steps out of ice, using an ice ax.
   • Self-cutting technique.
   • Glide (descent technique) where you slide downwards using your ice ax to control your speed.
   • Crossing crevasses, crevice rescue techniques and snow bridges.
   • Using your cats, how to put them on, how to walk in them, special techniques, etc.
   • Walking on the glacier.
   • Various climbing techniques, ability to find a route, read maps, use hooks, wedges and bolts, tie knots and the ability to use a rope (fastening it, etc.).
   • Avalanche safety training. This is usually a separate course, you can enroll in such courses in different locations around the world, usually for skiers and snowboarders, but this also applies to climbers and rescuers. This course is useful even if you are not climbing in winter but doing winter sports.
   • First aid techniques and rescue signals are also taught in this course.
7. 7 Plan your first climb. Your first ascent should be suitable for beginners and preferably with an experienced instructor. The difficulty level of a mountain is determined by both its slope and terrain. The mountains are distributed in difficulty from easy to very difficult with many levels in between.A beginner climber should always climb a "simple" mountain to begin with, but take all precautions because it is still a mountain, no matter how "simple" it is. Different countries have different systems for assessing the difficulty level, so you need to do a little research first. You will also need to understand what a rocky slope (from very difficult to incredibly difficult) and ice slope are, if the mountain you plan to climb has them.
   • Try non-technical mountains that have to be "walked" up, such as Mount Elbert and Mount Kilimanjaro. This will help you know what it means to climb higher, learn about the changing weather and get a sense of your energy expended.
   • The "where" to go depends on where you live, what your budget is, etc., but it is recommended that you choose something simpler for your first or first couple of exits. This will give you a sense of climbing, less elevation changes, and you can spend more time focusing on technique rather than worrying about your endurance, oxygen deprivation, and lack of skill. Remember that each next ascent can be a little more difficult and higher, but do not overdo it at the very beginning.
   • Study your upcoming climb well. Check the region, the weather at the time of year when you are going to climb the mountain, the known dangers and all possible routes for climbing this mountain. Beginners should always choose the routes recommended for the easiest ascent, if you don't understand something, then ask the guides or local residents.
   • Find out about all the available hideouts at the foot of the mountain and on the way to the top. Find out all about the rules for using them and about payment.
   • Find the map of the ascent and find out everything you can find about the routes. Always take your map with you on a hike; trim off the edges of the card if you are worried about the extra weight of items.
8. 8 Keep improving your skills and try harder routes. Next time try the already glacial peaks of the mountain, where different equipment and basic climbing skills are required. Volcanoes are great mountains for beginners with basic skills, and you will pass them easily. For example, Mont Blanc, Rainier, Baker and volcanoes in Ecuador and Mexico, as well as mountains in Nepal. If you already have good climbing skills, then at this stage you can climb both the Grand Teton and Mount Stewart.
   • Go on expeditions that require long hikes, good technical climbing skills, and general mountaineering knowledge. From this point on there are no limits for you.
9. 9 Find a good escort. The best thing you can do is join a climbing club near you. Through such a club and its wide network of contacts, you will quickly find other groups, so you can find a good guide you can trust. The clubs themselves organize group hikes, which are often divided into levels from beginner to advanced climbers, so you can learn a lot and meet other mountaineers.
   • Talk to more experienced climbers at club meetings. You can learn a lot more from them than from books, and they can advise you on a teacher, or at least introduce you to the right people who will help you in the future.
   • Climbing clubs tend to go to more technically challenging mountains than commercial trekking organizations. As your skills improve, keep this in mind to expand your capabilities.
10. 10 Prepare for your trip. If your mountain is not that far, then you will have less preparation, unlike the situation when you have to travel for a long time to the mountain itself. If you don't have mountains nearby, then you need to get to them, book a hotel, and if you need to fly far, then you also have to think about baggage restrictions, visa requirements, etc.In both cases, consider purchasing insurance for equipment loss, medical evacuation, injury and death.
    • Assemble the equipment carefully. If you need to transport your ice ax, crampons and shoes by plane, pack them very carefully. Some of these items can rip bags and other equipment, or fall out and get lost. When driving, remember to secure your equipment in a safe place to prevent it from flying forward if you brake hard.
    • Check if you need special permissions. Many famous mountains now require safety, control and environmental permits.
    • Even if such permission is not required, you should always find out in advance where you can leave information about your trip, be sure to leave information about the departure and the approximate time of return with the local authorities who are responsible for this mountainous area, and with your family or friends.
11. 11 Understand what you will need to have with you the moment you climb the mountain. Before starting the hike, they usually set up a base camp. If you climb with your group, they may have a makeshift built on the site of the base camp, so find out all about this from your colleagues. The base camp serves as a starting point, and sometimes you can spend a fair amount of time in this camp just waiting for the weather to improve, it all depends on the difficulty of the mountain and the ascent. For less demanding mountains, you will need base camp just one night before your departure with your partner or group.
    • Take advantage of this time to check your gear twice or even three times. Check if you have everything you need (a pre-made list will help here) and check if everything works as you need.
    • Check everything else, including food, water, clothing, etc.
    • Talk to your buddy about the route and what obstacles you might expect along the way, weather conditions, potential problem areas, and any other points that need to be discussed. Look at the map of the area together and memorize the route well. Check out all the other possible routes that you might find useful as safe exits in case something goes wrong.
    • Do stretching exercises, walk, run, etc. - what you usually do to keep yourself in shape.
    • Eat well and go to bed early.
12. 12 Start climbing. This step is described here simply, in fact, a large number of techniques are needed to climb, which depend on the mountain. Here you will need all those books that you read about this mountain, and the advice of all seasoned climbers. Most climbers start the hike "very" early in the morning to be able to return before dark, or, if you sleep on the mountain, to have time to reach the desired location before dark. After you check that you have everything ready (what you packed last night), after a good breakfast, begin your climb with your companion. Show all your skills, acquired before coming to this mountain.
    • Stick to the route if nothing is in the way along the way.
    • Do what your escort asks you to do. If you are a beginner climber, then you should trust the wisdom of an experienced climber, but do not forget to consider your actions and be responsible.
    • Take regular short breaks to eat your energy-boosting food, get some rest, and check your direction. However, don't stay long where you might get too cold.
    • Don't forget about water. In the cold, your body quickly dehydrates because you feel as though you are not thirsty, so don't forget about water.
    • Always be with other climbers.
    • Enjoy your company. Take photos and be proud of the fact of climbing.
13. 13 Descend with enough time to return safely. Remember that the descent is dangerous and difficult.It seems that going down is much easier than going up, but it is during the descent that a lot of troubles occur, when you are no longer so concentrated.
    • Always think about good tracks both during the ascent and during the descent.
    • Get back where it's safe. It is faster and safer to climb outside.
    • Be very careful when rappelling; such descents at the end of the day often end in failure, because people are already tired, they do not fix the ligaments correctly, break the lines, and, in general, they are no longer so concentrated.
    • Be aware of falling rocks, avalanches, bad snow and snow bridges as you descend.
    • Be attached. It already seems to you that you are almost at the base camp during the trek on the last glacier, but if you are not tied and suddenly fall, then everything will end here.

Tips

• Drink constantly. In cold weather, people feel like they are not thirsty, but being cold and being physically active means you need to keep fluid in mind.
• Climb the mountains in groups and with experienced climbers. Never go alone; if at some point you thought that it would be nice to return home, then by all means go!
• Know how to identify all the signs of lack of oxygen, fatigue and hypothermia; not only for you, but for others as well, as you need to know this in case someone wanders and continues to rush forward instead of stopping and seeking medical attention.
• Always be careful about bragging. Better to go home and try again than go too far and never come back.
• This is a sport for life. You can enjoy mountaineering at any age, as long as you are in good physical shape and in the right mindset.
• If there are no toilets on the way, carry all your trash with you.

Warnings

• Rock climbing is a dangerous extreme sport. Train with an experienced climber before your first hike. Never climb a mountain alone.
• Do not try to conquer a difficult mountain until you have gained enough experience on the simpler mountains and their difficulties. Remember how dangerous climbing on high mountains is. The most dangerous rock climbing (according to 2008 data): Annapurna (8091 m), where 130 climbers passed the highest level, when 53 people died, that is, the average mortality rate was 41%; Mount Nanga Parbat (8125 m), where 216 climbers passed the highest level and 61 people died, that is, the average mortality rate was 28.24%, and K2 (8611 m), where 198 people reached the second highest peak in the world and 53 people died. The average mortality rate of K2 is 26.77%.

What do you need

• Warm clothing (no cotton) use fabrics that repel water, take spare socks, gloves, a face mask and socks (there are never too many of them)
• Climbing shoes with crampons; remember, it can take months or even mountains to find the “right” shoe. Search online if your local stores don't have a lot of choices. Study the market well, they must be completely suitable for you, otherwise you will suffer
• Ice ax
• Helmet
• Gaiters
• Wire harness, insurance
• Headlamp
• Backpack - Choose a lightweight yet durable backpack, large enough to carry everything you need without being baggy, with dedicated hooks to hang your ice ax and crampons
• Ropes and carabiners - “don't” buy carabiners that are used as toys or jewelry; they must be strong carabiners designed specifically for climbing; they are expensive and usually not on the counter
• Hinge tape
• Ice screws, nuts, slings, etc. - remember that these items depend on the type of mountain you are climbing, find out everything in advance
• First aid kit (small)
• Sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses
• Tent (must withstand strong wind and snow; this type of tent is usually the most expensive) or bivouac
• Sleeping bag - especially for the mountains
• Everything you need to prepare your food (make sure the whole thing is lightweight and can withstand the awful cold and wind conditions) and a light mug and plate
• Food - Nutritious food is a must.Read the information about energy-giving foods, usually high in fat (chocolate, nuts, sweets, biscuits, condensed milk, cheese, dried fruit, lump sugar, olive oil, nutritional bars, etc.)
• Water, instant fruit drink (powder)
• A straw for drinking water from crevices in the rock and from water bodies as additional moisture
• Pocket knife (small)
• Feces and urine removal kit, toilet paper (yes, these are unpleasant but necessary aspects of being human)
• Lift permit
• Map
• Compass and possibly GPS
• Camera (optional, but very lightweight cameras are now available) - remember that frozen batteries will not work. Maybe you can keep the batteries warm in your pocket and take them out when you need them.
• Passport if you will be crossing borders (for example, to Europe)