mountain climbing – the beginners guide
Mountain climbing, also called mountaineering or alpining, can incorporate several aspects of the sport. It can be a mix of rock climbing, ice climbing and mixed climbing. Rock climbing is, of course, more likely to be done on areas where there is no ice and is probably more related to summer activities. Although with indoor rock climbing being a popular trend it can be undertaken at any time.
Ice climbing is an alpine winter activity often shown in relation to great climbing sites like the Himalayas, or the Swiss Alps. But as long as there is a slope offering a challenge and a peak tempting the brave hearts who have to get up there it is undertaken with gusto.
Either of these activities require specialized gear to ensure safety and success. This will include things like:
- crampons – these comprise 8-14 pikes that are attached to boots. The aim is to hinder slipping and to dig into the ice with the power of the foot for a substantial hold.
- Snowshoes – also know as webs. They help spread the weight of the body over a larger area to prevent sinking into the snow. They are traditionally made of wood with rawhide laces but modern types can be of metal or even plastic. Walking in them requires an action where the toes are raised before the rest of the foot. To prevent snow buildup they are of a lattice type design.
- Skis – there would be few who do not know what these are.
- Ice Axe – there are many types of axes each for a specific use. The basic is designed to help amateurs or occasional climbers to self-arrest. The more complex types are used for different functions, such as a walking aid, the end of the handle digs into the ice and the pick part is held in the hand. One can be buried with the head down as an anchor on which to tie a rope to form a belay (secure anchor). The adze part is used to cut footsteps into the ice and to scoop out snow and ice to form seats and trenches. It has other uses as well.
- Ice screws – These are long screws that when driven into the ice can help with climbing over steep areas and also assist the rescue of a climber who falls into a crevasse.
Mountaineering is a great sport for many who enjoy the great outdoors and take to the challenges presented. Safety gear is important and while there is more that can be said on the issue this article covers the basics.
