Mountaineering is the sport or activity of ascending mountains. It may also be used as a term to describe hiking, climbing, and camping trips. Mountaineering requires specialized knowledge including rock climbing skills and experience on snow and ice. The equipment required depends on the mountain to be climbed; for instance, for volcanoes it may include a gas mask and an ice axe designed especially for mountaineering.
Tips for mountaineering
1. Before attempting to climb a mountain you will need to select a mountain that is suitable for your current level of climbing skills.
2. Before attempting to climb a mountain choose the right equipment. Do not rely on second hand equipment because it may not be suitable for the conditions in which you intend to climb and may not be strong enough.
3. Always use experienced guides when entering into new environments or when attempting extreme activities such as mountaineering on an unfamiliar peak.
4. You need extensive knowledge on how snow, avalanches, and glaciers work. Research these before committing yourself to this activity.
5. Make sure you know what conditions the mountain is likely to be in. The conditions may change quickly; for instance, snowfall one day might not snow at all the next day.
6. Most climbers will make mistakes as they climb a mountain, regardless of their experience. Always be aware of this and stay close to other climbers if there are risks involved.
7. Never try to climb a mountain when there is a risk of rain because this can cause avalanches or landslides which could lead to your death or serious injury due to avalanches or landslides occurring while you are climbing the mountain.
8. If you are climbing a mountain to get a photo of yourself then remember that you will not be able to see the whole mountain because there are trees and rocks in the way.
9. The equipment may break down or wear out, for instance, your crampons might wear down as you climb, and you might have to find new ones on the descent.
In conclusion, mountaineering has become a popular activity around the world. The purpose of this article is to provide some information on how to safely mountaineer.
