Did you know that being in nature can make you happier and experience less stress and anger?
Hiking is fun, but the same trails
can get boring and uninspiring over the years.
If you are looking for a new
challenge, climbing a mountain is a fun goal to work towards.
Keep reading to learn about the
basics of how to climb a mountain, whether you have some experience or none at
all!
Find
Your Mountain
One of the first steps in learning
how to climb a mountain is to make your selection.
Write down a list of all of the
mountainers and areas you would like to climb through. At the end of your list,
highlight the easiest mountains in green and then pink for the most
challenging. Start with the simpler mountains and start working your way up as
you gain experience.
Many people recommend going to Mount
Saint Helens for your first climb. During the summer you won't need any gear
for the climb. The winter months will require an ice ax and crampons.
Mount Hood is another popular
choice, but avalanche training should be completed. Denali mountain and Mount
Rainier are great for beginners that don't mind the snow or challenge.
While you select your mountain, do
your research to learn about the climate, length, and skills required.
Prepare
Physically
Mountain climbing practice is
critical if you want to successfully make it up and down a mountain.
Endurance and strength training should
be added to your climbing timeline so that you can handle the distance and
incline.
Since there are risks to climbing a
mountain, you also want to be in optimal shape. In the weeks and months leading
up to your big climb, eat a healthy diet that will grow muscle and supply your
body with nutrients. Try to avoid sugars and carbs since they can weigh you
down in the climb and make you fatigued.
You can find mountain training
routines online or plan one with a guide. Be honest with yourself and check every
so often to see if you're on the right track. If you don't feel prepared
physically, you might want to consider an easier climb or pushing back your
hike.
Choose
Your Climbing Style
Did you know that there are
different ways of climbing a mountain?
Aid climbing is a common choice
since it provides protection and assistance with devices. A device can get
attached to the mountain for you to pull yourself up or stand. If you are
confident and have experience, you might want to try free soloing, however, this
is much riskier.
Free climbing looks like people
don't have any security devices, but they get attached to a belt and rope.
Having these features can ensure your safety if you were to slip and fall when
taking a step.
Certain mountains, especially ones
recommended for beginners, don't always have steep sides. Scrambling is a form
of climbing that uses the hands and feet, some people call is "extreme
hiking."
Your experience level and the
mountain should help dictate which climbing style is best. Some people even
leave comments on climbing sites with recommendations and realistic
conditions.
Grab
Your Gear
Mixed climbing involves rock
climbing on ice, this style requires a lot of equipment.
Not only do you need light and
protective layers of clothing, but you also need to get gloves and excellent
traction shoes. Ice axes are often used for these highly elevated mountains,
along with crampons and ice screws. You should always pack ropes and a
belt with you while hiking, especially in case of emergencies.
If you are going on a mountain
alone, you should never leave with a rescue bag. A rescue bag should have a
radio to contact someone for help. It should also have bandages, emergency food
and water, and something to start a fire.
Depending on the timeline of your
climb, you might also need to get something to sleep in and other items to get
through the night.
Organize
Your Trip
Learning how to choose a mountain to
climb is one thing, but there are other details to consider.
Will you go alone, with a guide, or
travel in a group? This will be an important decision and most beginners should
go in groups or with a guide. You can research your mountain for companies that
host climbs and schedule a trip.
Aside from the climbing details, you
need a way to get to your mountain. A lot of people have to travel by plane and
then rent a car or pay for cab services.
Talk
to Your Guide
Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro or
something smaller, a guide is your best resource.
After finding a guide or group, they
might have recommendations or policies to follow. They can teach you how to
prepare and get all of the necessary gear. The best part about talking to a
guide is that you can ask questions specific to the mountain you will be
climbing.
While talking to your guide, you can
plan out the route together so that neither of you feels unprepared.
Do
You Know How to Climb a Mountain?
Learning how to climb a mountain
might require help, but luckily there are guides to help you with each
step.
Depending on your goals, you might
already have a mountain in mind, but if not, you can consider your experience
level. Since free soloing and climbing don't involve much security, you might
want to try other options without the worry of ice.
Don't be afraid to step out of your
comfort zone, espeically if you are traveling in a group with plenty of support
around.
Make sure you check out our site for
more content about extreme sports and staying physically fit!
