Some people consider mountaineering as a type of extreme sport, while others consider it a means of filling their spare time that requires strength, endurance, and sacrifice. This activity is indeed dangerous, it can even be fatal, especially when the climber pushes himself too hard or gets stuck in the midst of bad weather and unfavorable situations on the mountain. Lack of experience, poor planning and inadequate equipment can result in accidents or death. Therefore, it is very important to know the correct way of climbing.
Despite all the risks, if done right, mountain climbing can be a fun, challenging, and enlightening activity. This article will outline mountaineering instructions for beginners, as well as the basics to learn. However, in reality, each of the steps described below should be studied further by you. So, spend as much time as possible reading various things about mountaineering. This article will give you an overview of everything that is needed while climbing.
Step
Step 1. Get as much information as possible
Before starting to climb a mountain, read as many books as you can about the skills required and other people's experiences of mountaineering. It's important to understand that mental strength while climbing a mountain is just as important as physical strength. Also learn how to use climbing gear properly. The best way to understand it is to read stories about the experiences of climbers who have conquered many famous mountains. There are many bookstores that have a dedicated area for books on mountaineering, so you should have no trouble finding good reading resources.
- One good book for beginners is Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by Steve M Cox and Kris Fulaas.
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Watch a DVD about the experience of climbing a mountain. There are many good documentaries and films about mountaineering.
Climbing a mountain at landmannalaugar - Learn about the best times to climb mountains in different parts of the world. If you are interested in conquering mountains abroad, this will enable you to identify the best times to climb mountains in different regions. For example, the best climbing time in Europe is June to September, the best climbing time for New Zealand is December to March, while in Alaska, June and July are best. In these months, there are many factors that affect the worthiness of the climb. Starting from the number of climbers who come, weather conditions that cannot be predicted in advance, and the fact that there are good and bad seasons to climb the mountain,
- Learn everything about weather conditions in mountainous areas. Mountainous areas can create their own weather (microclimate). Learn how to predict inclement weather, how to read cloud movement, how to test wind direction, and understand how weather changes can affect your hiking. Also learn how to prevent lightning strikes.
Step 2. Assess your mental strength
Climbing mountains requires good mental strength because later you will have to make quick and careful decisions regarding situations and conditions, directions, and personal safety. For many climbers, the mental state is the toughest challenge because you have to abandon all the easy daily routines to deal with situations that force you to make difficult decisions with big consequences. Some things to ask yourself are:
- Do you easily panic or rush when making decisions? This kind of nature is very dangerous when climbing mountains. You need to be able to cool your head, think clearly, and find the best solution as quickly as possible.
- Can you endure the pain or give up easily and choose to find something else that is more comfortable to do?
- Do you have a positive personality, but stay realistic and true to yourself? Overconfidence is very dangerous because it can cause problems when climbing.
- Are you a good problem solver?
Step 3. Exercise
Climbing mountains requires excellent physical condition and good body resistance because these activities are very tiring. You can't immediately climb tough terrain if you only work in the office every day. Exercise with the method that is most beneficial to your body condition. Some physical exercise methods you can try include:
- Running and jogging, including running to train endurance (endurance running).
- Walking and hiking, when hiking activities are difficult to do, you can also train physically by climbing something.
- Lift weights, or run and walk up hills with weights in your hand or in your backpack.
- Practice climbing ropes. Learning rock climbing, practicing ice climbing, and trying glacier walking are some types of exercise that are very beneficial.
- Ski and ice skating, especially if you intend to slide off a snowy mountain (this activity is very extreme, but can be done on some mountains).
- Anything that can increase strength and endurance, two important factors that become capital for mountain climbing.
Step 4. Purchase equipment for climbing
Equipment for mountain climbing is specially made and has a very important role. You have two options: buy or rent it. If you decide to buy one, be prepared to spend a lot of money. However, if you do it step by step, it's a good way to make sure the equipment you use is what you want. This method is also a good investment if you plan to climb more than one mountain. Equipment that is rented out may not necessarily suit you, but if the equipment is made by a well-known manufacturer, it could be that the quality is still very well maintained. Renting equipment is suitable for those of you who are just trying to climb a mountain for the first time and want to experience the fun or not of the activity for yourself. Although you can rent it, there is some equipment that you will need to buy yourself, such as special hiking clothes and boots. Climbing clothing should fit snugly, while climbing gear such as ice axes or shoe crampons do not require special measurements.
- Check out the "Things You'll Need" list below for some basic climbing gear.
- Realize that mountaineers are obsessed with the weight they carry and this has very reasonable grounds. You have to carry all your luggage up the mountain. Burdening yourself with unnecessary equipment should not be a mountain climber. Hikers must be able to find ways to reduce luggage without compromising safety. This can increase costs because equipment made from lightweight materials such as titanium is more expensive than other heavier materials.
Step 5. Learn good hiking etiquette
Learning how to climb a mountain is not only limited to the physical and mental aspects. Most mountains are in remote areas and your climbing activities can affect the environment there. Climbing a mountain that is still beautiful is a gift and most climbers try to preserve the surrounding nature, and not damage local facilities or underestimate the culture of the local community.
- Learn the principle of “Going Without a Trace”.
- Go slow, become a nature conservation advocate, and get all the necessary permits.
- Read the climbing code. This code was developed for safety purposes and is essential reading material for beginners.
- Never climb a mountain alone. At least, invite your friends who have already climbed the mountain.
Step 6. Practice
If you intend to take a climbing course for beginners, then this course is your first training ground. Meanwhile, if you're planning to hike with a partner, you'll need to learn some basic training before starting the hike, unless you're ready to “learn by practice” with the guide. Nature clubs usually provide special classes to learn the skills you need (you need to know all of them):
- Climb snowy areas, build ice ladders, and use ice axes.
- Body lifting technique.
- A glissading technique (stand-up gliding) that allows you to slide down while using an ice ax to set your speed.
- Cross the crevasse and save yourself from the crevice, and cross the snow bridge.
- Using crampons, includes how to wear them, walk with them, and perform specific techniques.
- Walk on the glacier.
- A variety of climbing techniques and skills, including finding routes, reading maps, using pythons, wedges, pegs, knotting, and arranging and using rigging.
- Avalanche evacuation drills. It is usually taught in special places that you can find in various locations around the world. This training is generally taken by skiers and snowboarders, but can also be attended by professional mountaineers and rescue teams. This training is very useful, especially if you are no longer mountain climbing but are interested in participating in winter sports.
- Basic first aid and emergency signaling techniques also need to be learned as part of a series of exercises that you do.
Step 7. Plan your first hike
The first ascent should not be too difficult and must be accompanied by an experienced guide. The level of difficulty of a mountain is influenced by the height and terrain of the climb. Mountains can be classified from “easy” to “very difficult”. A novice climber must climb the "easy" mountain first, but you must remain aware that climbing to the "easy" mountain is still risky. Each country has a different classification system, so you need to find as much information as possible. You'll also need to understand rocky terrain (from difficult to very difficult) and icy terrain if you want to climb a mountain that has rocky or icy areas (such as an ice field or ice waterfall).
- Try climbing mountains that can be explored without the need for a lot of technicality, such as Mount Elbert and Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountains will help you understand the thrill of climbing a high mountain, study the changing weather, and know how much energy is expended on an ascent.
- The choice of climbing location depends on where you live and the amount of money you can spend, but for the first hike, it's best to choose a location that is easy. This way, you can slowly adapt to the sensations of climbing and changing altitude, and can focus on your climbing technique without worrying about exposure, lack of oxygen, and lack of skills to tackle complex issues. Keep in mind that you can increase the difficulty of the climb at any time, so there's no need to push yourself from the start.
- Look for complete information about the location of the climb. Check the local area, the weather patterns when you're hiking, the dangers there, and the different ways to get to the top of the mountain. For a beginner, choose the easiest route to reach the top. Ask your guide or locals if you're confused.
- Look for information about the existence of lodges and various other facilities along the hiking trail. Get information about regulations or payments required to use these facilities.
- Look for a hiking trail map and learn everything you need about the route. You should always carry a map with you. Trim the edges if you don't want to carry the extra weight.
Step 8. Keep improving your skills and try to climb more difficult mountains
Next, try to climb a steep mountain using basic climbing equipment and techniques. The volcano is usually suitable as a climbing location for beginners. With good basic training, you should be able to beat them easily. Some examples of mountains that you can use as references are Mount Blanc, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and the volcanoes in Ecuador and Mexico, as well as mountains in Nepal. Mountains like Grand Teton and Mount Stuart can be climbed if you have rock climbing skills.
Go on an expedition to the top of the mountain that requires a long journey, good climbing techniques, and adequate climbing knowledge. From here, there is no limit to self-development
Step 9. Find a good guide
One of the best things you can do is join a local nature club. From this club, you can expand your network to find trusted and reputable guides. What's great about nature clubs is the group climbing events that are usually held for beginner and intermediate climbers, so you can learn different climbing skills while having fun with fans of the sport.
- Spend time at club meetings talking to experienced climbers. They can teach you more valuable lessons than books. They can also be mentors or introduce you to people who can help.
- Nature clubs usually tend to choose mountains that are more difficult to conquer than tourist mountains. As you improve your skills, keep this in mind if you want to enrich your skills.
Step 10. Prepare for your departure
If the target mountain is close, you don't have to worry much about this and that. If the mountain is far away, you will need to travel and book accommodation. Meanwhile, if your destination is overseas, you need to calculate baggage weight, visa requirements, etc. However, make sure you have insurance for lost goods, medical evacuation, accident and death insurance.
- Pack your gear properly. If ice axes, crampons, boots, and other equipment must be flown in, pack them properly. Some types of equipment can tear the bag easily and damage other people's belongings or fall and get lost. When driving, place your equipment in a safe place to prevent it from scattering when the vehicle brakes suddenly.
- Check the type of permissions required. Most of the popular mountains require you to have a permit for safety, control and environmental protection reasons.
- Even if you don't need a permit, you should always find out where to leave your itinerary so that the authorities, family and friends can monitor your departure and return times.
Step 11. Understand what things need to be done after arriving at the mountain
Before climbing, you usually need to set up a base. If you use hiking trails, the management may have permanent lodges for rent. Call them to order it. This headquarters will be used as a departure point. You can also relax here to wait for the weather conditions to improve, depending on the difficulty of the mountain and the climb. On a mountain that is not too difficult to climb, this base is usually only used as a place to stay before climbing with your friends or group.
- Take this time to re-examine your equipment. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment with you (bring a list to help you) and check the condition of your equipment.
- Check other supplies you bring, such as food, water, clothes, etc.
- Spend some time talking to your guide or travel partner about the route and any issues you may encounter along the way, such as hazards, weather conditions, dangerous areas, and other issues. Look closely at the map and memorize the route in your head. Look for alternative routes that can be taken just in case an emergency occurs.
- Exercise by stretching, walking, running, etc. – anything that can keep you in shape.
- Eat nutritious food and get enough sleep.
Step 12. Start climbing
This step is just an illustration, because the actual climb requires various techniques and is very dependent on the context of the mountain to be climbed. This is the time to put into practice all the knowledge you have gained from various reading sources and listen to the experiences of experienced climbers. Most hikes start in the wee hours of the morning to ensure you can return before sunset. If you plan to camp in the mountains, this will ensure you get a decent camping site. After double-checking all the equipment you've prepared the night before and eating an adequate breakfast, start the hike with your more experienced guide and companion. Practice all the skills you have learned before coming to the mountain.
- Keep going on the specified route, unless there is a big obstacle that makes you have to change lanes.
- Follow the instructions of your guide. As a beginner, be obedient to those who are more experienced while assessing the situation from your own mind and fulfilling personal responsibilities.
- Take regular short breaks for energy-boosting foods. Pause to make sure you're on the right track. However, don't stop for too long so you don't get lazy to move again.
- Stay hydrated. Cold weather is at risk of dehydration because the body does not feel thirsty. So, drink regularly.
- Don't separate yourself from the group.
- Enjoy the view at the top. Take a photo and be proud.
Step 13. Descend from the mountain leaving enough time to descend safely
Be aware that the process of descending from the mountain is very difficult and dangerous. While this may seem easier than riding, it is precisely at this time that many accidents occur. Descending from a mountain is as dangerous as losing concentration while climbing.
- Focus on finding solid footing as you descend from the mountain.
- Slide down slowly when it's safe. Sliding down slowly while facing backwards makes the descent process quicker and easier.
- Be careful when rappeling. Rappelling while descending has a higher percentage of accidents due to fatigue, incorrect anchoring, broken slings, and lack of concentration.
- Watch out for falling rocks, avalanches, brittle snow and snow bridges as you descend.
- Do not immediately remove the rope. By the time you crossed the last glacier, you might already feel accomplished. However, if you let go of the rope and fall into the abyss, your life is over.
Tips
- Make sure your body stays hydrated. Cold weather tends to trick people into thinking they are not thirsty. In fact, the cold weather plus intense physical activity makes you have to continue to get enough fluid intake.
- Do the climb in a team or with experienced climbers. Never hike alone. This point is repeated because it is so important!
- Prioritize safety over courage. It's better to go home and try again another day than to push yourself and not come back.
- This sport can be done by anyone. You can climb mountains at any age, as long as your body is in good shape and your mind is clear.
- Recognize the signs of oxygen deprivation, fatigue, and hypothermia. This applies not only to yourself, but to others as well. You need to know if there is a colleague who is too pushy and needs to be brought down for medical help
- If there are no toilets in the climbing area, bring your own feces.
- Always look at what is in front of you.
Warning
- Mountain climbing is a dangerous extreme sport. Practice with an experienced climber before starting to climb. Do not do this activity alone.
- Do not attempt to climb dangerous mountains until you have had sufficient experience in safer mountains. You should also understand the dangers involved in climbing a mountain. This is the most dangerous mountain climb (based on data in 2008): Annapurna (8,091 m), of the 130 climbers who came, 53 of them died. This means the death rate of climbers is at 41%. Nanga Parbat (8, 125m), of the 216 climbers who came to this mountain, 61 of them died. In other words, the death rate for climbers is 28.24%. Meanwhile, on the second highest mountain in the world, K2 (8,611 m), there were 53 climbers who died out of a total of 198 people who came. This means the death rate of climbers on the mountain is 26.77%.
