Mountain climbing is a sport that goes by several other names – alpinism, mountaineering and rock climbing. All these names are synonymous with a popular sports activity that requires fitness, agility, stamina, endurance and the right mental attitude. Mountaineering requires fitness and is ultimately about the challenge of climbing to the top.
Mental attitude is a key factor because mountain climbing can be dangerous. First and foremost, experienced climbers should always climb with another person. They must be constantly aware of their environment and alert to potential dangers like rock slides and poor footing.
Climbing mountains is, like many other sports, a learning process. Seasoned climbers recommend that people who are interested in the sport “aim low” and start with short climbs or at a climbing gym. A gym gives the potential beginner a sense of what mountain climbing is like. Another suggestion is to take a short course at a mountain climbing school. There are good schools around the country. Mountain climbing clubs are also a good place to learn about and try the sport out.
For those who discover that they like mountaineering, the next level is to try “walk-up” mountains. These are non-technical climbs that require no special equipment and will test climbers’ endurance and confidence start with low elevation climbs and working up to higher climbs. In the United States, two of the better known high walk-ups are California’s Mount Whitney (14,490 feet) and Colorado’s Mount Elbert (14,433 feet).
The next step climbs are moderately steep snow capped mountains like Washington’s Mount Rainer (14,411 feet) and Mount Baker (10,770 feet), and California’s Mount McKinley (20,320 feet). The height of these mountains is deceptive in comparison to the walk-up mountains because these climbs require more skill, experience and the use of specialized equipment to reach the peak.
Mountain climbing is great exercise and an opportunity to go enjoy the outdoors in an entirely different way. With time, determination and experience a beginning climber can become an experienced mountaineer










