Mountain Climbing, ascending mountains, most commonly as a recreational activity. Mountain climbing is popular worldwide, wherever hills rise high enough to provide challenge. The activity’s rewards include the physical exertion it requires, the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties by working with others, the thrill of reaching a summit, and the unobstructed view from a mountaintop. Exploration and research are other reasons that people climb mountains.
Ascents can be either non technical (a hike up a path or a scramble over rocks, not requiring the safety of a rope), or technical (a climb up more difficult terrain that requires the use of rope and other specialized equipment). This article focuses on technical climbs, which involve all the elements of simple hikes but also require advanced knowledge and equipment. Making technical climbs is also known as mountaineering.
Since ancient times, people have viewed mountain peaks as towering objects of myth, spiritual inspiration, and romantic beauty. Early peoples made ascents only to hunt game, to rescue lost or strayed animals, or to gain a military advantage over an enemy. Eventually, the unknown and inaccessible ceased to be something to be feared and avoided, and the conquest of the major mountain peaks and ranges of the world began. Mountaineering as a sport was born on August 8, 1786, with the first ascent of Mont Blanc (4807 m/15,771 ft), one of Europe’s tallest peaks. Since that ascent, mountain climbing has evolved into three related sports: alpine climbing, ice climbing, and rock climbing. These sports require the same fundamental techniques.
Ascents can be either non technical (a hike up a path or a scramble over rocks, not requiring the safety of a rope), or technical (a climb up more difficult terrain that requires the use of rope and other specialized equipment). This article focuses on technical climbs, which involve all the elements of simple hikes but also require advanced knowledge and equipment. Making technical climbs is also known as mountaineering.
Since ancient times, people have viewed mountain peaks as towering objects of myth, spiritual inspiration, and romantic beauty. Early peoples made ascents only to hunt game, to rescue lost or strayed animals, or to gain a military advantage over an enemy. Eventually, the unknown and inaccessible ceased to be something to be feared and avoided, and the conquest of the major mountain peaks and ranges of the world began. Mountaineering as a sport was born on August 8, 1786, with the first ascent of Mont Blanc (4807 m/15,771 ft), one of Europe’s tallest peaks. Since that ascent, mountain climbing has evolved into three related sports: alpine climbing, ice climbing, and rock climbing. These sports require the same fundamental techniques.
