Im interested in learning to mountain climb. Any suggestions on how to start.?

Answer 1

With excercize and practice definetly start indoors in a controlled environment with all the proper safety gear.Most indoor rock climbing clubs hold outings for new members to get some outdoors practice.

Answer 2

By far and away the best way to learn is to take to the hills in the company of an experienced friend. You can then either have your friend guide and instruct you or you can try things for yourself in the knowledge that your friend can be called on to assist should the need arise (this is basically what I did because I'm one of those who learns through experience and trial and error and not through books or having someone instruct me).

Start in a small way and as you gain experience you can move on to bigger and more challenging things.

Mountain climbing on a larger scale often calls into play other disciplines such as rock climbing, ice climbing, rappelling/abseiling, sometimes skiing or glissading and if you want a quick way down then paragliding.

One essential aspect is of course the equipment you'll need. Such a list could be pages and pages long and just what is required will be determined by the type of trip you're planning. Be warned, full blown mountain climbing is expensive and you could quite easily spend upwards of $50,000 on equipment but this is something you can worry about later if you get bitten by the mountain climbing bug. It makes sense to invest in quality equipment, the last thing you want are boots that fall apart on you, rucksacks that split open or waterproofs that leak.

An experienced friend can provide you with all the help and advice you need when choosing equipment and in the absence of such a person you'll find the staff in decent outdoor stores are helpful and knowledgeable.

There are a great many courses available that can teach you all you need to know, these are often quite expensive and if you attend different ones to learn different skills you'll be looking at spending several thousand $'s.

Other alternatives include booking an adventure holiday where all the necessary equipment can be provided and you'll get a chance to see if mountain climbing is for you. You'll also meet other like minded people who you may want to team up with in the future. Similarly, joining a local mountain climbing club will introduce you to the activities and people at minimal cost and members can provide instruction and assistance where needed.

I've been climbing mountains for many years now and the one golden rule I always advise people is to enjoy what they do.

Do take the time to learn at least the basics, there are numerous books and websites that can help although nothing is ever as good as first hand experience. Learn basic first aid, navigation, survival, shelters, signalling, winter hardware, ropework, climbing hardware, safety, clothing and equipment, meteorology etc.

Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

Find a copy of Freedom of the Hills-the bible of mountaineering. It will answer any questions and teach you some techniques/knots before getting started.

The best way to learn is to find a rock gym, take a class, and meet some people who "know the ropes" and are willing to take you climbing outdoors.

Buy a harness, shoes, and a chalk bag before you get all of the other gear. This way you can test out the sport to see if you are serious about it; you can dump thousands of $ into gear. Check out sierratradingpost.com

Answer 4

Locate a reputable school/guide service near where you live. There are someplaces where they give you a few days of classes then help guide you up an ascent of say Mt Rainier - or something less challenging.

Answer 5

climb the nearest mountain and see if you live