Why is it easier to climb a mountain zig-zag than straight?

Answer 1

These zig zags are often called switchbacks. They help to lessen the steepness or "grade" (not grade like difficulty rating but grade as in rise over run) of the hill, mountain.
If you go straight up you work much harder.
walk on a flat path and it is easier than walking up a hill. Swithcbacks are just a way to try to flatten out the hill.

roads in the mountains use this same technique.

Answer 2

It is easier to move quickly if it is less steep, which is important if walkers are heavily laden or on difficult or dangerous ground, and most established paths will try and zig zag at the steepest gradient practical for a laden walker. It may however be faster for unladen walkers to go straight up a mountain if they are fit, and nimble and have good navigation skills. In congested areas leaving paths will however cause more erosion as paths may be maintained by park authorities to limit the damage, and leaving paths represents serious danger in bad weather. As greatest damage to knees and ankles is going downhill, keeping to the more even and less steep paths may be even more important downhill. Rockclimbers will go straight up cliffs but they are interested in the play, not in speed to the summit.

Answer 3

A trail gradient of about 12% is actually optimum, most hikers can cover the most distance and gain the most altitude in a given time on such trails, as compared to steeper trails (unless they're stairways). Switchbacking allows the use of 12% gradient trails to ascend a slope of limited width. The same principle is used for roadways for cars, and the optimum for cars is about 6% gradient.

Answer 4

"Switchbacking" helps you have more secure footing going side to side instead of straight up a sharp grade. Lessens your chance of injury by slipping. The only disadvantage is it takes a bit longer, but it is a much "safer" way to go up a mountain side or steep grade.........

Answer 5

Switchbacking, because you are climbing at an angle to the steepest part of the slope, makes it less steep and takes less energy.