Do you also get
confused sometimes by the mass of terms related to mountaineering or mountain sports? It’s actually
not that complicated. Sometimes, even if you are in a certain niche of mountain sports, you might
not necessarily be aware of the terms used by others. So here is a quick intro to all related
terminology. Hopefully, this will help you to gain a better understanding of this fascinating world.
Let’s start with the basics, shall we?
Types of Mountaineering
Mountaineering
(or mountain climbing) is a common term for a sport that involves climbing or walking on mountains,
whether it’s the kind that requires technique and equipment, or a route that does not require prior
knowledge or complex technical operations.
You can do mountain climbing in trek style. Climbing on the Kilimanjaro is a good example for that.
There is no need for technical expertise. other types are of course those that require rock climbing on
bare rocks or crossing glaciers with suitable equipment for ice and snow and rock cracks.
The sport of climbing is usually divided into the following categories:
Alpinism, alpine/alpine climbing
is the common term for classical mountaineering of mountains covered with ice and snow, and usually,
when you say mountaineering we refer to this type of mountaineering.
Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is a climbing niche in which a cable infrastructure has been prepared in advance, to which
the climbers connect. Therefore, it doesn’t require a high level of skill. Via Ferrata has dedicated
climbing equipment adapted for connecting to the fixed cables on the mountain. Via Ferrata actually
means “iron path”, and although started in the 19th century, it usually relates to the routes
established during World Wars I and II to facilitate the movement of troops.
Trad / Traditional climbing
is the name for the classic cliffs climbing where we climb the bare mountain and perform while anchoring
to rock crevices so that we can secure ourselves with the climbing rope.
Bouldering
is climbing a rock, indoors or outdoors, usually at low altitudes. Bouldering is a different “problem
solving” activity, and unlike trad climbing, the gear is minimal. A safety pad protects your fall not to
hit the ground.
Ice climbing
can be a part of the Alpine climbing journey to the summit or a dedicated climb. It refers to climbing
the glacier ice, which is different than walking on snow and requires high skills in order to properly
use an ice ax, anchor techniques (using ice screws or other techniques), and crampons to hold your feet
on the ice. Ice climbing does not necessarily include high altitude conditions. and oxygen acclimation
usually is not necessary.
Mixed climbing, As the name implies, is the combination of ice climbing and rock climbing. It can
require the use of ice-related equipment, such as climbing boots and crampons, as well as an ice ax or
ice screws for anchoring.
in some cases, mixed climbing requires using “Dry-tooling“, which basically means using an
ice ax over the exposed rocks and crampons or rock shoes.
Free Climbing
usually refers to cases of rock climbing where equipment is used only for safety purposes, rather than
assisting the climb. The climber relies solely on their own physical strength in order to progress.
Artificial Wall Climbing
A constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, usually used indoors but sometimes located
outdoors.
Rappelling
A way for climbers, cavers and canyoneers' to descend their rope(s). The rope is fixed with removable
gear or threaded thru fixed anchors.
Sport Climbing
Typically a single pitch, one rope length, fixed anchors (bolts) provide protection on the climb.
Rappelling
A way for climbers, cavers and canyoneers' to descend their rope(s). The rope is fixed with removable
gear or threaded thru fixed anchors.
Adaptive Climbing
Climbing for people with a variety of disabilities. There are many types of assistive devices to aid
adaptive climbers in all styles of climbing.
Free-solo climbing
is the case in which the climber climbs solo, without any assistance or protection equipment at all!
The world of mountaineering
Most climbers achieve satisfaction not only by the conquest of the summit itself but in the entirety of
physical and spiritual pleasure resulting from the high personal effort, acquired skills, and danger, in
addition to the high rewards of success.
Mountain climbing has many faces. Some climbers set themselves the goal of conquering 7 summits, the
highest peak designation on every continent. There are actually several possible lists for the 7
summits, but it usually refers to Mount Everest (8848 m) in Asia, Aconcagua (6962 m) in South America,
Denali (6190 m) in North America, Kilimanjaro (5895 m) in Africa, Elbrus (5642 m) in Europe, Vinson
Massif (4892 m) in Antarctica and Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) in Papua, representing the Australian plate.
When embarking on a mountain-climbing journey, we must take into account the challenges we need to face.
Each mountaineering type has its own challenges. The climber should know himself and the terrain to
prepare accordingly. How we cope with the cold, are we in a sufficient physical shape, are we aware of
the physical capabilities we need to have in order to safely accomplish the climb? Also, do we have
certain foods or medications limitations?
High Altitude mountaineering
If there is a potential for high altitude sickness due to the heights and route, we should plan
accordingly. Allow acclimatization to the heights, and use or carry altitude sickness prevention
medicine as a backup. If we are facing extreme cold or we have high sensitivity to the cold, choose the
right clothing layers. Pick the right gloves to allow comfort for durability and warmth in different
types of climbing. In many cases, we need to carry a glove system (combining glove layers and mitts) to
allow warmth and efficiency for different mountain types. Rock climbing, ice climbing, high altitude
mountaineering mix-climbing. Sometimes all these during the same journey. It is hard to accommodate with
the right gloves and clothing.
Hazards to a mountaineer can be external factors and climber’s self-factors. External factors are those
over which the climber has no control. Examples are weather, rocks falling, crevasses, and avalanches,
while internal hazards are related to the climber themselves, like the climber’s body adaptation to the
physical effort, the lack of oxygen, food, gear malfunction, self-protection, etc.
Obviously, climbers of high-altitude mountain tops are exposed more than others to the factors of
altitude sickness and extremely low temperatures. Read about altitude sickness here.
Free-Solo climbers perform the most extreme activity, without safety measures, on vertical rocks. The
risk of slippery rocks or hand grasp is extremely high.
Each of these cases will require a totally different set of skills and expertise. However, all-mountain
fans require a high level of mental capabilities to cope with all extreme conditions and risks.
No matter what your climbing preference is, train hard, learn and prepare yourself. Train for extreme
conditions, respect nature, have lots of fun and memories and share your experiences.
