Mountaineering Safety

Preparing for the Trip

• Consider taking a mountaineering class.  If you don't want to take a class, travel with experienced hikers.  General mountaineering classes are offered throughout the country and at the Colorado Mountain Club - http://www.cmc.org. 
• Make sure you are in the proper physical conditioning to make the trip.
• Travel with experienced people.
• Acquire the appropriate maps.
• Plan for an early start - especially in thunderstorm season.  I usually plan for a start early enough to get me below tree line by noon (on the descent).  For a day hike that requires 10 - 15 miles roundtrip, consider hitting the trail a couple of hours before sunrise.
• Check with the local U.S. Forest Service for road closures and trailhead information.
• Bring a compass and/or GPS and know how to use them.
• Tell someone the following:
  • When you are leaving
  • Where you are staying/camping
  • When and where you are hiking
  • When you plan to return
• Check the weather forecast and change the day of the trip if the weather is not going to cooperate.
• Research the route (maps and other descriptions) thoroughly so you know a lot about the terrain and landmarks before you even get there.  Studying topo maps can really help.
• For winter travel, check with local resources on the current avalanche danger.  Pack the necessary gear for avalanche safety.
  

Altitude Sickness

• Buy a book on mountaineering that covers altitude sickness.  It is a common problem on 14ers - especially for people that come from much lower elevations.
• Know when to spot the symptoms (in you and your partners).
• Turn back if necessary.  The best remedy is to get to lower elevation ASAP.

Bring the Proper Gear and Supplies

I have found BackCountry.com, and REI to be two of the best places to shop for backcountry and mountaineering gear.

Know Your Limitations

• Get in shape in the off-season.  A 14er trip is much more enjoyable if you are in better shape.  Even the easiest 14er routes require proper conditioning.
• Not everyone is fit enough for every hike.  Understand when your body is telling you to turn back.
• Make sure you have the proper skills to tackle the route.  Many 14er routes can turn from easy hiking to technical climbing in a hurry.
• Make sure all of the people in your group have the proper skills for the route.
• Turn back if necessary.
• Skiing on a 14er is much different than visiting the ski area.  It takes a certain set of skills to climb and ski in the backcountry.  Terrain can be steep, dangerous, and difficult to ski.  On many routes, a fall could be fatal.

Safe Trekking

• Start early.
• If you are going to travel in winter, learn about avalanche safety.  In winter, avalanche danger is always present.   Click Here for the Colorado Avalanche Info Center
• Pay attention at all times.  The altitude may impair your judgment, so it is very important to stay alert.
• Keep a safe distance from other hikers.
• Travel quietly.
• If you are climbing a steep slope or gully, be careful not to send debris sailing down on other climbers.
• Watch for animals - cougars, bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, deer, elk, and more...
• Don't wander off into the wilderness.  If you get hurt, you may never be found.
• Frozen lakes are not always safe.
• Bring a cell phone or satellite phone.
• Drink plenty of water.

Watch the Weather

• Pick up a book on weather so you know how to "read" the sky and predict weather as best as possible.
• Check the weather forecast the night before your trip.
• Dark, brewing clouds are bad.
• During summer, lightning is your main problem on a 14er.  Start early and turn back if a thunderstorm is brewing.
• A barometer is very helpful.  Many new GPS units or hand-held weather stations will give you barometric information.  Rapidly dropping barometric pressure is usually a sign of adverse weather to come.