Re: New to Mountaineering
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 9:38 am
+1Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:22 pm This is what worked for me, and what I'd recommend:
1. Pick a goal (let's say: "climb a 14er in winter").
2. Research it a bunch and find out what you need to learn (in this example, look up which 14ers are safest in winter (Quandary), then read Quandary trip reports from Dec - March).
3. Pick up the gear and/or skills you need (maybe take an intro avalanche avoidance class, buy microspikes, study mountain forecasts, make sure your boots are warm enough, etc.).
4. Make a conservative attempt (simply start hiking and turn around if things start to go south).
5. Evaluate your success/failure and repeat cycle (maybe you turned around because your water bottles froze--next time you know to keep them inside your pack and turn them upside-down).
Note: a lot of this could be simplified by finding an experienced mentor or taking tons of dedicated classes, which many will recommend. I prefer the DIY approach, and finding the right mentor is far from a given.
You reach a level in mountaineering where DIY becomes increasingly dangerous. Can definitely be autodidactic most of the way, but I wouldn't recommend just diving into ice climbing, alpine trad or glacier travel without some sort of mentoring or instruction.Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:22 pm Note: a lot of this could be simplified by finding an experienced mentor or taking tons of dedicated classes, which many will recommend. I prefer the DIY approach, and finding the right mentor is far from a given.
We did the Eli approach and neither of us died despite our best efforts. The glacier stuff gets serious, quickly.Jorts wrote: ↑Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:23 pmYou reach a level in mountaineering where DIY becomes increasingly dangerous. Can definitely be autodidactic most of the way, but I wouldn't recommend just diving into ice climbing, alpine trad or glacier travel without some sort of mentoring or instruction.Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:22 pm Note: a lot of this could be simplified by finding an experienced mentor or taking tons of dedicated classes, which many will recommend. I prefer the DIY approach, and finding the right mentor is far from a given.
Congrats, I've found this is a sport of love, rejection, or addiction ... or all three! Yes, taking classes at the CMC is great, AND find some friends to climb with you, preferably experienced. Take in their knowledge and good/bad times as lessons. But most of all, have fun. This is a sport about personal exploration, not records or self-aggrandizement. Make a summit, come back home, reflect on what went well, and what didn't. Never consider not making the summit a "failure"; consider it a learning experience and use that knowledge to make the next climb a positive experience. Finally, climb responsibly, LNT, and smile at your fellow hikers/climbers!zestyziggy wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:38 am Hey guys!
I've decided this year is the year that I'm going to start mountaineering. Where's a good place to start? I'm aware that classes are offered at the CMC, and I plan on taking those as soon as possible. Are there clubs I can join? and what gear is recommended? Thanks for all the help.
Good stuff here. Listen up folks... learning as we all areJorts wrote: ↑Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:23 pmYou reach a level in mountaineering where DIY becomes increasingly dangerous. Can definitely be autodidactic most of the way, but I wouldn't recommend just diving into ice climbing, alpine trad or glacier travel without some sort of mentoring or instruction.Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:22 pm Note: a lot of this could be simplified by finding an experienced mentor or taking tons of dedicated classes, which many will recommend. I prefer the DIY approach, and finding the right mentor is far from a given.
Well yeah that's true to a degree (though mostly self-taught alpine trad has worked fine for me), but I was assuming the OP wants to get started with average Rockies mountaineering objectives, not the French Direct on Alpamayo.Jorts wrote: ↑Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:23 pmYou reach a level in mountaineering where DIY becomes increasingly dangerous. Can definitely be autodidactic most of the way, but I wouldn't recommend just diving into ice climbing, alpine trad or glacier travel without some sort of mentoring or instruction.Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:22 pm Note: a lot of this could be simplified by finding an experienced mentor or taking tons of dedicated classes, which many will recommend. I prefer the DIY approach, and finding the right mentor is far from a given.
Eli Boardman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:32 pm I was assuming the OP wants to get started with average Rockies mountaineering objectives, not the French Direct on Alpamayo.