Getting started: Mountaineering

“Because it’s there.” If you need more persuasion than George Mallory’s famous quip about climbing Everest, then mountaineering may not be for you. Getting to the summit of just about any mountain requires sweat and brawn, and probably a heavy pack. You will likely be cold, hot, wet, thirsty, tired, scared and/or hungry along the way. But as anyone who has reached a summit under their own power can tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling you get when there’s nowhere higher to climb. The views. The solitude. The adventure. There’s a good reason why the bible of the sport is called The Freedom of the Hills.

Think you’d like to try? Get started with the tips below.