Getting Started: Mountaineering in the Alps
Have you ever imagined standing high on a mountain, overlooking the valleys beneath? It is an incomparable experience; it feels like you’re on top of the world! Mountaineering is a sport filled with adrenaline, with various hazards and difficulties; it is easy to stop halfway and go back down, but with the right preparation and training - you can push through it. Our Hotel in the Alps, Albergo Miramonti, receives many guests who are passionate about the sport, and with the Winter season coming, we are expecting more guests who are looking for that sense of adventure. So, if you are interested in starting mountaineering, here are some tips:
GET USED TO BACKPACKING
When you’re climbing the Italian Alps, you need to bring several pieces of equipment, gear and food to sustain you while on your mountaineering trip. You will expect to climb thousands of metres above sea level. For instance, if you’re climbing Mount Adamello, it can be 3,500-plus metres! Therefore it would be advantageous to start practising carrying heavy loads on your back. Perhaps, you can start practising by Planning a Hiking Trip, they are a lot less hazardous than mountain climbing, but still require you to bring important gear.
LEARNING THE BASICS
Before you start climbing, we encourage you to read guides about the basics of mountaineering, as well as the terminology. There is a lot about the subject that needs to be learnt about, from the type of gear necessary to the different climbing techniques. By informing yourself of basic mountaineering knowledge, you will feel a lot safer and ready to tackle the mountains. Some terminology you may encounter are “Belaying”, “Anchoring” , “Cramponing” and more. So, be sure to learn beforehand!
PRACTISING AND GETTING FIT
Mountaineering requires a lot of strength and stamina to be able to climb mountains continuously. Therefore, it would be wise for you to hit the gym a few months before your planned trip. The best way to practice is through indoor climbing our bouldering; this can help polish up your current skills while being highly applicable to the real thing. Furthermore, you don’t have to restrict yourself from climbing mountains - you can begin to try lower elevations to get yourself comfortable with the natural terrain. Also, when it comes to climbing, you should always do it step-by-step and not throw yourself into the deep end as it is highly dangerous.
THE GEAR YOU NEED
When it comes to mountaineering, there are a number of items you need to bring while on your mountaineering trip. A lot of it is mandatory to be able to climb the mountains, while the others are for safety and just general warmth from the biting cold. Below is a list of the gear you may need to bring on your trip:
Stiff, Strong Boots and Crampons
Adjustable Harness and Ropes
Helmet
Ice Axe
Suitable Clothing (Fleeces, Waterproofs)
Sleeping Equipment (Tent, sleeping bag)
Food …and more.
HIRING A GUIDE OR TAKING A CLASS
A great way to start getting experience for mountaineering is hiring a guide to lead you throughout the mountains. The instructors are very likely to have extensive experience in the mountaineering sport. So with a guide or companion, not only will you get expert advice but you can be given the physical and moral support.
These are just a few of the summer sports that can be done in the Italian Alps. Why not check out Miramonti Boutique Hotel? We are sandwiched between the Alps and have many activities for you to do in the Alps, once you’re done, you can retreat into our Alpine Spa and relax at our Cigar Lounge.