subject: First Time Climbing [print this page] Now we come to the subject of where to go for your first true mountaineering experiences. Of course, this depends entirely on where you live and what is close to you. So the issue really boils down to a set of criteria for finding a place to first learn and practice mountaineering.
Go to this place as often as you can and challenge yourself on progressively more difficult routes. Go back when it is cold, snowy, dark (or all three) to understand how different climbing can be under a more challenging set of conditions. Consider this place your training gym.
As your skillset improves and you realize the need to find a more challenging location, start looking a little higher and a little further away. Where are there mountains that are slightly higher or more challenging than your training gym local peak? Do the research on potential and suitable routes, find a reliable partner, and select a worthy objective. Do what it takes to get that next one done, even if it takes a few tries.
The good news is you dont need to live in the mountains. You dont need to travel far, you dont need to camp overnight. Your first mountains dont even need to have names or be in the guidebooks. The criteria you are looking for are:
A mountain that is close to home, ideally less than an hour drive. The closer it is, the more often you will visit.
A short approach from the trailhead to the actual climbing
A variety of terrain to move through
Ideally, it receives snow
A variety of scrambling and easy climbing routes
Accessible year round
Using this criteria youll find a close local crag or a small mountain close to the road, even if it is not that tall or not that desirable by others. It does not need to be high, steep or difficult. As a matter of fact, an easier crag or peak is just what you want since you should be learning to climb while wearing boots and a pack.
For more information and training visit the website in the resource section.
