MOUNTAINEERING
Hit Your First Or Hundredth Big Summit!
Are you fantasizing about your first or next big summit?
Here’s a starter guide to mountaineering, with all the steps you need to take to get into the mountains and give it a go.
Reaching the summit of any mountain is an indescribable feeling, even when you are afraid of heights like our founder, Ema Dantas. If you enjoy the sport of mountaineering or are contemplating getting started, you don’t have to plan to complete the 7 summits (or 8 given there are two versions of what that is), just set your eyes on a mountain and go for it.
Mountains have exceptional health benefits. Beyond being majestic with picturesque landscapes, mountains offer a true treasure chest of benefits for both physical and mental health.
Mountaineering can involve rock climbing, glacier travel and off-trail hiking to reach a summit.
First Things First – Get Fit
To get fit for mountaineering, you will need to add walking and stair climbing to your daily routine. You also need to include some regular running and cycling to build base fitness and weight training to strengthen your upper body. You might also go to a climbing gym to get a grasp of the basics, like using a harness, belaying and tying into a rope.
Walking on its own might not be enough, so put on a heavy backpack and go up a hill. Sign up for multi-day backpacking trips, practice scrambling and build confidence on large crags and ridges, both alone and roped with a partner.
When you are ready, add in winter conditions and get comfortable doing all the above in a different climate! Make sure to layer your clothing as mountaineering can be very cold.
Choose Your Mountain
Pick your target (mountain) and set your goals
Get Educated
Take a course and hire a private trainer and coach.
Learn The Basics Of Navigation
You are going to need to know how to use a GPS, a compass, and an altimeter. You will need to understand map contours, triangulation, bearings and sightings. It’s about survival.
Get The Right Gear
Equipment and clothing has to be right for the type of mountaineering you do. If you aren’t sure, ask for help.
Prepare For Altitude
Prepare your lungs for being at altitude by training in a high altitude environment like Summit Peaks.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Leaving nothing to chance, be prepared for all possibilities..
Build Your Skill Set Slowly
It’s hard work, but you’ll enjoy the journey when you complete each and every ascent. Train! Let’s say that again – train! You can’t just go “climb a mountain”. You need skills to get to the top.
Get Help Preparing For Your First Or Next Climb
Private Coaching & Training by Ema Dantas
Achieve Your Summit Dream Success
Contact Us
Questions About Altitude Training?
We are happy to connect with you over the phone as well. Let us know how we can reach you and/or provide you more information.
Call us @ 289-430-6160
LOCATION:
Unit 103, 1943 Ironoak Way
Oakville, Ontario, L6H 3V7.
All training must be pre-booked.