PUBLIC SERVICES UNIT 16 - Mountaineering

UNIT 16 OUTDOOR & ADVENTEROUS ACTIVITIES - LAND BASED.

Mountaineering

mountaineering

Mountaineering is the set of activities that involves ascending mountains. Mountaineering-related activities include traditional outdoor climbing, skiing, and traversing ...

mountaineering

Traditional mountaineering involves identifying a specific mountain and route to climb, and executing the plan by whatever means appropriate. A mountain summit is almost always the goal. This activity is strongly associated with aid climbing and free climbing, as well as the use of ice axe and crampons on glaciers and similar terrain.

Mountaineering

Peak Bagging is the general activity of ascending peaks that are on a list of notable mountains, such as the 4000m peaks of the Alps

Open Ended

Task: research and write down what is the highest mountain in the Alps.....

Mountaineering

Enchainment is climbing more than one significant summit in one outing, usually on the same day.

Open Ended

Task: research and write down what are the 3 muntains in the UK that make up the "3 peaks" challenge......

Mountaineering

Mountaineering lacks formal rules; in theory, any person may climb a mountain and call himself a mountaineer. 

Mountaineering

Mountaineering techniques vary greatly depending on location, season, and the particular route a mountaineer chooses to climb.

Walk-up terrain

The term "walk-up" or "trek" is used to describe terrain in which no technical equipment is needed.

Rock

Alpine rock climbing involves technical skills including the ability to place anchors into the rock to safely ascend a mountain.

Snow and Ice

Compacted snow conditions allow mountaineers to progress on foot. Frequently crampons are required to travel efficiently and safely over snow and ice. Crampons attach to the bottom of a mountaineer's boots and provide additional traction on hard snow and ice. 

Shelter

Climbers use a few different forms of shelter depending on the situation and conditions. Shelter is a very important aspect of safety for the climber as weather in the mountains may be very unpredictable.

Camping

Typical shelters used for camping include tents and bivouac sacks. The ability of these shelters to provide protection from the elements is dependent on their design. Mountaineers who climb in areas with cold weather or snow and ice will use more heavy-duty shelters than those who climb in more forgiving environments.

Hut

Camping is not always an option, or may not be suitable if a mountain is close to civilization. Some regions may legally prohibit primitive camping due to concern for the environment, or due to issues with crowds. In lieu of camping, mountaineers may choose to stay in mountain huts.

Snow Cave

Where conditions permit, snow caves are another way to shelter high on the mountain. Some climbers do not use tents at high altitudes unless the snow conditions do not allow for snow caving, since snow caves are silent and much warmer than tents. 

Hazards - objective and subjective

Objective hazards relate to the environment, and may include bad weather conditions, dangerous terrain, and poor equipment. Subjective hazards relate to a climber's poor judgement, poor planning, lack of skills, or inadequate conditioning

Weather

The dangers caused by bad weather center on the changes it causes in snow and rock conditions, making movement suddenly much more difficult and hazardous than under normal circumstances.

Styles of mountaineering

Expedition

and

Alpine

Expedition

With this style, climbers will carry large amounts of equipment and provisions up and down the mountain, slowly making upward progress. Climbing in an expedition style is preferred if the summit is very high or distant from civilization.

Alpine

Alpine style, or informal variations of it, is the most common form of mountaineering today. It involves a single, straightforward climb of the mountain, with no backtracking. 

Equipment

Climbing Pack

Equipment

Ropes

Equipment

Safety Helmet

Equipment

Crampons

Equipment

Ice Axe