Alpine climbing vs rock climbing reddit I grew up rock climbing and in the last 2 yrs I have been getting more into hiking. When I say "pack to climb with", I mean something really small, to hold an extra layer and snacks. The climbing you do see in the alpine is more “long section of chossy 5. Traditional climbing: Traditional climbing is much like sport climbing, but is typically performed outside and requires climbers to attach their own If you're alpine climbing it will be well within your limits and being in slightly less strong gym/sport climbing shape will not make a difference. TL;DR - it depends. May 28, 2025 · We also want to acknowledge that, despite our best efforts, this list is almost certainly incomplete. 10+) alpine climbs like the harder routes on longs peak, that is alpine rock climbing more than mountaineering. Whoops, guess you're wrong AGAIN. I am looking into more in depth alpine climbing courses and am overwhelmed with options. I think rock climbing helped me notice some lack of my balance, weak legs, or even foot placement. if it is, you did something else very wrong. 7” and less 5. 8 - havent climbed it, but great reviews from friends Hope it helps! For climbing it really depends on the type of climbing you're doing and in what circumstances, which is why actively thinking about risk is so important in climbing. 10 routes on toprope at the gym, learn to sport climb -> Once competent at lead climbing and belaying sport routes, learn to single pitch trad climb -> Once competent at single pitch trad climbing and anchor building, begin climbing easy multipitch routes For me personally, with a 10 month old at home, I’m pumping the brakes on skiing avalanche terrain and rock/ice climbing in the alpine until my kids are 18. In addition to the technical skills of each discipline, you also add in factors unique to an alpine environment: weather, ice/snow, remoteness, long/strenuous approaches, altitude. Take your particular brand of climbing: ice, mixed, rock, aid, etc and execute in the mountains. I mostly use 60m ropes but bought a 70m rope after I started climbing at Index, as several routes require a 70m. Continue to read this article and we will do a Mountaineering could refer to any form of mountain climbing, but usually refers to climbing non technical peaks, either in expedition style or with a big team or without technical climbing. Spend the extra ~$100 or so to get an actual ice axe - it's worth it. I climb in a unique area with bulky gear and a strange rule that no climbing gear can be visible when hiking in so rope, helmet, and all must be in the bag. 7oz. And for anyone experiencing a loss, we recommend visiting the American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund. For ice + cold alpine climbing, the OR cirque is my go to. I would say once people seek hard (5. this is a hot take. In terms of your question, that means climbing helmets won't typically be rated for skiing. I think it was worth it. Couloir would be fine. Another difference between the two sports is that alpine climbers use ice axes and crampons for traction on snow-covered terrain. If I tried to climb in cheap stretchy jeans or sweats I would destroy them super fast. While the goal of any Alpine climb is to summit a mountain or complete a route on a significant portion of the mountain, there are certainly mountains that require different skills. com/2022/07/17/alpine-climbing-vs-rock-climbing-whats-the-difference/ This made me think about mountaineering in general. I doubt many people even know about the international gading systems for rock climbing. It’s the Tatonka Yukon 60+10. Mountaineers- 6 months of approx monthly lectures and field trips Dry ropes are very important to me when I'm ice climbing. On the other hand, around the same time I dropped the training, I learned how to rock climb because I already haf thr full equipment so I just bought the chepeast rock shoes I found (Mad Rock Drifters, still have some life in those) and got climbing thanks to an acquaintance, due to pandemic I stopped climbing but after a while I started once . There are various ratings for helmets. My rock climbing experience consist of a two-hour beginner's top rope course at a local rock gym. You can climb easy routes in (good) boots or approach shoes, but it'll take more strength and effo Even in the off-chance self arresting with a tech tool does work you'll probably rip your shoulder out of the socket (done that too - rock climbing not ice or snow related - and I highly recommend against it). But my path to rock climbing was a desire to do increasingly difficult and technical alpine climbs. Also, if you're climbing buddies are up for it, try to climb at crags with a long approach, and carry all the gear. Hanging belays and hangdogging sport routes will be much more pleasant in a harness for rock climbing. In my experience, those logging the most days in the mountains tend to not be great rock climbers. Easy TR access, easy gear, easy climbing. Look at Katahdin and Mt Washington. It’s “weather” if you count all of mountaineering, slip-and-falls in rock climbing specifically, and you can’t even count rappelling as “while climbing” because it’s not while climbing. alpine climbing is not beginner by any stretch of the imagination. (Didn’t sleep well, altitude, etc. If you're more into adventure/trad/alpine climbing, I think the full body activation and endurance would probably help more. For mountaineering (not rock climbing) you want something that you can easily put on over crampons/skis. Multipitch rock in NH like Cannon Cliff is great training for alpine climbing as well (and fun af in its own right). Middle makers are really nice but not a deal breaker for me. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://travelyouman. Maybe a little bit longer approach. In the summer, long routes like the North Ridge of Mount Stuart and the playground that is the North Cascades National Park will find you on incredible rock if you're willing The only difference between scrambling and rock climbing is the technical difficulty. But anything large enough to hike downhill comfortably is basically too big to climb well. Agood harness costs like 50 bucks, less if you catch a sale or use a coupon. Nov 11, 2024 · Sport climbing: Sport climbing is one of the most common forms of rock climbing, and involves using ropes to ascend a wall that has pre-drilled bolts used for anchoring yourself as you climb. I've never tied in with a biner for rock climbing, but using a locking biner and an alpine butterfly is pretty normal for middle of the rope glacier travel. com Feb 2, 2025 · While rock climbing primarily focuses on the physical challenge, alpine climbing requires technical competence and experience in mountaineering to scale challenging routes safely. I began rock climbing my at 14 (1993)-and have actively climbed outdoors (trad/boulder/alpine) and started CF 3ish years ago. Plus I always enjoy myself when I go climbing or mountaineering. Climbers use the term 'climbing' as a catch all, but non-climbers are more likely to be familiar with "rock climbing" (which usually means top roping), and boulders will use rock climbing to mean climbing with a rope to differentiate it from bouldering, although to a newbie it seems like bouldering is also be a form of rock climbing. Some climbing helmets like Petzl Sirocco are dual rated for rock climbing and ski touring. How much base cardio fitness you need for climbing depends on what climbing you want to do. I have been using a sport climbing harness but that is not optimal since the legs are not adjustable and it is not comfortable when you have to change clothes often. com. I've heard some members say it's better to build a foundation in the alpine scrambling course before taking basic. That's primarily onsighting, not redpointing. Dear mountaineering redditors, I have recently started to get into more technical activities that require usage of rope. We really just used it as a way to jumpstart our trad climbing careers because we didn't know too many other climbers to go the traditional "mentor-follower" style. i think cross-training is great, i love climbing and of course doing just climbing and climbing specific exercises would be most beneficial, but cross training gives me some time off from climbing which makes me appreciate climbing even more. ). stretchy, durable and cheap. I have the Mammut Alpine Dry 8mms and can't recommend them enough for ice and alpine rock climbing. I have the Sirocco and it is not nearly as comfortable of a ski helmet as my Smith Vantage. The following descriptions approximate the average systems. That means either a loose belay loop that you then pass the webbing through (like the Couloir), or 4 total buckles with 1 on either side of the belay loop (and 1 on each leg loop). The 9. The NE has plenty of mountaineering and alpine climbing objectives. Look into class 3/4 stuff instead. If you're into long days on backcountry routes with big approaches, then being able to get to the start of the climbing without being completely trashed is advantageous. Ha ling NE face 5. ) A clunkier, less nimble grip than full-fledged climbing shoes. rip. The big difference in roped climbing vs MTB is that death is almost always a potential consequence of certain mistakes, even if you only top rope. 2 of ten (or even 5) years ago. In Canada we use YDS too, and it doesn't look to be changing anytime soon. Their only real purpose is so that V2 gumbies can fool their non-gym crushes into thinking they're 24/7 lifestyle climbers who often need to scale slabs at a moment's notice, just like their The cascades have produced many of the world class alpine climbers (Ed Viesturs, Colin Haley, Fred Beckey, just to name a few) because of the incredible alpine climbing. If you're a good rock climber it is easier to transition into hard alpine climbing than the opposite. Climbing helmets use EN 12492 (or UIAA 106), while ski helmets follow EN 1077. haven't tried the cirque II yet. Trail running, but you’re hungover. Otherwise, swimming is perfect for cardio and relaxing your body's muscles. Background- 10 years of climbing outdoors, two years climbing retail, and I'm an AMGA guide. I’ve gone through dozens of shoes doing everything from alpine routes to V11 boulders, and would be fine with a pair of moderately broken-in Katana Velcros Matthes is a serious climb and a crowded one, and you should respect it as something you need to build up to by being an actual rock climber first. The WI acronym implies seasonal ice; AI is often substituted for year-around Alpine Ice and may be easier than a WI grade with the same number. Alpinism as a term is reserved only for highly technical climbing, in a single push, with a minimum of team members and equipment (in Alpine Style). Alot of people that alpine climb say how they are suffering. they got some fleece lined ones right now that look super comfy. I was cleaning up my climbing gear today after an unfortunate incident during a muddy approach, and I started thinking about alpine draws. Those are for mountaineering or skiing where you are walking more than falling,zpacks and wear layers that act as padding. I would say a solid swim every week would probably be the best balance, unless you're a V10+ boulderer I'm sure you're not ONLY focused on climbing. Obviously a bit heavier than a pure climbing helmet, but offers pretty solid protection. rated strength is not the same concept as durability in an anchor, the most important aspect is not a single component's rated strength. Obviously this post is out of pure curiosity and not because I am going to climb either mountain anytime soon lol. My larger pack that will be used on the approach I still want to be as light and minimal as possible, though, since The approach is sometimes the crux and can threaten success of the climb (as is arguably the case with the grand). 8. " Brings back memories. 8s of today are the work horse durable ropes of 10. Alpinism should include either steep rock climbing or steep snow/ice climbing. I see some intersections between rock climbing and mountaineering. You can climb easy routes in (good) boots or approach shoes, but it'll take more strength and effo When I say "pack to climb with", I mean something really small, to hold an extra layer and snacks. Jul 17, 2022 · The act of climbing difficult peaks using a variety of techniques, such as rock climbing, ice climbing, or skiing, is known as alpine climbing. Nov 21, 2019 · Not alpine climbing. I initially was planning on perusing alpine endeavors full stop and had my wife’s support. 7/8 - you would have to organize a shuttle to moraine lake but the route itself is on quartzite (better quality rock vs the widespread limestone) and the views are amazing. So light, smooth, easy to coil and work with, and cool looking. 6 - great position, climbing is okay The fold mt kidd 5. Haven't used it on the slopes yet but my guess is that it will do the job. Maybe the fourth class route up cathedral with a guide or experienced partner? Don’t fuck around with alpine trad climbing unless you know what you’re doing. In 1984, my then to become 30+yr climbing partner and I were poor-assed college students and we had no choice - we would take our old Nike's and melt the soles with lighters to turn them into "climbing shoes. I consider myself a beginner hiker. All of that said, just get a proper helmet. The modern day progression for this is: learn to rock climb-> Once you comfortably climb 5. Do you think that anybody who uses the word "rock climbing" to describe 5th-class rock is elitist? Should we use the word "scrambling" to refer to all rock climbing, and merge all the subreddits? The only difference between walking and running is the speed. The future is awesome. Functionally speaking, there's always a better shoe for any situation they'll wind up in. The entirety of the Blitzen Ridge is rated as a 5. See full list on whittakermountaineering. However, rock climbing simply involves using your hands and toes to scale steep, vertical sides, and the top may not always be the ultimate objective. I suppose the forces you experience on a crevasse fall are usually lower than a lead fall, and possibly not enough to break a biner even when cross loaded. I have a pair of Patagonia climbing pants that I bought for $50 3 years ago and they still look brand new. Its CE 1077 (alpine skiing), EN 12492 (climbing), EN 1078 (cycling) certified and 12. I have very limited experience scrambling, and no experience using an ice axe, crampons, or crossing glaciers. rated strength is NOT even close to a direct measure of safety, since an anchor is a system and no single component should ever be subjected to the breaking strength of a cord. Mckay route on Tower of Babel 5. Def recommend double 70s -- for super long pitches and raps in the alpine. Either way, I agree. I got into rock climbing through mountaineering. The amount of grip and endurance I had coming into CF blew everyone in my box away. Simply put, climbing alpine peaks by technical routes. last year i was taking gymnastics classes which were super fun and were great for building strength, learning new movements, balance, proprioception all Water Ice and Alpine Ice Grades: Ice climbing ratings are highly variable by region and are still evolving. Reply reply More replies The La Sportiva TX Guide is supposedly really good at climbing for a approach shoe standards. 4 route on Mountain Project, meaning that it is beginner-level rock climbing. If there is a climber who should be added, please reach out to us at queries@climbing. If it is, it's class 1 or 2. Broadly, I would divide this into classic mountaineering and technical Alpine climbing. When I started climbing in the early 1980's we were called "Rats. Nov 4, 2024 · What makes alpine climbing unique compared to other climbing styles? Alpine climbing combines climbing skills with mountaineering in high-altitude environments. The gear section of Blake Herrington's Cascades Rock suggests several QDs are part of a standard rack for multipitch alpine trad climbing. Little if any rock climbing involved. Nowadays, gym culture has taken over and some people seem to have narrowed it down to different types of gym climbing, or indoor/outdoor sport climbing and bouldering. If it's walking from the bus stop to the gym, not so much. It'll be thin and supple, but beefy and durable enough to last you a good while. So far I like the looks of AAI and The Mountaineers but their programs are so different. I have also climbed route that were multi pitch rock climbs classified as alpine routes. We sometimes use the French adjective system for alpine climbing and there's a roman numeral system for grading commitment/hazard, but these aren't used or known by rock climbers. Your first rope should be a 9. Skiing & Climbing helmets have different rating systems, because they protect you from different kinds of trauma (eg falling rocks vs high-speed collisions). The grade of the route doesn't matter too much as long as it requires you to actually climb. There are a couple of different styles of Alpine climbing. We came into it with a strong sport climbing background, understanding of pro, and general dos/don'ts. A better breakdown would be: Snow climbing Ice climbing Rock climbing Mixed climbing (two or more of the above three on the same route) The term ‘alpine-style’ was introduced in contrast to ‘expedition-style’ to describe fast ascents of mountains without relying heavily on fixed ropes or seige tactics, and generally not using oxygen. But didnt feel any different than routes at non alpine place. AAI- 12 days intensive vs. Mountaineering is slogging up mountains to a summit. " Jul 22, 2014 · Alpine climbing is climbing in an alpine environment. Unlike sport climber focused activities or bouldering problems, alpine climbing often involves longer climbing routes on rock formations in remote areas. There is alpine rock and ice in both of those. They are also more comfortable for me to climb in since they are made with climbing and a harness in mind. Hey, so 10 years ago I used to do some rockclimbing, I dont own any equipment now, and Im doing mountaneering in the pyrinees now as my main activity, and got to that spot where I need a rope to do more routes, Im taking an alpine climbing and security course at the beginning of january and the one thing Im required to have its a harness I'm now using a Movement 3Tech Alpi for my climbing and bike commuting. Particularly, which configurations I had seen at the crag, what I use, and what the best options were for putting more together with my current stockpile of gear. I have a feeling that improving all of these things could be very helpful in mountaineering, especially in higher mountains. It’s reciprocal-AMRAPS, farmers carry, anything with a weight vest. (sorry if this seems really uneducated. For rock climbing, I just wear orvis hiking pants from costco. So I use a big trekking pack which I also use on climbing trips that require camping. When I'm rock climbing I leave the dry ropes at home. I have a different bag for multipitch vs single. 11 crimpy sport climb. But and far as I know, none are dual rated for climbing and alpine skiing. hbw wsqfd saifpry tylo ehhlwve hkktc thuvk biqf hzlhh umgeu