Mountaineering, or mountain climbing, is the sport of reaching the summits or specified high points in mountainous areas and regions. It refers specifically to climbs that present a challenge, whether in terms of terrain or altitude or weather conditions. Mountaineering is widely regarded as a highly dangerous pastime, especially the more technical climbs.
Mountaineering as a sport is however, for pleasure, and an activity enjoyed by many. Some indulge in the sport more for fun than for challenge, but others seek out exceptionally daunting climbs. It’s usually the technical climbs that carry the reward of the best views.
Mountaineers are faced with many challenges. Slippery terrain, sharp edges able to penetrate any protective gear, dizzying altitudes, lack of oxygen – not to mention everyday dangers found in nature: strong winds, snake bites and many, many more that can affect odds at online betting Kenya sites.
Despite the dangers, Mountaineering has been around for a very long time, and as is the case with many sporting activities, started out as something completely different. Dating from a time when our forefathers had to get where they were going to on foot, Mountaineering wasn’t always an activity practised purely for pleasure.
Mountaineering not only requires proper training regarding wilderness first aid, general safety protocol, handling potentially fatal situations such as rock falls, exposure to extreme weather conditions, avalanches and more, but also technical training with regards to safety equipment.
Mountaineers generally have to set up complete camps over the span of a couple of days, carrying all of the necessary kitty and equipment on their backs. This is mainly what sets Alpinism apart from full blown Mountaineering. Alpinism is a very streamlined form of mountain climbing. The trips are traditionally shorter, thus not requiring too much camping equipment to be tugged along. Trips usually do not span over more than two or three days – sometimes even merely a couple of hours.
Alpinism Lingo
Anyone interested in Alpinism will be familiar with the terminology: snow travel, step kicking, plunge stepping, self-belay and self arrest, crampon use and snow camping. Not to mention even the terminology associated with climbing techniques: construction of anchors, escape by making use of friction knots, rappelling and more.
Alpinism has developed into a unique discipline, independent from Mountaineering.
Basic Alpine Climbs
Basic Alpine climbs are recommended for those starting out. Climbs are classified using various levels of difficulty and technicality, so that climbers know what they are getting themselves into beforehand.
Each group of climbers are accompanied by a leader. The leader is typically a more experienced climber, able to advise and assist where necessary. The leader’s level of experience will also be made known to climbers beforehand. This is referred to as the leader rating.
Sports Betting
Alpinism hasn’t yet truly entered the world of sports betting. Wherever there is an activity happening, there are usually a couple of friends wanting to wager on the outcome, but up until now bets placed on Alpinism have been mainly informal bets.
The sport will no doubt cross over into official sports betting as participation increases and its popularity grows.
