Camp Muir – Mount Rainier Base Camp
Mountaineering is a complex sport that involves many risks. However, most people who dare to practice it end up falling in love with this activity so much that they haven’t even finished descending one mountain when they’re already ready for more.
High-altitude climbing requires both mental and physical preparation to have a successful ascent. That’s why I’m sharing with you seven tips that will be very helpful.
1. Understand the Risks: It’s important to be aware that the mountain has its risks. Yvon Chouinard says, “Nothing is a true adventure until things go wrong.” In this case, it’s not that we want something to go wrong, but when you step 100% out of your comfort zone, everything costs twice as much. However, we know that if life were easy, it wouldn’t be worth living.
2. Exercise Your Body by Climbing Stairs and Mountains: Moving your legs uphill engages muscles you didn’t even know you had—and yes, it’s going to hurt! So don’t wait to find out what it feels like; train in a way as similar as possible to the expedition. No excuses! If you’re in a city without many mountains, go to a gym and train on the stair-climbing machine.
3. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated: Even if you don’t feel hungry or thirsty while climbing a mountain, it’s important to provide your body with the food and hydration it needs to perform well and avoid dizziness. Remember: food and water are energy! Try to bring protein snacks. From personal experience, I advise ensuring they aren’t foods that can freeze rock-solid in cold environments.
4. Prepare with the Right Clothing: It’s important to be prepared with the right clothing to face the cold, rain, wind, and even the sun. Bring jackets for the cold, windbreakers, thermal layers, and even a hat for your head. Regardless of whether it’s cold or hot, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, balaclava, or sombrero to protect yourself from the sun and/or cold.
Regardless of whether it's cold or hot, it's important to apply sunscreen and wear a cap, balaclava, or hat to protect yourself from the sun and/or cold.
5. Bring the Necessary Technical Equipment: After analyzing the route and the mountain you’re going to climb, it’s important to bring all the equipment you’ll likely need for your safety, such as ropes, carabiners, helmets, and more. Remember that every mountain is different, and it’s important to study it before climbing.
6. Carry Your First-Aid Kit: Include medications for common symptoms like diarrhea, headaches, or throat lozenges. However, it’s VERY IMPORTANT to inform your guides, as some pills may need to be substituted for others at high altitudes.
7. Know Your Limitations: Listen to your body and be aware of how you’re feeling in the moment. Don’t cling to the plan—remember that life surprises us every day, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. No matter how many meters we’ve climbed, that’s just an insignificant number. The true summit lies within ourselves. The mountain will always be there for another opportunity, and your life and well-being are what matter most.
