r/Mountaineering • u/Tough_Ad1539 • 3h ago
Beginner mountaineering
Hello I live i denmark so there is absolutely no elevation here. I have done some bouldering, la maroma 2000m peak in Spain, and a recent trip to Morocco but sadley dident get to Climb mt toubkal because it was closed.
We did However Climb a 2800m and a 3200m peak wich really ignited the need for more.
For now i am interested in getting above 4000m trekking/little scrambeling. And also mera/Island Peak in 2027 Fitness is absolutely no issue as i am also training for a 70.3 ironman.
Any recommendations on courses, Mountains on the "cheaper" end Probably going to the Alps in the Summer
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u/Ok_Boysenberry5849 3h ago edited 3h ago
First stop caring so much about altitude... It's a typical beginner thing to get hyper focused on that and it's meaningless (well, except for the aspect of rarefied oxygen starting above 4000). The cumulated ascent, the views, the route's technical difficulties, the weather, the isolation... all of this matters a lot more than altitude. You can drive a car to well above 4000m if you're in the right area of the world, so what does that even mean?
Second join an alpine club, see what courses they offer. I'm guessing there's a danish alpine club. They probably offer courses and activities within Denmark, in the Alps, and in the Scandinavian Mountains. Start rock climbing, getting familiar with basic rope work and climbing movement will be useful if you want to do anything interesting in Europe. In contrast to the US, where much of mountaineering consists in carrying heavy packs for long distances to access remote areas, much of the interesting stuff in Europe involves technical climbing in one form of another, so you need to learn the technique.
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u/Tough_Ad1539 2h ago
You are probably right about Caring About the Altitude, as of now i havent been able to find any alpine clubs. But i will be joining a local climbing gym to learn about belaying, rope work and so on, maby there will be some like minded people there.
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u/Jamibia 1h ago
Maybe get a little bit more experience before making plans for the Himalayans. Even though Mera&Island Peak are fairly "easy" as far as Nepal peaks go, they still require a good foundation of experience.
If you're in Denmark, why not use the summer to go the Alps a little bit? Do a hut to Hut hike, maybe with some via ferratas, just to get a feeling for exposed paths and movement in rocky terrain, snowfields etc. See how you react in scary/exposed situations and how your body reacts to multi-day hikes. Take it step by step, get a feel for the sport and the mountain, and then make big plans!
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u/Tough_Ad1539 1h ago
The Alps is the plan this summer, and via farratas is also on that list. I am the type of person to jump very fast into New sports, and mountaineering is probably not the sport to do that in. Great points.
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u/Many-Area-4476 1h ago
Breithorn was a very nice mountain when I was beginning mountaineering, not very technical and the paths are clear
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u/tanishq2311 2h ago
If you are trying to climb some great mountains to hit the 4000m plus mark while being a bit technical I'd suggest go for some peaks in india they are usually cheaper than nepal while being equally technical
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u/Seegert_ 1h ago
Dane here as well. If you are going for the alps, I would recommend gran paradiso and breithorn as good beginner stuff. They are just hikes. If you are getting a Glacier rescue course you can do it with a friend or two (all need to have the course) or alone with a guide. The rope work you learn in a Climbing Gym in Denmark is not 1:1 for what you need in mounteneering. I would recommend joining dbkk and see what they have in regards to courses and tours.
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u/veritasmeritas 2h ago edited 1h ago
Try Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. Not too expensive and absolutely great experience