FAQ on mountaineering and rockclimbing
MCS AlexClimbAnswers to the most frequently asked questions about mountaineering, rockclimbing, iceclimbing, training, equipment
Articles in this section are grouped as follows:
Mountaineering questions:
Questions about mountaineering
Questions about preparation for climbing in the mountains
Safety Issues in the mountains
Questions about health during alpine ascents
Questions about climbing gear
Questions about climbing Mount Elbrus
Questions about rockclimbing and iceclimbing:
Questions about rockclimbing in a gym or rocks
Questions about Mallorca
Questions about iceclimbing
Questions about active programs in mountain areas
Questions about horse riding tours in the mountains
Questions about MCS AlexClimb
Feel free to ask - mountaineering and climbing are our favorite topics of conversation!
In preparing climbing expeditions and climbing trips, I am guided by one main rule - the more questions from the participants will be answered before the start of the mountain program, the less questions will be asked during the trip. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask - it is pleasant and useful to answer sensible questions.
This section contains my articles, which consist of the detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions about mountaineering, rockclimbing, iceclimbing, the specifics of the mountainous areas, the use of equipment, etc. Here you will find useful information about the basic principles of the mountain safety, about certain tactics and techniques that will make your climbing in the mountains safer and more efficient.
This section is constantly updated with the new materials, and in this I am extremely grateful for your help - by asking questions about mountains and mountaineering, you often help me to understand the specifics of some issues, as well as to make my mountain programs more attractive to the participants.
If this is your first time to go rockclimbing or you are going to try yourself in the mountains, you will most likely have many questions... From our experience in the field of mountaineering and rockclimbing, we can identify the most common questions that beginners have - and give comprehensive answers to them, to make it easier for you to understand the essence of climbing and determine for yourself the most suitable goals and objectives.
Of the most frequently asked questions, we used to answer the following:
Aren't rockclimbing and mountaineering the same thing?
- One of the most frequently asked questions. No, it's not the same thing.
What preparation is needed to climb the wall?
- None. The most ordinary physical form is enough.
How long does it take to go to the climbing wall if I plan to climb Mount Elbrus? - Not at all. For Elbrus and mountaineering, it is generally better to do cross country ski. But rockclimbing doesn't harm either.
Where to begin? What mountain programs are the best for beginners?
- We have all the necessary entry-level programs and training to prepare for the mountains!
Is it possible to organize individual V.I.P. programs?
- Yes, it is possible. But you must be aware of all the specifics of these programs and be aware that any program in the mountains is a risk and lack of basic amenities.
Can I climb?
- Of course you can! There was not a single case that someone could not. You just need to correctly determine the level of the task and the right motivation.
Do I need to buy a bunch of expensive gear?
- No. For the most climbing programs, we will provide you with all the necessary special equipment for rent.
Is it possible to design categories and enter ascents in the "Alpinist's Book" (mostly applicable for the Russian bureaucratic tradition)?
- No. We do not go "to check the box". We have a different concept of mountaineering.
What is the difference between high-altitude and technical mountaineering? What are the main requirements and conditions for participation in the programs of these categories?
- Differences are fundamental. Both in the climbing concept and in the recommended training courses.
What is mountain trekking?
– This is one of the most popular mountain activities
Where in Moscow I can go rockclimbing with MCS AlexClimb trainer or take a course of practical mountaineering lessons?
- There are many climbing walls in Moscow where we conduct our classes, the main trainings are held at the DDS climbing wall (53 Rabochaya Street, metro station Ilyicha Square)
I had a spinal injury, can I climb?
- First – you have ask your doctor. In most cases, the answer is yes. In rockclimbing, there is no compressive load on the spine, all movements are of the stretching and twisting.
The child has cerebral palsy. Can rockclimbing be tried as a form of exercise therapy?
- The first question should be addressed to the attending physician. In theory, for most cases - rockclimbing is a good solution for mild to moderate cases of cerebral palsy - the height factor is a constant urge for the child to use the side with limited functionality.
What determines the complexity of a climbing or mountaineering program and how to make a choice?
- For the convenience of our clients, we have divided all the programs presented in our collection into several groups, depending on the technical complexity and experience requirements for the participants.
The author of the texts and photos - Alex Trubachev
MCS EDIT 2023