Climbing program level
Alex TrubachevWhat 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 on our website into several groups, depending on the technical complexity and experience requirements for participants.
First, let's understand what are rockclimbing programs. With it, everything is completely simple and clear - all the programs in the “rockclimbing” category do not require any prior experience to participate in them.
It is advisable to have good belay skills and a general understanding of rockclimbing as an activity.
If you know nothing at all about this sport, then in order to get the necessary minimum, it would be great to attend several training sessions at the MCS AleClimb School before the trip - that way you will get taught how to belay and to follow the basic technical tips of rockclimbing.
So we go forward to the rocks.
The only restriction for participation in the rockclimbing programs of the MCS AlexClimb School can be a complete medical ban on physical activity. Most medical conditions will not prevent you from exercising the rockclimbing. However, before traveling, you should consult a doctor, making sure that the doctor understands the difference between rockclimbing and mountaineering.
Now about mountaineering programs
Everything is a little more complicated here. The fact is that any alpine climbing program, even the simplest one, is associated with a certain level of risk and high physical activity, which can not be found in the rockclimbing programs. So you should first understand the difference between mountaineering and rock climbing.
If this question is clear to you, read on.
Basic difficulty
Mountaineering programs at this level are available to most physically healthy people who do not suffer from any heart or respiratory diseases. The physical loads during these programs is quite moderate (by mountaineering standards), and technical obstacles on the routes do not pose any serious difficulties. General physical training and exercises to develop agility and coordination are recommended.
Medium difficulty level
This difficulty level of the mountain programs is still accessible to people without climbing experience, but the physical fitness requirements are higher than for participation in the Basic level programs. The physical loads can be quite serious; you may need to carry backpack and spend time in high altitude conditions without the usual comfort.
Mountaineering programs at this level involve overcoming technically difficult pitches, which are usually quite safe and short. To participate, it is recommended that you take your physical training seriously and pass the “MCS Course of Mountaineering Techniques”
High difficulty level of climbing program
These are the top programs of the MCS AlexClimb School of Mountaineering, its “visit card”. The peculiarity of the programs at this level is that we do not work on such routes with groups - it is too dangerous. Programs of high complexity are conducted with a guide-client ratio of 1:1 or 2:1, depending on the route and level of experience and training of the client. Climbing goals of this class include classic climbing routes to the summits of Mount Ushba, Mount Dykh Tau, Matterhorn, Nevado Alpamayo, Mount Cook, Nelion, Cerro Fitzroy and others
To participate in programs at this level, you must be in good physical shape and have sufficient mountaineering experience. The decision to run programs of a high level of complexity is made only after a personal interview with the client. You can learn more about the concept of preparing for mountain climbing programs of medium and high difficulty levels in this article
The author of the text and photos - Alex Trubachev
Your mountaineering and rockclimbing guide in Spain, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia
MCS EDIT 2023