Mountain Climbing for Beginners: 5 Steps to Prepare
Last Updated on November 5, 2022
This site contains affiliate links for products and services we recommend. Read my disclaimer for more information. If you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission (for which I am very grateful).
There’s no tougher challenge for lovers of extreme outdoor activities than climbing a mountain.
However, taking on one of the world’s biggest crags without properly preparing to climb a mountain will lead to disaster.
And beginnings might be asking, what do you need to climb a mountain? What is the best preparation for mountain climbing for beginners?
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to prepare for mountain climbing for beginners to make sure you are ready to go climb that mountain!
So if you’re wondering how to get into mountain climbing, but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered!
These mountain climbing tips will help beginners who are training to climb a mountain get prepared for their big adventure.
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads.
We’ve put together this guide on how to prepare for climbing a mountain for beginners in order to help you achieve this triumph because knowing how to climb a mountain opens up the whole world!
Mountain Climbing for Beginners Guide
1. Research the mountain
One of the most important aspects of how to prepare to climb a mountain is to do your research and know what you’re in for.
If you’re set on conquering a tough climb, then researching everything you need to know about how to climb the mountain of choice is key.
Otherwise, going into this activity without all the facts means you won’t be prepared to actually finish climbing the mountain.
For instance, knowing that the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro takes seven days to complete means you’ll have packed enough food and water to successfully finish your trek.
Never underestimate the role of research in mountain climbing training – many climbers have died through being ill-prepared, so find out as much as you can about your journey!
If you don’t have a particular hike in mind, then you start your research by looking up the best mountains to climb for beginners in your area.
After all, the last thing you want is to show up somewhere that is actually for extreme mountain climbing and way out of your comfort level!
2. Do an orientation
Before you start your trek, be sure to attend an orientation – this is preparing for mountain climbing 101.
These orientations are geared toward mountain climbers for beginners, but even seasons mountain climbers go to orientations for mountains that are new to them.
In this session, you’ll find out all the important mountain climbing facts about the current trail conditions, weather and wildlife issues that might affect the success of your trip.
They will also go through the do’s and dont’s of the trek so that you can better understand mountain etiquette.
📸 PRO TIP: My go-to camera for all my travels is the Sony A7iii – I highly recommend it!
3. Train for the climb
You may already be a seasoned hiker, but mountain climbing is something else. So do the work and find out how to train for mountain climbing.
Do NOT think for a second that you’re automatically as fit as you need to be to climb a mountain up to the top. Even an easier hike can require a lot of training.
So start from the beginning and look into how to start mountain climbing for beginners. You might even find a mountaineering for beginners group to join locally.
If you don’t want to join a group, try to find a friend interested in trying out some beginner mountains to climb for the first few climbs.
It’s good to have a friend when you’re starting out because climbing mountains for beginners can be dangerous as they learn the ropes.
Make sure you train for your task, focusing on both cardio and strength training, in order to increase your chances of making it to the top in one piece.
4. Pack your essentials
Hopefully, you’re already aware that you require certain items for when you hike, and mountaineering is no different.
if you want to go mountain climbing, you will need to know which things to bring in mountain climbing for both safety and success.
Be sure to pack the essentials, including a map, first aid kit, food and water, warm clothes, light with spare batteries, knife, compass, whistle, waterproof matches, and a communication device.
Being without any of these items can often lead to dire consequences – after all, how do you climb a mountain without proper gear?
📦 PACKING TIP: Don’t leave home without a solar powered battery pack so you can keep your devices connected at all times.
5. Tell someone what you’re doing
After you’ve learned everything you can about how to train to climb a mountain – the next step is to actually do it!
But first, it’s important that you let someone know what you’re going to be doing, not just for bragging rights but for your own safety.
Let someone know when you plan to check in with them so that they can follow your progress and alert the appropriate authorities if you happen to go missing.
Even the most seasoned hikers can get into trouble, and it just takes one small fall to put you outside of your comfort zone.
If no one knows where you are, then the likelihood of someone climbing a mountain to come find you is vastly decreased.
Climbing a mountain is a hugely rewarding but extremely difficult goal, and millions of people each year take to the rocks and crags around the world to achieve this conquest.
However, there are things you must do in order to be fully prepared for this difficult challenge which can mean the difference between life and death.
Use our guide to ensure that you have the best chance at success.
If you are not entirely comfortable doing a hike on your own then check out Viator and do a tour with a guide instead!
🎫 TOP TIP: Looking for tickets to some of the best shows, activities and passes? I highly recommend booking via Viator for the best prices and deals!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the act of physically climbing up a mountain, often through a combination of walking and tactical climbing methods using mountaineering gear.
When you are first starting out, it is important not to overstress your muscles. It is recommended to climb no more than 3x a week for a few hours when starting out as you build up muscle mass and memory.
✅ When you are preparing to climb a mountain for the first time, do your research, train and pack your essentials! It’s also important to know your limits and not try to climb something you aren’t ready for – especially if you are going alone.
Other articles you will love:
- Top Reasons Austria is a Great Alpine Destination
- Fun & Fascinating Facts About New Zealand
- Reasons Why You Should Visit Morocco
Love this article? Pin it for later!
