Mountains
Heading to the hills
Ambers occasionally organise trips to mountainous regions, and it can be an amazing experience.
The mountains are a very different environment to your average road-side crag and need to be entered into with respect. If you are planning a trip to the hills, or joining one of our trips I recommend you read the following information thoroughly and if you have ANY doubts or questions (no matter how silly you think they are) then please, just ask.
Entering the Alps or other mountainous regions, is much more of a serious undertaking and should not be entered into lightly, the most obvious difference is the proximity of help should it be required.
In general, climbing in the hills it is considered good form to travel light and fast, being able to move quickly up and down the mountain greatly reduces the likely hood of being caught out by storms, of course this needs to be offset with taking just the right amount of emergency equipment.
Indeed it is a difficult balancing act, one that takes some experience. If you are unsure ask me and/or anyone else on Ambers who have experience.
Skills
What do you need to know?
It is important that the event organiser has an understanding of your current abilities and experience in the mountains, multi pitch rock climbing and abseiling.
Whilst it is not necessary for you to be an alpinist already it is necessary that participants in mountain events have experience of a few skills, these skills you really should know before you venture into one of these trips. If you are not totally comfortable with the following then please DO TELL your event organiser so a little training can be organised. If you don’t have these skills it does not mean you cannot attend, but you need to let the event organiser know of the situation.
1) Previous outdoor experience.
2) Multi pitch rock climbing
3) Abseiling
Equipment
What do you need to take?
Read the checklist. This gives you an indication of what is required.
I feel it important to emphasise that the following items should be considered mandatory for people venturing into the mountains.
Small day pack (from 11ltr to 30ltr)
Helmet
Head Torch + spare batteries
Whistle
Mobile phone (fully charged and in a water proof bag)
Emergency blanket / shelter
Water proof jacket.
Hat & Gloves
Extra warm layer
Water
Food
Emergency food rations
Sense of adventure :-)
To make the most of these trips it is worth taking a few simple precautions before you hit the hills.
1) Preparation
Before you leave the hut and head out you should always select a route that is within the capabilities of everyone in your team. Make sure you let people know where you are going. Check the guidebook and try and get any beta from anyone who has knowledge of the route so you know what to expect.
2) Equipment
Mountain weather can be very unpredictable, so go well prepared, even on low-level routes. In summer a good fleece and lightweight waterproof outer jacket should be sufficient, the best wind and/or water resistant jacket you can afford plus always take along a hat and gloves. In summer, a wide-brimmed hat is a good idea, as is suntan lotion.
Proper footwear is of paramount importance all year round and again a good pair of boots correctly fitted and broken in, will keep feet dry, warm and comfortable and help you avoid blisters which can ruin any trip.
It is a good idea to take a map, or at the very least a guidebook covering your route – this should be accompanied by a compass, whistle, torch, spare food and a survival bag. A survival bag is a large plastic sack, usually bright orange, which is big enough to accommodate a person. It can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident, providing a casualty with protection from the elements. Survival bags cost just a few euros at outdoor shops and every walker should carry one in their rucksack.
3) Food and Drink
Food and drink may seem obvious requirements but you would be surprised at how many people don't carry enough when venturing out into the wilds. Constant exercise burns off plenty of calories and you need to replenish these. The best advice is to eat small amounts, often. Fruit, chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit are all great ideas.
Fluid intake is vital. While streams are plentiful in the great outdoors, it may not always be safe to drink from them so carry your own. If you do take water from a stream, only do so on high ground and ensure the point where you take it is fast-flowing and away from potential sources of pollution.
4) Map and Compass
It's always worth learning how to use a map and compass.
5) Check weather forecasts
6) First aid
One area where advanced preparation can really pay off is in knowing simple first aid. You should always take a small first aid kit with you, just in case. Most of the time it will remain tucked away at the bottom of your rucksack, but it's better to be safe than sorry. You can either make one up with items from the medicine cabinet at home, or buy one from a chemist or outdoor shop. It should contain some plasters (for cuts and scrapes), a crepe bandage (for twists or sprains), antiseptic cream or wipes (for cleaning wounds), painkillers (such as Paracetamol) and a small pair of scissors. You may want to include a selection of other dressings, anti-histamine cream and midge repellent. A blister repair kit is also a good idea.
7) Know the mountain distress signal
One vital piece of kit to carry is a whistle. If you do get into difficulties on high ground or in remote terrain and find you are unable to move or send for help, you'll need to know the Distress Signal.
This consists of six blasts of a whistle, followed by a minute's silence, then another six blasts.
This is repeated every minute. If someone (who knows the signal) hears you, he or she will respond with three whistle blasts, followed by a minute's silence, then another three blasts, to confirm. The signal can also be given using a torch. Continue giving the signal at regular intervals so rescuers can locate your position.
These days, it's not uncommon to read about stranded climbers using a mobile telephone to call for help, unfortunately you may discover the signal is either not very good, or non-existent, so don't rely on being able to use your mobile, whatever network you are on.