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Sports: Mountaineering

[ Background | Equipment | Where ]

Background

Mountaineering originated in the 18th century in Europe. Religious superstitions deterred earlier climbers. The first major peak to be climbed was the French Mont Blanc in 1786 by Swiss climbers. British climbers and explorers in the 1800s climbed every major peak in Europe, North and South America and Africa. It wasn't until this century that a Himalayan peak was attempted, an in 1953, with the assistance of oxygen tanks, Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzig Norgay of Nepal reached the top of Mt. Everest (8848 m, 26,504 ft), the tallest peak in the world. Recently a number of Canadians also climbed Everest.

Equipment

Mountaineering requires a fair amount of equipment, though it can be rented and is often included with a course. The essential equipment includes: warm, waterproof clothing including gloves, hat, gaiters, leather or plastic mountaineering boots, "crampons" (pointed metal plate affixed to boots for better traction on ice and snow), harness, ice axe and backpack for carrying food, extra clothing and emergency gear.

Other equipment, typically shared by the climbing party, includes climbing ropes, ice screws, rescue pulley, and snow shovel.

Where

Beginners should take a mountaineering course, an avalanche and ice safety course, or consider hiring a personal guide. To find out about courses and/or guides, you can call Canada West Mountain School in Vancouver(604-878-7007) Yamnuska in Canmore, ALberta (403-678-4164).

Spanning the 30 kilometers from the Trans-Canada Highway to Chilliwack Lake is a range of mountains boasting some of North America's roughest, most spectacular terrain, with 200 metre high jagged peaks rising above the valley floors. Mount Slesse (Salish for "fang") is probably the most famous, and is ranked among the top 50 toughest technical rock-climbing ascents in North America, with its 900-meter east face.

Chilliwack's mountains offer diverse scenic and recreational uses, with great year-round conditions. The most popular hikes include Elk Mountain, Greendrop, Mount Cheam, and Lindeman, Pierce and Radium lakes, and Tea Pot Hill. Ambitious hikers and climbers can head to Slesse Meadows and up into the headwaters of Depot Creek where glaciers cover the towering peaks. In winter, the hiking trails around Chilliwack Lake even lend themselves to cross-country skiing.

Chilliwack is one of North America's top spots for mountain paragliding, with 14 brilliant mountaintop takeoff spots ranging from 250 metres to 2,100 metres in height, each suitable for different wind conditions. Flights can last up to an hour before descending to the valley floor.

WARNING. Mountaineering requires essential safety precautions to avoid unnecessary risk. For difficult or challenging climbs a guide familiar with the area is recommended.