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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, call Yamnuska in Canmore(403-678-4164).

The ACC Saskatchewan Section is an official section of the Alpine Club of Canada. Members currently specialize in mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, scrambling, skiing, etc. They offer trips, courses, and events such as the local stop for the Best of the Banff Film Festival every January. (306) 249-5050.

The flat land around Saskatoon does not lend itself to mountaineering, though there are some good-sized hills in the Cypress Hills area, just east of the Alberta provincial boundary. For real mountains, you'll have a day's drive to the Rockies, west of Calgary.

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