1. Learn the fundamentals

The first step is to get fit. Include stairs and walking into your daily routine. include regular cycling and running to build base fitness, as well as lifting weights to strengthen muscles in the upper. Also, join a climbing gym to get an understanding of the basics such as being able to utilize a harness, belaying the rope, and tying it into the rope.

Then put on a heavy pack and climb to a hill. Make multi-day backpacking excursions to practice scrambling and gain confidence climbing huge crags and ridges, both on your own and with a companion. Make sure you are confident doing it in winter conditions – because mountaineering in winter can be very cold.

2. Pick your target

Consider what terrain you want to conquer – technical paths, mountain faces, glaciated mountains, mixed , and just walk-ups. Set out your long-term goals and also outline your initial plans.

Also, be cautious about being too ambitious. It’s better to feel happy about your accomplishments than disappointed you’re not hitting your goals.

3. Learn a new course

The ‘mountain bible’ Freedom of the Hills is a good place to start and when you have friends who are mountaineers, they can provide you with the basic information but nothing beats taking a course. Going out with a guide places you in the mountains, and gives you direct feedback, and that personal experience.

The courses are typically three days long and are based on class 3 routes. They cover route planning Navigation, safety, rock climbing, and aspects of logistics such as weather analysis and mountain rescue. A few also provide information on ice and snow, including techniques for self-arrest and glacier hiking. Having all these inside your bag will allow you to gain more independence in your decisions when hiking in the mountains.

4. Become a master of the maps

The more navigation experience you’ve got, the more confident you will be. Try it at home and plot a course between two points on any map. Make a plan of real routes you could explore and identify POIs to explore. Use all the tools – GPS or compass, altimeter, compass triangulation, maps bearings, sightings, and bearings. And once you’re confident, get lost and attempt to return.

It is essential to know your pace for planning, since it allows you to keep from overworking days and exhausting yourself. Make sure you estimate well. Take a measurement of the distance along a path near your house and pace it out – however, you should also pace hills to see what happens when it gets higher, steeper and you become tired.

5. Make sure you have the right equipment

Layer your clothes, it’s especially important to have a high-quality jacket like Arcteryx beta ar, and put on merino wool socks and boots with a durable outer and an elongated soft inner to help you stay dry. Use a light backpack, only big enough to accommodate all the necessities. If you’re climbing, make sure you have a harness, helmet as well as the proper length rope, and a decent set of equipment. If you’re planning to climb on ice use 12-point semi-rigid crampons and a 60-90cm gently curving piolet axe.

Use a flashlight, as mountaineering starts early, and in the event of wandering off, you’re not going to want to be lost in darkness. Don’t skimp on a cheap tent or you’ll regret it if you’re struck by 120kph winds snow, ice, or sleet. Make sure you are prepared for emergencies with bivvy gear and a small first-aid kit.