As summer rolls in this year, you’re probably scouring numerous tourism-oriented publications for the perfect getaway to while the season away. If you’re yet to find a destination that catches your fancy, let’s start by saying that you won’t go wrong visiting the Alps.
Indeed, the Alps is one of the world’s most enchanting tourist destinations. With its winding trails, steep ascents, and often-unforgiving terrain, a visit to the Alps is a thrill-inspiring experience for any adventure seeker out there.
But if you’re planning your maiden alpine ascents this summer, there are a couple of things to take care of to make your trip worthwhile. Read on as we unpack the seven tips for a first summer Alpine climb.
Research Ahead
While the Alps remains one of the most intriguing summer getaways in Europe, having an exciting vacation here largely depends on how well-prepared you are. And there’s no better way to prepare yourself for this fun-filled adventure than researching ahead. You should mostly focus your research on the perfect Alpine routes to follow during your vacation.
Essentially, these are routes that will offer you unhindered views of the Alps’ breathtaking landscape. Also, research on routes that are less prone to glacier melting, as that could derail your trip. The fact that your vacation to the Alps coincides with summer doesn’t necessarily mean all the ice has melted away.
Most importantly, check if the routes you’ve settled on are accessible throughout the day. It’s not unusual to discover that the forestry service road (FSR) you’ve chosen is closed on the same day you’ve scheduled your Alpine ascents.
Pack Light
This should be a no-brainer. The last thing you want is extra baggage weighing you down as you climb the Alps. When packing for your next summer Alpine climb, avoid stashing everything inside your backpack.
Start with accessories that you can carry on the outside, such as a helmet, axe, and climbing rope. Once you have these taken care of, you’ll realize that you still got enough space to pack other essentials.
After honing in on the right gear to pack, you can use Aconcagua mountain guides to find the best bargains.
Get Fit
Without meaning to dampen your spirits, climbing the Alps isn’t a feat for the fainthearted. Without adequate physical training beforehand, you’ll find even the gentlest slopes tiring enough, and that’s how your summer vacation will be ruined.
So, on the days leading up to your trip, prepare yourself for this exciting yet daunting adventure by doing intensive climbing exercises using big boots and heavy bags.
If possible, train in high altitude areas as that’s pretty much what awaits you at the Alps.
Don’t Go Solo
Like many other mountain climbing expeditions, an Alpine climb isn’t ideal for solo travelers, and understandably so. Over the last few years, many solo Alpine climbers have lost their lives.
Contrary to popular perception, the often-frosty conditions at the Alps aren’t the only danger of soloing. You could actually trip on a shattered ridge and roll down the slopes, never to be heard of again.
Therefore, always consider going on an Alpine climb with a partner. The bigger the group, the better for your personal safety.
Choose the Right Partner
After appreciating the importance of going on a summer Alpine climb with a partner, your next headache is choosing the right partner. Ordinarily, you want someone who also had their eyes set on this destination. Otherwise, they won’t find their stay exciting enough and may not accompany you to the climbs.
You also need a partner who you can keep up with. It doesn’t matter whether one of you has gone on mountain climbing before. Remember that this isn’t an opportunity to showcase your climbing skills but to enjoy the thrill of climbing together.
Most importantly, choose a partner who is mindful of your welfare enough to keep in touch whenever the two of you are out of one another’s sight.
Take It Slow:
It’s intuitive to think light and fast when going on an Alpine climb. However, experts discourage this overzealous approach, especially for amateur climbers. Instead, always take it slow.
The thrill of conquering the steep Alpine slopes may sound overwhelming. But fast ascents may leave you physically drained. Plus, it denies you the opportunity to savor the picturesque views at different points of your climb.
It’s also necessary to start each climb with the right gear, just in case you find yourself on routes below your comfort zone. That way, you can always shed your gear and increase your pace as the incline gets more comfortable.
Be Flexible:
The word ‘flexibility’ could have numerous connotations when it comes to a summer Alpine climb.
First, it implies changing routes often. Flexibility also means knowing when to walk away. As exciting as it sounds, you may find the long journey towards Alpine peaks way out of your league.
The good thing is that there are numerous other activities you can engage in if climbing doesn’t seem to work for you. Remember that the end goal is to have fun. And if fun doesn’t seem to be forthcoming, then change tact immediately.
There goes our definitive guide on how to go on a summer Alpine climb. With adequate preparation, a vacation to the Alps will remain etched in your memory forever. Just remember that if things don’t work out on your first attempt, know that there’s always the next time.
Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the Travelling Industry. She believes travelling is the key to a peaceful life & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, She loves Traveling and Reading.
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