Alpinisme

Alpinisme, or mountaineering, is the sport and activity of climbing mountains in high-alpine environments. It combines elements of rock climbing, snow and ice climbing, and glacier travel, with navigation, route finding, and gradually increasing levels of technical difficulty. Practitioners aim to ascend peaks, ridges, and traverses, often in challenging weather and altitude.

The practice emerged in the Alps during the 18th and 19th centuries, with early ascents of peaks such as Mont Blanc (1786). The mid- to late 19th century saw the Golden Age of Alpinism, as climbers expanded the range of achievable routes in Europe; the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 is among the well-known milestones. Since then alpinisme has broadened to many ranges worldwide.

Typical activities include guided ascents, independent ascents, via ferrata, and multi-day expeditions. Technical equipment includes rope, harness, helmet, climbing protection, crampons, and ice axes. Snow and ice routes require roped teams, belays, and specialized protection, while rock routes emphasize proper placement of protection and protection anchors. Training emphasizes physical conditioning, acclimatization, crisis management, and decision-making under risk.

Safety and ethics are central: weather, avalanche hazards, crevasse danger, and rockfall require planning and conservative judgment. Environmental ethics emphasize minimizing impact, respecting local ecosystems, and responsible waste management. Organizations such as national mountaineering federations and international bodies promote safety standards, rescue networks, and route documentation.

Alpinisme is practiced worldwide, from the Alps and the Karakoram to the Andes and Himalayas, by amateurs and professionals alike. It remains a sport of personal challenge, technical skill, and respect for mountain environments.