Alpinklettern

Alpinklettern, or alpine climbing, is a form of mountain climbing practiced on routes in high mountain environments where rock, snow, and ice combine. It emphasizes movement on natural terrain rather than artificial walls and often involves a mix of scrambling, traditional protection, and short roped technical climbs. Routes are usually undertaken as single pushes or extended ascents with significant exposure and objective hazards such as weather, rockfall, and avalanche risk.

Compared with sport climbing, Alpinklettern prioritizes self-reliance and route-finding; protection is typically placed with a traditional rack (nuts, cams, pitons) on rock, ice screws on frozen sections, and protection in snow. Climbers often carry light, self-contained equipment and operate in alpine style, avoiding large fixed camps or staged expeditions. The pace ranges from fast ascents to multi-day traverses, with climbers negotiating mixed terrain and protecting themselves as needed.

Equipment includes a rope, helmet, harness, belay device, and a traditional rack of nuts and cams, ice screws for frozen sections, and crampons; clothing suitable for rapidly changing weather; navigation tools; and avalanche safety gear in snow zones.

Historically, Alpinklettern developed in the European Alps in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as climbers sought to ascend peak routes combining rock climbing with mountaineering. The approach spread worldwide and influenced modern combined-climbing techniques, with variances in style across regions. It remains a core discipline in alpine environments, particularly in the Alps, Cascades, and Andes.