Mountaineering is a dangerous, demanding sport and a very serious undertaking. The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trip will be. Being physically fit is very important and can make dealing with objective hazards less dangerous.
On some trips you will be carrying heavy loads. Sleeping and eating conditions will not always be ideal. Weather is unpredictable and may disrupt schedules and climbs. You must prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the many challenges. It will all be worthwhile.
We use simple terms to describe the experience and physical fitness levels we expect from our clients.
These terms should be taken very seriously.
Climbing abilities are commonly rated with varying number-rating systems. These systems are helpful, but tell less than half the story. In an alpine environment, this can lead to oversimplified assumptions. When these rating systems start playing a more important role, we will mention this in the specific detail programs. Most importantly, we expect clients to be able to move comfortably in exposed terrain and show an adequate amount of coordination.
One should have prior glacier travel experience, have basic crampon skills and should be familiar with exposure in an alpine environment.
One should have all the skills described in the "experience recommended" paragraph and have climbed mixed terrain in crampons before. Continuous movement in exposed terrain shouild not be a problem and elementary rope handling skills such as tying in, rapelling and belaying are required.
It is hard to describe what physical condition means in the mountains. All our descriptions are based on long duration and low to medium-intensity physical output. The following descriptions are simply guidelines and can obviously be influenced negatively (or positively) by conditions, weather, altitude, etc.
You should be able to hike or climb for 3 to 4 hours with a 15 to 20 lb. pack and ascend 2,500 to 3,000 feet of vertical gain per day for 2 to 3 consecutive days.
You should be able to hike or climb for 5 to 6 hours with a pack varying from 20 to 40 lbs. and ascend 3,000 to 4,000 feet of vertical gain per day for 2 to 3 consecutive days.
You should be able to hike or climb for more than six hours with a pack varying from 20 to 40 pounds and ascend 4,000 to 5,000 feet of vertical gain per day for up to a week.