Glossary / Glossary Categories / Climbing

Climbing

38 terms

Browse definitions, examples, and related concepts for 38 climbing terms commonly used in camping and backpacking.

Key Terms at a Glance

Term Definition
alpine environments Mountainous regions that are characterized by high elevations, cold...
alpine lake A high-altitude lake, usually located in mountainous regions.
alpine skiing A type of skiing that takes place on groomed slopes or off-piste in...
alpine start An early morning start, typically before dawn, often used in mountaineering...
alpine touring A type of skiing that involves climbing up mountains with specialized...
ascent The act of climbing or moving uphill, or the distance covered during such...
ascent track A trail or path that ascends a hill or mountain, similar to an uphill track.
class 3, 4 climbing The state of being clean or maintaining good hygiene, especially important in...

alpine

adjective

Describes the land area of a mountain above the tree line. This terrain is typically rugged and at a high altitude....

alpine environments

noun

Mountainous regions that are characterized by high elevations, cold temperatures, and specific types of vegetation...

alpine lake

noun

A high-altitude lake, usually located in mountainous regions.

alpine skiing

noun

A type of skiing that takes place on groomed slopes or off-piste in mountainous terrain.

alpine start

noun

An early morning start, typically before dawn, often used in mountaineering or long hikes to allow for maximum...

alpine touring

noun

A type of skiing that involves climbing up mountains with specialized bindings and skins before skiing back down.

alpine zone

noun

The region of a mountain that is above the tree line. This terrain is typically rugged and at a high altitude. Given...

ascent

noun

The act of climbing or moving uphill, or the distance covered during such movement.

ascent track

noun

A trail or path that ascends a hill or mountain, similar to an uphill track.

class 3, 4 climbing

noun

The state of being clean or maintaining good hygiene, especially important in a backcountry setting to prevent...

climb

noun

To ascend or descend a mountain or hill by foot.

climbing

noun

The sport or activity of ascending rock faces, mountains, or other steep terrain, often using specialized equipment...

climbing grade

noun

A system used to rate the difficulty of climbing routes, typically considering factors such as technical difficulty,...

crampons

noun

Metal spikes with a framework that attaches to the bottom of boots, providing traction on snow and ice for...

crampon use

noun

The technique and skill of using crampons, metal spikes attached to footwear, for walking or climbing on ice and snow.

easy climbing

noun

A style of climbing that is not technically difficult and usually does not require specialized equipment.

fake summit

noun

A point on a hike that appears to be the summit from a distance, but is not actually the highest point.

false summit

noun

A point along a mountain route that appears to be the summit but, upon reaching it, reveals that the true summit is...

free solo climbing

noun

Climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses, relying solely on one's skill and strength.

hill climbing

verb

The act of ascending a hill or incline, often requiring increased effort and exertion.

ice axe

noun

A mountaineering tool with a pick and adze on one end, and a spike on the other, used for climbing or traversing icy...

ice climbing

noun

The activity of ascending inclined ice formations, typically using special equipment like ice axes and crampons.

mini crampons

noun

Small, lightweight traction devices that attach to footwear to provide additional grip on icy or slippery surfaces.

mountain climbing

noun

The activity of ascending mountains, often involving a combination of hiking, scrambling, and technical climbing.

mountaineering

noun

The sport or activity of climbing mountains, typically involving specialized equipment and techniques, such as rock...

mountaineering gear

noun

Equipment and clothing specifically designed for mountain climbing and mountaineering.

mountaineering technique

noun

A specific method or skill used in mountaineering.

rock climbing

noun

A sport or activity that involves ascending rock formations or artificial climbing walls using hands, feet, and...

ropeless climbing

noun

Climbing without the use of ropes or other safety gear.

ski mountaineering

noun

A winter sport that combines skiing and mountaineering, often involving the ascent and descent of mountain peaks on...

snow climbing

noun

The act of ascending steep, snow-covered terrain, often using specialized equipment such as ice axes and crampons.

subalpine

adjective

Referring to a region just below the treeline on a mountain, characterized by open woodlands and meadows.

summit

noun

The highest point of a mountain or hill, or the highest point along a trail or route. (Where hikers can get the good...

summit day

noun

The day on which hikers attempt to reach the summit of a mountain or peak, often the most challenging and rewarding...

summiting

verb

The act of reaching the summit or highest point of a mountain, peak, or hill.

trad climbing

noun

Traditional rock climbing where climbers place their own gear to protect against falls.

veggie belay

noun

An informal, non-technical method of providing support or security to a hiker, often involving grabbing vegetation.

winter climbing

noun

The activity of climbing mountains in winter conditions, often requiring specialized equipment and skills.
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