Mountaineering is a sport where people learn to climb mountains and rocky terrain, often under very cold or icy conditions. If you are interested in taking mountaineering courses, you should assess your own knowledge and experience so you can choose beginner, intermediate, or advanced classes. It can also be helpful to study mountaineering techniques, such as how to tie knots and use a rope climbing harness. Once you have learned mountaineering skills you will want to put them to use, so you may want to ask if there are planned outings that include a trail guide.
There are mountaineering courses for beginning, intermediate, and advanced adventurists. Choosing the right one based upon your mountaineering skills and experience can help make sure you receive proper training. Your fitness level should play a part in this as well, and if you are not in good physical condition you may want to choose a beginner course even if you have previous mountaineering certification.
If rock climbing is something you would like to do, make sure the mountaineering courses you choose teach you how to do so safely. The instructor should cover skills like how to use safety equipment and properly tie knots. If possible, this training could be held at an indoor rock-climbing facility so you will be able to gain practical hands-on experience before hitting the trail.
Other mountaineering skills that can be helpful could include navigation techniques. This could involve using a compass or global positioning system to help you get from one place to another. You may want to ask if these mountaineering courses also include testing in this area so you can be sure you have properly mastered this principle.
Some mountaineering classes are designed to prepare you for somewhat of a final exam, which could include a wilderness trek that lasts several days. Other institutions might organize outings for their students on a volunteer basis. If this is something you would like to do, it can be helpful to know ahead of time if this is offered by your school. In the event a guide with mountaineering certification is also included, this can be an additional bonus.
The cost of mountaineering courses may not include some of the equipment needed for this sport. As a result, you may end up making additional purchases after you have started your training. Finding this information out before enrolling can save you a great deal of time as well as undue financial burden.