New to the scene

So I have always wanted to get into the alpine/mountaineering game but, 1. I live in the flats of South Dakota. And 2. I have no idea where to even start getting into the sport. I have read what I could online and have searched around trying to figure out what I could, but I figure I would go to the source and see what you guys have to say. Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks for the help!

Cody

1)move or save money for traveling. Living in Denver I still spend a lot of time and money driving! 2)Read Freedom of the Hills. 3)Talk somebody into going with you. Obviously it's dangerous going solo. 4)Don't exceed your skill level. Have fun!

+1 "2)Read Freedom of the Hills"

Great book with a lot of awesome info for any level of climber! The closest stuff to you is going to be in WA,CO or UT so yes you'll be traveling or moving. Any of those states have easy level alpine climbing (meaning a romp up an easy snow colouir). These are the best to start on and all you need is an axe an maybe a pair of general crampons. You could solo these things (as most you will do unroped) but best to have a partner who knows the area because of avalanche danger, rock fall, etc.

Don't move, Cody! I think between limestone cliffs of Spearfish and surrounding areas, runout granite slabs of the Needles and splitter cracks of Devil's Tower, you've got yourself the best training ground.

I think being a strong rock climber first would put you on the fast-track of becoming a good modern-days all-around alpinist way sooner rather than chasing choss and huffing up low-angle terrain. Once you get that foundation, learning to climb ice and steep snow shouldn't take very much (all it takes is a month in Ouray, running laps in the ice park with a mini-trax). Being strong would give you confidence to move fast, moving fast in the mountains is not only safe, but fun and opens up a lot of possibilities.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't be learning all the basics that FOTH and sound experienced partners would provide, but I think you should take advantage of what you've got there. If you're strong solid climber, there are better chances and opportunities to get invited on big climbs. Oh, and I think you can run up easy snow couloirs and practice some skiing in Big Horn mountains in WY, right?

just take a course.

doligo wrote:Don't move, Cody! I think between limestone cliffs of Spearfish and surrounding areas, runout granite slabs of the Needles and splitter cracks of Devil's Tower, you've got yourself the best training ground. I think being a strong rock climber first would put you on the fast-track of becoming a good modern-days all-around alpinist way sooner rather than chasing choss and huffing up low-angle terrain. Once you get that foundation, learning to climb ice and steep snow shouldn't take very much (all it takes is a month in Ouray, running laps in the ice park with a mini-trax). Being strong would give you confidence to move fast, moving fast in the mountains is not only safe, but fun and opens up a lot of possibilities. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be learning all the basics that FOTH and sound experienced partners would provide, but I think you should take advantage of what you've got there. If you're strong solid climber, there are better chances and opportunities to get invited on big climbs. Oh, and I think you can run up easy snow couloirs and practice some skiing in Big Horn mountains in WY, right?

Hey, I wanted to get some opinions on where to start mountaineering training. Didn't want to start a new thread as this seemed fairly new and is talking about pretty much the same thing. The only difference is the location as I'm from Alberta. And as Canmore is close enough, I was thinking of taking some course there. I have some rock climbing experience. Not much though. A google search gave me a few options. Is mountainskillsacademy.com/m… a good place to go to? Has anyone tried out their programs? As I'm just beginning, getting it wrong would be a huge dampener on my enthusiasm. Advice anyone?

Start hiking around the neighborhood with a heavy backpack and the shoes/boots that you are going to use in the mountains. This will help you out.
Mountaineering = a lot of hiking. I have always used a light weight shoe that will dry fast if it gets wet. For example hiked in the La Sportiva Vertical K in the Tetons and they were great. Cant get much lighter than that. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to what they wear on their feet. It is the most important thing to consider. Your approach/hiking shoe should be a perfect fit.

my2cents

Aaron Owens wrote:I'm from Alberta. And as Canmore is close enough, I was thinking of taking some course there.

The best-known guiding company in that area is probably Yamnuska.com. Plenty of other options, though. Have a look at acmg.ca for a complete list of accredited mountain guides.

If you already know the basics and want to get some experience then you could look at joining one of the local sections of the Alpine Club of Canada.