[custom_adv] Regardless of the length of the trip ―which can range from a few hours to multi-day expeditions―, mountaineering is more physically demanding than hiking. Mountains often provide a mixed terrain (with the presence of rock, ice and snow), so climbers need to be able to navigate through a wide variety of conditions. [custom_adv] Depending on the case, mountaineering may involve using technical equipment and combining a series of related skills like scrambling, climbing, glacier travel, ice climbing or mixed climbing. Most challenges in the mountain derive from the terrain’s characteristics: crevasses, avalanches, rockfall, glaciers, etc. [custom_adv] High altitude (especially when attempting a peak over 4,000 meters) and adverse weather conditions are two other essential factors that may add difficulty to a mountaineering trip. Other factors are directly related to mountaineers themselves, including their physical condition and acclimatization, technical skills, equipment, orientation, resourcefulness and decision-making skills. [custom_adv] The best conditions for a mountaineering trip are generally during Spring, early-Autumn, and Summer. These seasons provide more pleasant and stable weather conditions and allow mountaineers to avoid heavy snowfalls, extremely cold temperatures, and strong winds. [custom_adv] Winter mountaineering is considered a more advanced stage in mountaineering, which requires specific equipment and a more complete technical training. Winter conditions add technical difficulty to all mountain climbs.
