Conditioning needed for mountain climbing and mountaineering

Good fitness, good health and climbing coordination are essential for any hike in the mountains. It is important not only to be able to make the climb, but to be able to enjoy it to the fullest without unnecessary struggle with your fitness. Before you purchase a hike with a mountain guide, make sure that the hike is suitable for you. I’m happy to answer your questions and can assess your readiness for the hike after a short interview. During the hike, it is essential that you are able to tackle the elevation gain of the hike within the time limit and also that you can handle the technical and climbing sections or exposure.

Elevation

The ability to handle the elevation means that in 1 hour of climbing you can handle about 350m to 400m of elevation without a break in a smooth progression. This means that you can manage the ascent of any of the freely accessible Tatra peaks in the time written on the signpost in both directions. Ideally also in a shorter time.

Climbing coordination

Climbing coordination refers to the ability to move in rock exposed terrain where hands must be used to advance upwards. Movement must be fluid, safe without balancing or precariously seeking balance. You must not have a fear of heights or vertigo. Your feet must not slip and your movement must be confident.

But you have to move downwards just as well. The descent down is always with your face to the valley. This means with your back to the rock and your face in the direction of descent. Facing the rock is only done in the harder sections of difficulty above UIAA 3. You must be able to progress down the face upright without lying with your back to the rock and without lowering on your butt. The movement must not be dynamic i.e. jumps and precarious drops down. It is essential that you trust your shoes and the friction of their soles on the rock. Walking is then safe and smooth.

Health status

Your health must be good and you must not be suffering from any major illnesses. If you are unsure about your health, please consult your doctor and inform me. This way I can consider in advance the suitability of the tour for you.

How do I check if I’m ready for a hike with a mountain guide

The ideal preparation for a hike, such as the ascent of Gerlach, is to climb 2 or 3 freely accessible peaks in the High Tatras within a few days, at the time indicated on the signpost in both directions. The ascent must be smooth, without long and frequent breaks. It must not cause you undue muscularity, exhaustion and you must not experience any health problems, breathing problems, muscle cramps, dizziness or nausea during the ascent. Basically, if you are able to complete 3 hikes to the peaks in the High Tatras in 5 days, under the conditions as above, your ascent of, for example, the Gerlach Peak should go smoothly.

Selection of hikes for beginners

• Lomnicky Peak by normal route from Lomnicky saddle
• Satan from Mlynicka valley

Selection of hikes for more experienced mountain hikers

• Gerlach Peak by normal route
• Lomnicky Peak on the Jordan Way
• Proud Shield
• The Wart
• Ice Shield
• High

Selection of hikes for advanced hikers

• Gerlachovský štít Gipsy’s feratou or Martin’s feratou
• Ridge of the Proud Peaks to Lomnicky Peak
• Grossglockner
• Mont Blanc
• Eiger ridge Mittellegi

Selection of tours for experts

• Frog Horse
• Fork comb
• Alpinism in Chamonix
• Matterhorn

Finally, please pay attention to the selection of mandatory equipment for hikes.

Wishing you the most beautiful moments spent in the mountains 🙂