Planning a foreign climbing vacation may appear to be a big task, but by following these steps, you will find it a bit simpler and things will go more smoothly throughout your trip.
SELECT YOUR DESTINATION COUNTRY
This may appear simple, but there are 195 nations with a lot of rock! If you’re looking for huge wall climbing, the alps from France to Slovenia provide plenty of options. If you enjoy bouldering, there are many more possibilities available throughout the world. Determine what you’re searching for and where you want to go. Climbing opportunities abound from Indonesia to North Macedonia, Jordan, Norway, and Iceland.
KEYWORDS AND RESEARCH LANGUAGE
The language issue is one of the most difficult aspects of research. For example, if you want to find a place near a hut, use “Rifugio” in Italy or “Place of safety” in France instead of the term hut. That way, you’ll get a lot more information. Knowing these keywords will make it simpler to study and comprehend instructions to the crag, climbing phrases, and other factors. Once you’ve located the material, you may utilize translation tools, such as Google Translate, to truly understand it.
LOOK FOR A CLIMBING PARTNER
Finding a partner for your local climbing is simple. It is far more difficult to locate someone who is willing to go worldwide, has available days off work, has money saved to pay for it, climbs at the level you are prepared to climb, and is available during your timetable and when flights are cheaper. I tell a lot of people about the possibilities of ascending worldwide and plant tiny seeds in their thoughts. Sometimes a year or more later, I get a call from a buddy who wants to travel. By that point, they have saved enough money, accrued enough vacation days, are in a better position at work, or have just decided to be bold enough to do it. If you put enough seeds, something will grow.
It is helpful to have numerous climbers planning to make the trip since one or more climbers may drop out due to a new job, problems at work or at home, illness, or a number of other reasons. We had two more people signed up for the trip in the photo, but they dropped out. Another factor to consider is spending a week or two with that individual nonstop in a restricted environment. When people travel, they are frequently at their worst. Make sure you both like one other enough to spend that much time together.
USE MULTIPLE SOURCES, NEVER TRUST THEM ENTIRELY, AND BE PREPARED
I once looked at a chart of a two-day trekking path that had a river running through it. I also read at least 30 reviews of the path. ALL of those reports stated that water is provided throughout the path and that you do not need to bring any. I looked at a map of the path and observed that the river appeared to be below the trail in several places, if not the whole track. I filtered water and filled every bottle and bladder I had before heading out on the path. I’m pleased I did it. Not only is the river roughly 100 feet below the route the whole distance, but everyone I saw on the trail asked if I had water because they were thirsty. There are a lot of nasty reviews out there that are copied and pasted. When writers and bloggers see a map with a river next to the path, they think it is on the same level, especially if they read other reviews that state the same thing. Other times, reports state that water is accessible at two streams on the approach, but when you reach, both creeks are empty. Anchors might be suspicious when they are not meant to be. Always be prepared for things to not go as planned. This applies to trekking, climbing, kayaking, and any other sport.
LOCAL LAWS CAN BE FOUND
This is true not only for overseas climbing excursions, but also for every new crag you visit. Can you go to the summit of a climb at that crag? Can you lower yourself through the rings? Is it necessary for you to rappel? Is there a limit to the number of climbers allowed each day? Is there a limit to the number of persons allowed on the approach trail? Is it necessary for you to register with someone? There are several laws that change from crag to crag and nation to country. Make careful to study extensive details of the region that include any legislation you may need to be aware of. Most websites, such as Mountain Project, will provide a link to the necessary information.
MANAGE THE WEIGHT OF YOUR BACKPACK
Check with your airline to see how much weight is permitted for checked luggage. Then, on the way back, check sure it’s the same weight! Many climbers go out of the United States with a 50lb checked bag and are charged extra costs on the return trip due to rules in that nation. This information is easily accessible on the airline’s website.
You will have a heavy load if you want to climb using trad gear and ropes. Everything else must be well planned! To fulfill weight requirements, I generally have to leave something at home that I would ordinarily bring. I was carrying a 48lb backpack full of climbing gear on the trip seen in my primary photo for this page!
