ALPINE CLIMBING The style of mountaineering under which these basic climbing techniques developed is called alpinism

ALPINE CLIMBING
The style of mountaineering under which these basic climbing techniques developed is called alpinism, or alpine climbing, and this style encompasses much of the equipment, technique, and safety precautions that form the basis for ice climbing and rock climbing. Alpine climbing began in the European Alps in the late 18th century and is now practiced in all mountain ranges of the world. The most popular alpine climbing areas in the United States are the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada range in California, and the Alaska Range in the vicinity of Mount McKinley (6194 m/20,320 ft). Alpine climbing involves the continuous ascent of a mountain peak over a period of one to several days by a team of at least two alpinists. Teams may consist of as many as four climbers. The climbers carry all the equipment they need—a camping stove and fuel, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, a tent or bivouac sack, first aid gear, a water bottle, and food. Each night the climbers bivouac, or spend the night on a mountain ledge, before continuing upward.

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