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19 Lessons From a New Mountaineer

By Jay Belfore

For me, hiking and climbing the summits of Colorado’s tallest peaks is a spiritual, physical & mental journey. I gain experience and learn something with each climb. Here are my first 19 lessons as a NEWBIE:

  1. Go with someone you like, respect and enjoy. It will most likely be a long day and it’s important there is mutual respect and understanding about the risks you will and won’t take to summit. However, you should be 100% prepared with all the tools you need to manage a successful experience on your own. Do not rely on anyone else but yourself. You need to be 100% responsible for your safety.
  2. Make sure you eat a complex carbohydrate meal the night before. Fueling your body is critically important. At the beginning of the hike, be sure you snack- even if you are not hungry. BelVita crackers are good sources of long-lasting energy and help me power through. Honey Stingers also work for my body. I keep both snacks within easy reach to be able to eat on the move.
  3. Lay out all your gear the night before. Get an early start. Earlier than you want.
  4. Bring more water than you think you need. 2 – 3 liters is what I bring. Running out of water is dangerous. I also pack a Katadyn filter in my backpack so if there is a river I can fill up in an emergency.
  5. Use COTREX, bring a battery pack for your phone and print out two copies of summit directions/instructions. Keep one set in your backpack in a ziplock bag for emergencies. Directions can easily get wet or blown away in a gust.
  6. Make sure all your devices are charged completely. Bring Battery packs/ portable chargers.
  7. Purchase a Garmin INREACH. How much is your life worth? The INREACH uses satellite GPS and messaging, and you can send a SOS. You can set up your INREACH to send tracking updates to your contacts in regular intervals so that your family/friends have peace of mind. And if there is ever the need for a rescue it will be easier to locate you. You won’t always have a cell signal with your phone. In extreme cold weather your phone will die. Get an INREACH.
  8. Let someone know your plans. What Trailhead will you park your car/truck, what summit you plan to hike, and what is your expected time back. Use your INREACH to waypoint your parked car.
  9. Wear sunblock year-round. Worst sunburn I got was a winter hike up Mount Yale. Make sure your lip balm has sunblock in it. Be sure you reapply. Pay careful attention to your ears, under your nose and lips.
  10. Take breaks when you need to. Listen to your body. It isn’t a race.
  11. Be prepared to spend the night on the mountain. If there is a problem, rescues take time. Pack a BIVY, handwarmers, windbreaker, extra clothes, extra food and medical supplies. Pack extra gloves too.
  12. Winter climbing -don’t take chances. Pay attention to the slope degree and CAIC- Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecasts & warnings. Buy a BCA Tracker3. Get it synched with your team members. Carry a shovel and ice ax. In a pinch you can use your snowshoe as a shovel. Be safe, and smart. The mountain will be there another day, don’t take chances.
  13. Summer climbing, bring bug spray and a hoodie to protect the back of your neck and keep off bugs. The pullovers that have SPF are great!
  14. Tell your climbing partners if you feel dizzy and/or disoriented.
  15. Figure out ahead of time what to pack in your backpack to help you walk out on your own in the case of a minor injury (sprain, twist, fall). Ankle brace, knee support? You need to be self-sufficient.
  16. Agree on a turnaround time and make sure you turn around. You don’t want to get caught above tree line in a dangerous afternoon storm or attempt to climb down in the dark.
  17. Check Mountain-forecast.com for weather and wind conditions. 50 MPH winds are miserable and dangerous. Why put yourself through that?
  18. Good gear is very important. Have the right gear for the climate. Spikes are very helpful almost all year long. I keep a pair in my pack for icy conditions. It can be icy and snow covered in July at elevation.
  19. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know your limits. If the conditions are unsafe or you aren’t feeling yourself, turn around. Live to try another day.

I hope to be healthy and capable enough to summit all 58. Can’t wait to see what I learn & experience in year two!