With changing trends showing the number of people more interested in adventure holidays, as opposed to relaxation holidays, steadily increasing, it makes sense that hiking would be counted among those hobbies seeing a surge of people.
And while these people should be focusing on some of the easier mountains like Mera Peak and Lobuche East Peak, maybe you’re one of those who has graduated from such locations. If you’re an experienced hiker seeking challenging terrain and unforgettable alpine environments, here are four demanding mountains to conquer for your next challenge. Be warned though, these are not for the faint of heart.
Mount Rainier, USA: An Alpine Classic
Mount Rainier is a 14,410 foot active volcano located in Mount Rainier Park in the Pacific Northwest. The climb is widely considered one of the most challenging in the continental United States due to hazards such as hidden crevasses, the need for glacier travel, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Before attempting to conquer Mount Rainier, you’ll need considerable experience in a wide variety of equipment and techniques, including the use of ice axes and crampons. You may also want to consider one of the guided mountaineering services that offer multi-day summit climbs, private climbs and annual guided trips, at least for your first attempt.
Mont Blanc, The Alps: Europe’s Highest Peak
Located on the Franco-Italian border, and the highest peak in the Alps, standing at roughly 15,776 feet tall. Mont Blanc is a must for hikers in need of a new challenge.
While technical mountaineering experience isn’t strictly necessary to make the climb to Mont Blanc’s peak, the mountain’s combination of high altitude and harsh, wintery weather make it suitable only for highly experienced hikers and climbers. This is largely due to the fact that the body would need to be used to experiencing such a combination of conditions, which can typically only really be gathered through previous hikes and climbs on various other mountains.
As with Mount Rainier, and arguably every mountain on this list, it may be best to arrange for guided mountaineering services to accompany you on your first attempt. Mont Blanc hiking tours offer guided options for acclimatization or multi-day routes that offer a balance of trekking days and Alpine sightseeing, with local accommodation or camping.
Ben Nevis, Scotland: The UK Titan
The UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis can be found near Fort William in the beautiful locale of the Scottish Highlands. It is very much on the smaller side of mountains that could be considered challenging, being only 4,413 feet tall, however it is the sheer difficulty of that shortened distance which makes this a behemoth. There are two main routes up Ben Nevis, and it’s the more challenging of the two, the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route, that offers one of the UK’s most dramatic ridge scrambles; requiring advanced fitness and confidence in navigating exposed sections to be able to conquer it safely.
Following a spate of recent tragedies on the UK’s mountains, there have been discussions around mountain safety, and Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR) emphasizes the need for being properly prepared, equipped and trained whenever you’re heading to take on the challenge. Despite the difficulty and danger, the views are breathtaking; the Scottish Highlands offer a natural beauty that few landscapes can match, making it well worth the while if you have the necessary experience, equipment, and confidence.
Mount Cook, New Zealand: A Demanding Southern Alps Route
New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki, or Mount Cook, is located in a UNESCO World Heritage listed alpine region, so you know the views will be stunning. Around 40% of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is made up of glaciers, and the park boasts a wide range of hikes and trials for all abilities.
But if your sights are set on scaling the highest peak Aoraki, which is 12,218 feet, you’ll need your wits about you. This is a climb reserved for seasoned mountaineers due to steep ice routes, seracs, crevasses, and volatile alpine weather, not to mention the year-round risk of avalanches. Similar to Ben Nevis, though not as tall as perhaps Mont Blanc or Mount Rainier, it is a very challenging ascent.
A high level of technical skill and experience built up through many years of hiking is required to tackle Mount Cook. Even if you possess confidence from being a seasoned hiker, it is better to be safe than sorry. There’s good reason why most hikers opt for a certified mountain guide to ensure a safe ascent.
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