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Question:

Why is it so dangerous to climb mountains?
Other than getting frostbite, or freezing to death, what are some other ways you can get killed?
Why do people climb mountains?
When was the first mountain ever climbed?

Rory
Michigan

Response from Liesl Clark, NOVA Online Producer:

There are many objective dangers involved in climbing mountains. They include avalanches, rock falls, and ice falls, extreme cold and high winds, whiteout conditions from blowing snow, and dangerous terrain. Deaths are often a result of the high altitude which can cause severe illnesses like high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. But dehydration and disorientation can also produce fatal results. On dangerous terrain climbers have to be alert, to avoid slipping or forgetting to clip into fixed ropes while ascending steep pitches or spanning crevasses.

People climb mountains because of the challenge and self-knowledge that results from trying to reach a difficult goal.

The first mountain was probably climbed when earliest man was able to walk.

Question:

What kind of preparations do you have to do before you climb, and how do you do them?

Sam
Michigan

Response from Liesl Clark, NOVA Online Producer:

All climbers must prepare carefully for a climb. Most will take time in the months before the climbs to get in shape by running, hiking, and maybe even lifting weights. The packing for the climb can begin several weeks before, as climbers must bring all thenecessary food, equipment, and clothing to survive in cold temperatures. And finally, the best preparation for any difficult mountain climb is previous experience.