Author(s):
Peter Anderson - United States Military Academy
Abstract:
Upland visions, highland wanderings; people and mountainous environments. For centuries human beings have journeyed to highland areas for a variety of purposes. During the past 150 years and with a tremendous surge following World War Two, people have sought out mountainous areas for recreational activities, relaxation, and solitude. “Mountain ascent lists” devised by various mountain organizations have proliferated, defining “completion rules,” while some climbers have pushed the technical aspects of climbing to greater degrees of difficulty. These groups differ in their opinion of what the mountain experience entails; this presentation reviews what a mountain might be and the mountain climbing experience. A mountain classification scheme is suggested, as is a mountain climbing classification. The desired end result is a discussion point for individuals who are interested in conserving mountain environments for a variety of human activities “in perpetuity.”
