Alpine sports, also referred to as mountain sports, include activities other than skiing. These mountainous or hilly terrain sports carry a higher level of risk, necessitating special equipment and specialized training before they can safely undertake them. While skiing is arguably among the most popular alpine sport, it is far from the only one.
Mountaineering, climbing, via Ferrata climbing or klettersteig, hiking (especially hillwalking), ski touring, ski mountaineering (and its freeriding), snowshoeing, trekking, mountain biking (partly), and canyoning are also mountain sports. These sports have grown very challenging to try and incorporate into the list of fascinating hobbies.
If you enjoy alpine sports, we have a list of mountain sports for you.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering, also known as alpinism, is a group of outdoor activities that involve climbing tall mountains. All mountaineering-related activities include skiing, traditional outdoor climbing, and traversing via ferratas. Some people bouldering and sport and indoor climbing to be variations of mountaineering.
Mountaineering, unlike most sports, lacks widely applied formal regulations, rules, and governance; mountaineers climb mountains using a wide range of philosophies and techniques. Numerous local alpine clubs provide social activities and resources to mountaineers.
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), a federation of alpine clubs, is the recognized International Olympic Committee world organization for climbing and mountaineering.
Via Ferrata Climbing
Climbing via ferrata is deemed safe for mountain sportsmen, particularly beginners. The climbing route uses rungs, steel cables, or ladders attached to the rock to which the climbers attach a harness with two leashes, allowing them to fix themselves to the metal fixture and minimize any fall. Because the steel cable is also attached to the rock, it is ideal for beginners or newcomers because of the security track.
However, via ferrata also provides challenging peaks people can conquer for a great experience. Overall, while this sport brings security and safety, it can also present tough spots that you must overcome.
Via Ferrata climbing is a type of protected climbing route that is mostly found in the Alps. This steel cable runs along the path, intermittently attached to the rock. Climbers can thus prevent themselves from falling.
Via Ferrata is a distinct step up from ordinary mountain walking and provides a means of facing dramatic positions to access challenging peaks.
Hiking
Hiking is the most famous mountain sport among mountain enthusiasts. It’s an excellent way of getting outdoors to enjoy nature.
You can explore the beauty of nature at your own pace, using only your two feet and taking what you need for a day on your back. It’s also an activity that almost anyone can do with a little planning and preparation.
The sound of the wind rushing through the trees above, warm sunlight on your face, and the tender earthy feel of the trail beneath your boots are enjoyable and beneficial to your health. Hiking has been shown to have numerous health benefits, ranging from the physical exercise you get out on the trail to the mental or emotional relief you get from being in nature.
Skiing
Skiing is among the most well-known mountain and winter sports. Sliding down the snow-capped alpines on skis with secure heel bindings is an exhilarating experience. Skiing is primarily a recreational activity, but you can also try making sharp turns with some practice.
Skiing is also used as a mode of transportation in many places.
Snowshoeing
What began as a necessary mode of winter transportation thousands of years ago has evolved into a prevalent recreational activity. This excellent winter activity is an excellent substitute for snowboarding or skiing. As the name implies, this mountain sport entails walking over snow while wearing footwear that distributes weight over a wider area.
This is the earliest snow sport – using the term “sport” loosely – with origins between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. It has played an important role in remote mountain living over the centuries, with traders and trappers using snowshoes to traverse inaccessible areas of the wilderness.
Snowshoeing is a risk-free activity. Aside from hidden obstacles such as rocks, ice, and roots, you are unlikely to encounter many dangers or hazards. If you plan to go backcountry, you should be ready to navigate, and bringing a friend is always a good idea.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking involves riding a bicycle on various types of off-road trails. To navigate rough terrains, you must have endurance, balance, speed, and technical skills.
As opposed to road bikers, mountain bikers seek out obstacles and see the globe as a challenging and natural playground packed with winding trails. Everything is an opportunity to put their abilities to the test: vertical downhill sections, water crossings, steep ascents, loose rocks, or tree roots!
Mountain biking disciplines range from gentle rides through scenic forest trails to adrenaline-pumping descents. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned biker, you will most likely find a trail tailored to your skill level and abilities. Going out with a guide is strongly recommended for those new to mountain biking.
Mountain biking is a high-energy sport that requires a full-body workout. A ride not only works out your legs and helps to strengthen your lungs and heart, but it also works out your upper body (when maneuvering using your arms or climbing with the bike). Cycling improves riders’ coordination, balance, and stability as well.
Mountain biking is a stress-relieving and mentally relaxing activity because it allows you to explore the changing scenery and outdoors on each ride.
Trekking
Trekking, also known as long-distance hiking, entails walking for several days or weeks while remaining partially or entirely self-sufficient. The sport was primarily practiced in the mountains, often in notoriously difficult-to-reach locations; however, the term now encompasses other types of itineraries and terrain for all skill levels.
The spirit of trekking is about stargazing, setting up your bivouac at dusk, and finding new landscapes every day. You choose the setting: the city or the countryside, the vast expanse of the desert, the allure of the mountains, and so on.
Canyoning
Canyoning, also referred to as canyoneering, is the act of traversing a fast-flowing mountain stream in a gorge using various techniques such as abseiling, sliding, climbing, and jumping.
The canyon is a natural gorge carved out of the side of a mountain by a flowing stream. They are typically quite steep, with climactic cliff drops on every side and several waterfalls to be encountered along the way.
Some waterfalls create natural toboggans, or natural slides down which people can go with little effort – and this is a lot of fun! Others may require jumping or abseiling.