What is Technical Trekking?

Technical trekking is something my sister and I have been pursuing over the years that combines the skills and gear required for both trekking and mountaineering. The ideal technical trek would get you off the crowded hiking trails, and on to challenging terrain that is both more technically and physically challenging than traditional trekking, but without some of the commitment and object danger associated with many climbs.

 

More than Just  Hiking

A big difference between technical trekking and regular trekking is the level of technical difficulty involved. Alpine treks are generally at altitude and usually require that at some point you wear crampons as well as use an ice axe. Technical trekkers need to be as comfortable crossing glaciers as they are hiking on trails.

 

Not Quite Climbing

The difference between technical trekking and climbing is that the level of technical difficulty is generally lower and as well as the style of the trip. Expedition-style mountaineering climbs generally involve a series of acclimatization hikes/climbs and camps that build toward an ultimate goal of topping out on a mountain. With technical trekking, there often is no summit, enabling you to truly "focus on the journey", and not the destination.

 

Skills & Experience

The ideal technical trekkers have both hiking/trekking experience, but have also taken at least a 6-day basic mountaineering course. The mountaineering course is essential in order to gain the necessary cramponing, self-arrest, glacier travel, crevasse rescue and avalanche awareness skills. Taking an Avalanche 1 course and Wilderness First Aid are also recommended.

 

 

My Challenge

I have almost completed a personal challenge to do a technical trek on all seven continents.

  Click here to see my plan

  See recommended reading for alpine trekking

  See a gear list for alpine trekking