Mountains

The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it - Victoria Arlen

Basics
Equipment
Mountains
Get inspired

They offer stunning passages; possibly made by the gods we pray, walked by the legends we speak, dwelled by those species we don't even know. And yet, they just lay there - serene, opulent and infinite… An earnest witness to our trifling fruitions.
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Have you ever listened to the music of the high winds? spoken to the animals on the slopes? witnessed the gossiping mountains? woke up to sunrise from the peaks of mountains? gazed at the shining stars from the isolated troughs up the highlands? They are nature's invite to share some of her greatest secrets.
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Still not convinced? I made this video for you:

Love for mountains

Watch this video on YouTube.

Hiking requires almost no practise or preparation. You just need a good hiking shoes and a decent safety conscious - on the beginner trails.
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I'm up for any activity on Mountains, usually; but most of my time on mountains goes into hiking, via-ferrata, camping and skiing.

Please:

Safety first. Mountains will always be there. Prioritise your life first - mountains will love you for that
Today's infrastructure is the result of years of effort, show some respect in protecting them

For a simple hike, you probably won't need anything apart from good hiking shoes. If you are new to hiking, try several options before going on a buying spree. Many big stores offer rentals.
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There are varying brands across countries. From my experiences, I find the following brands to be very dependable (tried on Himalayas in India, Dolomites in Italy, Fjords of Norway, Alps in France and Switzerland, and the Rockies in US)
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Hiking:

Easy on wallet - Quechua, Lowa, La Sportiva
No compromise - Mammut, Kathmandu, Petagonia

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Via Ferrata:

Easy on wallet - LACD, Ocun
No compromise - Mammut, Saleva

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In winters:

Snow hikes: I think Mammut, Scarpa and La Sportiva are very good
Skiing: Atomic, Fischer, Völki (and Salomon)

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Important: Mountains are magnanimous, don’t disrespect them by attempting to climb without good preparation and safety awareness

Every climber has a story and every mountain has a climber. Below are some fascinating mountains that I happen to enjoy.
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Austria: Donnerkogel (amongst others)
China: Shaanxi (Xi'an & Hua), Hunan (Pandora mountains), Hubei (Wuhan range)
France: Alps (of course), Jura (the same ones also in Switzerland), Mont Blanc circuit
India: Himalayas, Western Ghats
Italy: Amalfi coast (go with your partner, thank me later), Dolomites
Japan: Hokkaido, Kamakura, Kii, Kyoto, and Shizuoka (Mount Fuji)
Norway: Rogaland, Hordaland, Geirangerfjord
Spain: Malaga, Pyrenees, Ruta del Cares
Switzerland: Almost any range
United Kingdom: Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye

Mountains usually are very welcoming. But, summers are the best time for beginners.
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Where I live, Ski season is about to start.
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If you are interested in mountains, up for skiing this winter or plan to hike/climb next summer… please drop me a line and we'll get in touch.
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Happy Hiking & Climbing