How to Start and Advance Your Alpine Climbing Trajectory

On April 20, 2024, we lost a friend. Rob Coppolillo lost his life in a ski accident in the Canadian Rockies, doing what he loved best: guiding. Rob epitomized adventure, pioneering as an AMGA and IFMGA Mountain Guide and founder of Vetta Mountain Guides. Among the first 100 Americans certified internationally, his expertise spanned three decades, guiding worldwide, from Boulder, Colorado, to Chamonix, France.

Rob’s absence leaves a void felt deeply by the adventure community but his legacy of exploration and kindness will live on, reminding us to live life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed and remembered by the 57hours team.

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Since humans could walk, we’ve been summiting mountains.

Alpine climbing is one of the purest and most rewarding experiences you could have in the great outdoors. Nothing beats the rush of pushing your body and mind in a spectacular montane environment.

Learn how to take your first steps into the world of alpine climbing, as well as advance your alpine skills to the next level, from an expert IFMGA guide with years of experience leading expeditions all over the world.

This Adventure Talk Covers:
0:00 Intro about the host, Rob Coppolillo
02:27 What is alpine climbing?
08:54 What are the foundational skills you need
16:39 Suggestions for the gear
21:35 Mindset
29:55 Fitness
42:07 How to keep it safer

[Emily-exps]

RIP Rob. Watched this video a few months ago, returned to watch again and was devastated to see the updated description. Rest easy.

[ericl]

I first watched this over one year ago as I was getting primed for my first climbing trip to Chamonix. I returned to this again this summer before heading back to Chamonix and Zermatt for another climbing trip, and was shocked to see the news of Rob's death. I used his outstanding book "The Mountain Guide Manual" as additional curriculum while completing my Diploma in Mountain Medicine. His contribution to exploring and guiding in the mountains will be missed.

[BIGmike_shoots]

Rip Rob thanks for all your knowledge and being so kind.

[GRAND_Strategy]

I just watched him in this video last week. How sad and he strikes me as a really cool guy who was humble in what he did.

[RedRamble.]

Currently half way up Ben Nevis stop moving through the snow listening to you bugging it up :)

[FeralFeminine]

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive overview on how to get started and the “basics” for gear. This is a goal of mine, but I had no idea how to transition from being a hiker to an alpiner.

[velislavstoev]

Very useful video for beginner mountaineering!

[aok]

EXCELLENT informative and interesting video Rob ! Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge in a very easy to follow style 👍 I live in New Zealand and love exploring our wilderness. ❤

[frankmarien]

Sweet, nice video. Got some nice info to get me started! 🤩

[sogseal]

which crest is that on mont blanc at minute 1:48? please?

[manuelparada]

Nice video, you should come to patagonia there are some cool stuff here too

[FewAndSecret]

is there any way a normal person could afford doing stuff like this?