Mountaineering Ethics
13 May, 2006
The American Alpine Club is deeply concerned about the past, present and future of all mountain-related activities. Unlike most other forms of recreation, the very essence of rock climbing and mountaineering depends on the natural scene, a nonrenewable resource. The current popularity of climbing is causing tremendous human impact upon the mountain environment. The future of climbing is dependent upon a minimum impact approach. It has become apparent that humans can do anything given enough equipment, time and luck. This approach is not mountaineering. Just as foreign to the climber is a rigid codification of ethical behavior. The solution to mountain problems must begin at an individual level. We therefore urge the individual to consider the cumulative effects of his or her mountain activities and to tailor his or her own code of ethics in such a way that traditional mountaineering values are preserved for future generations. This means respecting the varying traditions of climbing in different geographical areas. It also means avoiding the use of off-road vehicles, mechanized climbing aids and, at , such traditional items as fires, horses, pitons and aircraft .We believe that self-restraint and discretion must be employed by each individual in order to preserve the dignity of both our mountains and our sport.