Mountaineering Abroad
By the time mountaineering became popular in China, foreign climbers were already exploring the globe.
Gu Qizhi, the head coach of China’s Advanced Mountaineering Training Program, and Olivier Barmasse (France), shared insights about foreign mountaineering during an interview:
Mountaineering developed earlier in European and American countries. Modern mountaineering originated in the Alps and has a history of nearly 200 years. As a sport, mountaineering enjoys widespread participation across Europe, America, Japan, South Korea, and other developed Asian nations—people from all walks of life and age groups enjoy the activity. In contrast, in some underdeveloped African and Asia-Pacific countries, apart from a few local guides, almost no one engages in mountaineering.
Mountaineers can be divided into two main groups: enthusiasts and professional climbers (mountain guides). Except for seasoned mountaineers, enthusiasts typically hire professional guides. Professional climbers receive specialized training and pursue it as a career, offering their services to enthusiasts in exchange for compensation. There is a relatively large number of professional climbers abroad; France alone has over 3,000, and there are schools dedicated to training them.
In European and American countries, the government does not obstruct but supports mountaineering. There are dedicated professional mountaineering associations, where the government's role is relatively simple—mainly regulating the industry and mountain guides. The regulatory mechanism is straightforward—“licensed to guide.” Guides must pass assessments by authorized bodies to obtain licenses, which are officially recognized by the government. The training and business operations themselves are not state-run.
In European and American countries, while mountaineering is a free sport that anyone can undertake at any time, becoming a serious climber requires prior research and preparation.
First, because mountaineering is a relatively dangerous activity, climbers usually undergo physical evaluations—including fitness levels and the maximum altitude they can safely handle—at specialized mountaineering training centers before setting out.
Second, one should enroll in a training program or club to learn essential skills, such as how to avoid risks in harsh natural environments, how to perform self-rescue in case of accidents, and how to contact search and rescue teams.
Finally, it’s advisable to hire a guide. Most climbing enthusiasts choose to be led by a guide to ensure greater safety.
Climbing in other countries requires even more preparation.
In European countries, there are generally no climbing fees, and the application process is relatively easy. In Asia, Australia, and similar regions, climbers need to first obtain a visa for the country, then apply for a climbing permit.
While procedures vary slightly by country, generally, you must register with the national mountaineering authority, and fees are charged based on the mountain—higher peaks cost more. In Asian countries, you may also be required to climb with a local guide. Most countries welcome foreign climbers, as their high-altitude resources provide significant income opportunities.
Due to the complex and harsh conditions in mountainous areas, mountaineering carries certain risks, making search and rescue systems particularly important. Systems in Europe and America are highly developed, whereas those in Africa and Asia are comparatively weaker.
In Europe and America, rescue services are offered by both government agencies and private operators.
In France, rescue teams consist of government-organized military and police units, and rescues are provided free of charge. In countries like Italy and the Netherlands, rescue services are privately run and require payment. These rescue teams are well-equipped, with professionally trained climbers, daily helicopter patrols over mountains and wilderness areas, and dedicated emergency hotlines.