Whats the difference between rock climbing and mountaineering?
Rock climbing typically involves getting to the top of a cliff or crag. The challenge, for most climbers, comes from getting through sections of rock that are difficult to climb. There’s also the challenge of placing protection (explained below), to protect against a fall. Mountaineering usually, though not always, involves getting to the peak of a mountain. Some mountains require extensive rock climbing skills, others require little or no climbing. Mountaineers find their challenge, and satisfaction, in handling a wide spectrum of skills and strengths to achieve their goal. Good planning, physical endurance, teamwork, hiking and climbing skills, and route-finding ability, all come into play.
