Taking your first unguided step onto a big mountain is a leap of faith. Backpacker editor (and retired guide) Shannon Davis tells you how to do it right.

Who needs an off-season? Take on the challenge with Colorado mountain guide Jason Antin's top tips for alpine travel in the fourth season.

There’s no surer way to ensure a successful trip than hitting the mountains for charity.

Start right with this bargain kit—helmet, harness, shoes, rope, and belay device—assembled by the editors of Climbing magazine.

Learn to identify the terrain hazards of glaciers to stay safe in ice country.

Don't (always) shell out for specialty gear.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is plenty hard with two strong legs. Imagine crawling to the top, like the first congenital quadruple amputee to reach the summit.

Shoes that stick, rope worth investing in, and a Grigri 2 overhaul.

A summer snow slope gives this reader the scare of his life.

Perfect this move for on-a-dime turns in steep, rugged terrain.

Stay safe with these six ski-down tips.

Use telescoping shafts for stability on any angle.

Change your technique and style to manage any snow conditions.

All conditions affect avy potential. Check forecasts and assess risk.

All the top mountaineering gear, picked for you by the editors of Climbing magazine.

We teamed up with sister publication Climbing to bring you the best ice climbing gear.

A 10mm rope that's not too stiff and not too flexible with a Golden Dry treatment for added durability and water resistance.

Climbing Magazine's favorite alpine harness of 2011.

The ultimate all-mountain boot

A great mountaineering helmet that's breathable and easy to adjust

For winding mountain routes these quickdraws with included mini carabiners are a huge help

Say goodbye to buying different belay devices for every type of climbing—the Smart Alpine does it all.

Light enough to carry comfortably, hefty enough to be a lifesaver.

The latest in skull science and safety

Head high with an axe, crampons, and more.

Carry in comfort, from dayhikes to hut trips.

Dig quickly and easily with this all-aluminum shovel.

A great lightweight axe for mountaineering.

Keep your pack light with this twin rope.

These lightweight crampons will keep you safe without the added weight.

Helmets are like any good protection; you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Supreme stickiness on rock in a lightweight hiking shoe

Learn the proper belay and safety technique for scrambling on steep terrain.

Add security on steep terrain with the simple hip belay.

Head up the mountain with these essential items: harness, rope, helmet, transceiver, crampon, and ice axe.

These Black Diamond crampons are low profile and razor sharp.

This Mammut transceiver has three antennae and an internal compass.

This Wild Country helmet offers full coverage against falling rock and ice, and it's under $60.

This 8mm Edelweiss rope is great for glacier crossings.

The ABC Guide harness is lightweight and utilitarian.

Take a fatherless herd boy from poverty-wracked Swaziland, endow him with an indomitable will and a few wealthy friends, give him the lungs of Ed Viesturs, and you have...

Don't let a steep hike keep you from the best views. Put these vital mountaineering tips to use this weekend.

Unraveling a high-altitude mystery: why some iPods get sick in the alpine zone.

Get to the top and you'll hear a joyous echo

The toughest high point in the lower 48

Don't forget your sound judgment when summitting this high point.

Watch out for rough weather and serpentine-like roads as you drive up to this highpoint.

High on a Montana mountain, the mystery of a long-lost climber continues to unravel for those willing to make the arduous trek and search for clues that literally lie at your feet.

In every backpacker's life, there comes a time when you stare awestruck at a mountain and wonder, "What's it like to climb that sucker?"