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We report the style by which we climb with honesty

“Style” in mountaineering is shorthand for “the rules of the game”. All climbing is circumscribed by the rules we willingly accept. If this were not the case, there would be nothing to prevent us from taking helicopters directly to the summit. There would be nothing to prevent fixing Via Ferratas across the hardest rock climbs. Climbing as a discipline would cease to exist.
The rules define the style, and they have evolved in step with mountaineering. Whether we choose to follow one set of rules or other concerns only us and our conscience. Climbers should be free to choose whichever style of ascent to follow and it matters little what style we choose to follow, provided we do not harm the natural environment or the experience of others.

We can choose our rules, but there remain overriding principles that apply to all styles of mountaineering; that is that we should be clear about the style in which we climb. We must be honest when describing the rules we have adhered to. Failure to be rigorously honest leads, sadly, to not infrequent accusations of cheating.
There are two more incontrovertible rules of climbing; they are that we should not harm the natural environment and that we should take care not to negatively affect the experience of others in the process. These are the three overriding principles by which we climb, and they indicate the limits of our freedom in relation to others and the natural environment.

• We recognise that all climbers (adventure or sport) have a right to climb in any style that accords with their wishes and abilities.
• Climbers should share and report their activities truthfully. An accurate account enhances not only the credibility of the climber, but also the public reputation of the sport. In mountain sports honesty is essential to evaluate accomplishments.
• Digitally enhanced photography changes the reality of what was seen and experienced and should be discouraged. Mountaineering should not be reduced to a summit photo or video for the ‘bragging rights’ – every aspect of the experience, from planning to the camaraderie, has intrinsic value and should be shared in our reporting.

• Adventure routes should be left as natural as possible, relying on removable protection whenever it is available and use bolts only when necessary and always subject to local convention.
• Dare to fail. There is no such thing as a guaranteed outcome in mountaineering. It is only by accepting the high chances of failure in the mountains that the richest experiences are earned.
• We use social media responsibly so as not to devalue climbing and mountaineering or spoil mountain environments.

Case Studies/Best Practices