According to UNESCO, mountaineering or alpinism is “the art of climbing up summits and walls, [which] involves physical, technical and intellectual abilities”. While it may sound pretty straightforward on paper, mountaineering is in fact one of the most challenging and demanding sports out there. In-depth knowledge of the terrain, climbing skills, resistance to cold and endurance are just some of the requirements it takes to make it all the way to the top. Here, we’ll tell you what comes with being a full-blooded alpinist, including 6 tips to help you build up the physical fitness and technical know-how you need to conquer your first summit.