Q: So many alpine writers/journalists push the
limits to "bag peaks." Should these
special places be written about for others to
exploit?
Climbing is my passion in life, but I often stop to wonder
if there's a point to it. After all, isn't it a
bit silly to dedicate your life to climbing rocks...full answer >>
Q: What is the major difference between
Himalayan rock climbing and Alpine climbing?
Himalayan rock climbing is basically a form of alpine
climbing. Alpine climbing just means climbing in the
alpine environment, i.e. big peaks...
full answer >>
Q: I'm interested in becoming a climber
and professional photographer.
One of the most valuable things I did when I graduated
from college was taking an unpaid internship...
full answer >>
Q: Where can I climb in Thailand?
Phra Nang, in southern Thailand, has some of the best
limestone sport climbing in the world. In my opinion, it
would not be outrageous for you to...
full answer >>
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more questions
"A lot of people don't realize it, but the only thing you really need to climb big walls, or any big route, is determination," says Mark Synnott. OK. But what else does it take to best a big wall? Just e-mail Mark and he'll give you the skinny on everything from grub to gear to getting started. And he should know.
Mark has bagged more than 50 big walls including Argentina's Cerro Torre and first ascents on Canada's Baffin Island, southern Asia's Karakoram Range. And when he's not climbing, he's helping design new North Face equipment or contributing to magazines like NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Outside, and Climbing.
Photograph by Gordon Wiltsie
Filming a Fuming Glacier in Iceland