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
