What is Mountaineering?
[[File:Summitting Island Peak.jpg|thumb|right|Climber taking the final few steps onto the {{convert|6160|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nepalmountaineering.org/index.php?razer=peak_detail&&name=Imja-tse(Island%20Peak) |title=Nepal Mountaineering Association |year=2008 |work=web page|accessdate=2 June 2011}}</ref> summit of Imja Tse (Island Peak) in [[Nepal]], 2004]] '''Mountain climbing''' is a hobby/job where people [[wikt:climb|climb]] [[mountain]]s.<ref>{{cite book |title=Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills |author=The Mountaineers |publisher=Mountaineers Books |volume=8th Ed. |date=September 8, 2010 |isbn=978-1-59485-137-7 |url=http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Mountaineering-The-Freedom-of-the-Hills-8th-Edition-P569.aspx}}</ref> It may involve [[hiking]], [[rock climbing]], as well as crossing [[glacier]]s. Someone who does mountain climbing is called a '''mountain climber''' or '''mountaineer'''. Mountain climbers use the strength of their arms and legs to climb up mountains. Many mountain climbers use [[rope]]s and wear special shoes and safety equipment . Most mountain climbers go up mountains as a [[hobby]] or as a [[recreation]]al activity. A few do mountain climbing as an [[Profession|occupation]] or job. They get paid by outdoor clothing companies or universities to climb up mountains, or they are hired as a guide by recreational mountain climbers. Some are scientists who study mountains. Climbing mountains can be dangerous. Each year, people are seriously injured or even killed from falling, being covered in an [[avalanche]] of snow, or getting [[hypothermia|too cold]]. [[Altitude sickness]] can cause accidents. Climbers in snowy areas face the danger of being buried in an avalanche of snow. To reduce the risks, mountain climbers work together and learn how to climb safely. They wear safety equipment such as [[helmet]]s and use [[rope]]s, [[compass]]es, and [[first aid]] kits. They bring other equipment, such as [[shovel]]s, radio transmitters, and long poles (for findin