ABSTRACT
At its most extreme, mountaineering is traditionally associated with a search for varying degrees of risk and risk-taking. However, more recent research shows that mountaineering involves a considerable range of experiences that includes a search for mastery in challenging and unstable environments, unique camaraderie found in situations of mutual reliance in isolated, stressful and dangerous situations and the search for freedom and transcendence (Monasterio & Brymer, 2015). This chapter critiques the traditional risk focused approach that has dominated mountaineering literature and presents an alternative perspective. Based on this alternative perspective the chapter provides practical advice for mental preparation and coaching.
