Climbing peak
Encyclopedia
A climbing peak may refer to a mountain or hill peak or a rock formation that has to be ascended by climbing
. The term is common in Germany where it is specifically used of free-standing rock formations in the climbing regions of Saxon Switzerland
, Zittau Mountains and other nearby ranges in the German Central Uplands
that can only be summitted via climbing route
s of at least grade I on the UIAA scale or by jumping from nearby rocks or massifs. As a general rule, they must have a topographic prominence
of at least 10 metres to qualify. In Saxon Switzerland the Saxon Climbing Regulations do not require any minimum height, but define climbing peaks as
Another requirement is its recognition by the responsible sub-committee of the Saxon Climbers' Federation
(SBB) and the responsible conservation authorities. For hikers these authorized summits may often be recognised by the presence of a summit register
and abseiling anchor points.
In other climbing areas, such as those in Bohemian Switzerland, there are other exceptions. There, climbing peaks only need to have a significant rock face - the lowest side of which has to be less than 10 m high, but at least 6 m high.
Climbing
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...
. The term is common in Germany where it is specifically used of free-standing rock formations in the climbing regions of Saxon Switzerland
Saxon Switzerland climbing region
Saxon Switzerland is one of the best-known climbing regions in Germany. The region is largely coterminous with the natural region of the same name, Saxon Switzerland, but extends well beyond the territory of the National Park within it. It includes the western part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains...
, Zittau Mountains and other nearby ranges in the German Central Uplands
Central Uplands
The Central Uplands is one of the three major natural regions of Germany and covers most of the land area of the country. To the north lies the North German Plain or Northern Lowland; to the south, the Alps and the Alpine Foreland.- Formation :...
that can only be summitted via climbing route
Climbing route
A climbing route is a path by which a climber reaches the top of a mountain, rock, or ice wall. Routes can vary dramatically in difficulty and, once committed to that ascent, can be difficult to stop or return. Choice of route can be critically important...
s of at least grade I on the UIAA scale or by jumping from nearby rocks or massifs. As a general rule, they must have a topographic prominence
Topographic prominence
In topography, prominence, also known as autonomous height, relative height, shoulder drop , or prime factor , categorizes the height of the mountain's or hill's summit by the elevation between it and the lowest contour line encircling it and no higher summit...
of at least 10 metres to qualify. In Saxon Switzerland the Saxon Climbing Regulations do not require any minimum height, but define climbing peaks as
Another requirement is its recognition by the responsible sub-committee of the Saxon Climbers' Federation
Saxon Climbers' Federation
The Saxon Climbers' Federation is a federation of individual members, small and large clubs and is the largest climbing association in the region for climbing activities in Saxon Switzerland and the surrounding area in eastern Germany. It is also the largest sports association in Saxony...
(SBB) and the responsible conservation authorities. For hikers these authorized summits may often be recognised by the presence of a summit register
Summit register
A summit book is a record of visitors to the summit of a mountain, usually one without a maintained trail. It is usually enclosed in a weatherproof, animalproof metal canister. Some books are maintained in an informal manner by an individual or small group, while others are maintained by a club...
and abseiling anchor points.
In other climbing areas, such as those in Bohemian Switzerland, there are other exceptions. There, climbing peaks only need to have a significant rock face - the lowest side of which has to be less than 10 m high, but at least 6 m high.