*/ Bear

Grylls

SURWIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

MOUNTAIN
7? Bear
Grylls

This survival skills handbook has been specially

put together to help young adventurers just like
you to stay safe in the wild. Standing at the peak
of a towering mountain, looking out at the world
below, is a phenomenal experience, and there
are mountains on every continent, so you’ll
never run out of new peaks to explore. This
book will teach you what clothes and
equipment to bring, and how to ie
keep yourself safe as you explore pe /
the top of the world.
 A Bear
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CONTENTS
What is a mountain? 4 Mountain plants 26

Mountain features 6 Mountain animals 28

Volcanoes 8 Avalanches 30

How to survive a Altitude sickness 32

volcano eruption
Navigation and
Fold mountains route finding 34
Fault-block mountains Travelling on different
Mountain weather types of terrain 36

Equipment Anchors 37

Clothing Hill people 40

Rivers and streams Mountain survival

stories 42
Ascending and
descending
Mountain sports
Mountain shelters
MOUNTAIN FEATURES
Mountains are much more than just big hills. Every mountain is a
unique collection of many different features. It’s very important
to know all the names and types of mountain features, so you will
understand any maps or signs you might need to follow.

Dune - A loose hill made of sand, formed by Crag - A mountain formed by a glacier
wind or flowing water passing through and eroding softer
material, leaving behind harder rock.

Pingo - A mound of ice, covered with earth, Scree slopes - A collection of small
found in the Arctic and Antarctic. rock fragments that have gathered at
the bottom of a mountain, caused by
rockfall from above.
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epee -A collection of broken Snow slopes - Some mountains are

rock ragments, usually larger than a snow-covered for the entire year, but
man's fist. in other areas it melts in the summer.

Hard ground - Rocky soil that Grassy slopes - Not usually a Thick brush - this can be
has been firmly compacted continuous field, these may difficult to pass through, so
and will not give way under contain thick patches take another route if possible.
your weight. of growth.

Igneous rock (e.g. granite, Sedimentary rock (e.g. Metamorphic rock (e.g.
basalt) - formed by volcanic sandstone, chalk) - formed slate, marble) - formed by
magma cooling. by sediments being extreme pressure
compressed on the bottom and/or heat.
of the ocean.
VOLCANOES
There are three basic types of mountain: volcanic, fold, and block
mountains. Volcanoes are formed when a tectonic plate gets pushed
below another, and melted rock (magma) from below the Earth's
crust is forced into the air, becoming lava. When the lava cools, it
builds up into a volcanic mountain.

Dormant volcano
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a volcano that is dormant (sleeping),
and one that is extinct, and will never erupt again. Generally, if there are no written
records about a volcano erupting, it is considered extinct.

Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is considered one of the
most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
It is near Naples, in Italy, and is most
famous for its eruption in 79 AD, which
destroyed the town of Pompeii, killing
over 1,000 people.

Fourpeaked Mountain
Fourpeaked Mountain in Alaska, US, was thought to be extinct until it suddenly
erupted in 2006. The last eruption before this was 10,000 years ago, in 8000 BCE!
 AGnis
HOW TO SURVIVE A
VOLCANO ERUPTION
Volcanic eruptions can be extremely sudden, dramatic, and
scary, or hardly noticeable. Luckily, most volcanoes are carefully
monitored by scientists, so warnings can usually be given before
there is an event. Volcanoes can be unpredictable, though, so it’s
important to know how to respond to an unexpected eruption.
© 2 % a"
a

Volcano survival tips

“ fe

e Be aware of the warning systems in place for the

local area.
e If you hear a warning siren, turn on the radio to listen
for instructions.
e Have a planned escape route. Some regions produce
maps showing probable paths of lava flow. Be aware eter eee
of these and work out how long it will take to escape “Bed tonera Coley Cetera yy
the area. Plan more than one route. or find shelter
e Make sure everyone knows the escape plan.
e Have a bag with food and equipment ready so you
can leave quickly if necessary.
e Wear long sleeves and trousers.
e Keep hydrated and carry plenty of water.
e If you aren't told to evacuate, stay indoors with all
the doors and windows closed until you are told it
is safe to come out.
e If you can’t get to shelter, go to higher ground. crouch on the ground and
e Protect yourself from pyroclastics (flying rocks and cover your head to protect
debris) by crouching on the ground and covering yourself from pyroclastics
your head with your arms, backpack, or anything (===%
else to hand.
e There might be poisonous gases. Wear goggles, a
mask, a respirator, or a wet piece of cloth over your
mouth and nose if possible.
e Never try to cross a lava flow. ‘
_ @ Stay away from areas where ash is f ing. Ls % a seisometer can measure
Gade: ro ~ oct ates nil volcanic activity
FOLD MOUNTAINS
Some of the biggest and most well-known mountain ranges are fold
mountains, including the Himalayas, the Rockies, the Andes, and
the Alps. These ranges are formed where tectonic plates meet, and
include some of the biggest mountains in the world.

How are fold mountains formed?

The Earth's crust, or lithosphere, is made up of separate plates, called tectonic
plates, which move around independently of each other. Normally, the movement is so
gradual that we can't feel it, but sometimes two plates will crash together, causing an
earthquake. When two plates collide like this, rocks crumple and fold upwards, forming
mountains.

fold mountain
range

Ancient seabeds
Sedimentary rock is formed on the sea floor, before
being pushed up to form mountains. For a long time,
this idea of how mountain ranges are formed was just
a theory, but mountaineers found fossils of ancient
sea creatures high up on mountains, proving it right.
In fact, you can find fossilized sea life on the top of
Mount Everest!
 A Bear
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FAULT-BLOCK MOUNTAINS
Fault-block mountains are created when two plates move past each
other at a fault (gap) in the Earth’s crust. If the rocks are higher
on one side than the other, mountains and valleys are formed. The
blocks created can be hundreds of kilometres long. The high areas
are called “horsts”, and the low valleys are called “grabens”.

fault-block mountain
range (horst)

graben

BEAR SAYS
The Great Rift Valley in East
Africa and Death Valley in
California, US, were formed
in this way.
MOUNTAIN WEATHER
Mountains are so big that they can affect the weather dramatically.
The weather can change rapidly in mountains, and the weather at
the foot and the summit can be vastly different. It is important to
understand these changes when exploring a mountain, so that you
can make sure you have the correct clothing and equipment.

Temperature inversion
warm, lighter air
It is usually safe to assume it
will get colder as you climba
mountain. Occasionally, though,
cold, denser
there is the opposite effect,
air called a temperature inversion.
Cold air gets trapped and forms
clouds at low levels, while
it is warmer and sunny higher up.

Effects on rainfall
Mountains have a huge effect on rainfall. Moist air moving over a mountain is forced
upwards, the temperature of it quickly drops, and clouds and rain are created. If it
is already raining, the rain gets heavier. Over the peak of the mountain the air moves
downwards and becomes much drier. One side of a mountain range is often much drier than
the other side due to this effect, called a rainshadow. It is helpful to know which side of a
mountain will be wetter when exploring, so you can make a decision about where to build a
shelter in the case of bad weather. -—

=
tnd pe
r
Ce a

es
area of rainshadow
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Wind
Many useful survival skills rely on wind conditions. Sometimes you need
to make sure the wind is blowing away from you, and sometimes it needs
to be blowing towards you, depending on what you need to do. Knowing
different terms will help, too — if you get your leeward and windward or
your upwind and downwind mixed up, your safety might be at risk.

Windward and leeward pf atom

The side of a mountain where it windward eel eeward
is wetter and windier is called
the “windward” side, while
the drier side is known as the
“leeward” side.

Prevailing winds
The prevailing wind is the direction where
the wind most commonly blows in a certain
area. Knowing the prevailing wind will help
you to plan your route and shelter.

Upwind and downwind

If you are moving in the same direction as
the wind, with the wind at your back, you're
moving downwind. If you’re moving against
the wind, you are upwind.

Lighting a fire
If you're lighting a fire in windy
conditions, you don’t want to risk
flames spreading to your shelter
and equipment. Make sure you
build your shelter downwind of
the fire. This will also prevent
smoke blowing in your face.
EQUIPMENT
e@eeeeveeveveeveeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee2ee2820282808080

There are many different climates on mountains, you will need

different equipment depending on the conditions, or even a range
of equipment. It is best to ask someone experienced in mountain
exploration what you will need to bring.

avalanche
transceiver

rucksack

camera

d= carabiners
compass
crampons
climbing
harness

flint and steel

duct tape

first aid kit

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headtorch
portable
GPS

sun hat
climbing axe

matches

flask N

suncream

shovel

mobile
phone
p\

=z
=
Lo

water

emergency
blanket walking sticks
CLOTHING
Your clothing should be dependent upon the weather and

Mm 2
conditions on the particular mountain you are visiting. A day trek
up a small local hill will require nothing particularly special, buta
week up a high, cold mountain will mean that a very different and
more extensive set of clothing will need to be carefully selected.

fleece jacket or vest

bandana or buff

fe
gloves or mittens
insulating hat

ra goggles

waterproof trousers insulating jacket

 a4 S

=
| socks, plus spares

J sun hat

rain jacket with hood

di walking boots
snow shoes
y¥
base layers

gaiters

fleece trousers climbing

shoes
RIVERS AND STREAMS
eeeeeveeeeeeeeeeeee2e2ee202e020202000202020020002800008028000802808088280808080808

A stream starts with melting snow or rainwater collecting at the

highest point in the area and flowing downhill, usually towards the
sea, gaining water from other sources along the way. We need fresh
water to survive, so it is important to know where to find drinking
water on a mountain.

How to cross flowing water

e Before you cross, consider the following: depth, temperature, entry and exit
points, speed of the water, and the capability of your group members.
e If alone, use a strong pole to support you. Always keep at least one leg and the
pole, or both legs, on the bottom. Cross diagonally downstream.
e Look ahead and shuffle your feet forwards, feeling for the bottom as you go.
e If you are with others, put your arms around each other’s back and hold onto
their clothing at the waist.
e Put the strongest person upstream and cross with them slightly ahead of
everyone else.
e If you are in a group of three, join together facing inwards with the heaviest
person facing the water flow. Then take turns to take a step.
e If you are swept off your feet, keep your feet together and point them
downstream. Don't try to stand up until you are in calm water.
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pes of
aterway

waterfall

mouth
spring
ASCENDING AND
DESCENDING
Climbing routes are given grades that describe the difficulty and
danger of the route. These grading systems vary, so make sure you
are using the correct information. Knowing what grade a mountain
is will help you plan your expedition — you don’t want to end up ona
challenging mountain without preparing properly beforehand.

Getting downhill
Once you have got to the top of the mountain,
admired the view, and rested, the next step
is to get back down again safely. Too many
accidents have occurred because people
don't take care, rush, or are tired on the
way down. Make sure you allow plenty of
time, plan properly, and use a technique
appropriate to the type of terrain.

Walking off
This is usually the best way to descend if at all
possible, as it is simple — you just walk! Be aware
you might end up scrambling down gullies and
bashing your way through bushes. Make sure
you know your route and stick to it. Watch your
footing, too — when walking down a steep slope it
is easy to pick up speed, which can lead to slips
and falls.
 AK Bear
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Downclimbing
If the route is steep, you may need a safety rope.
Always go for the safest option. If you don’t
feel confident, don’t do it and don't let other
people persuade you to climb down if you aren't
comfortable. Usually the most experienced
climber should go first.

Rappelling
This is simply making a controlled slide
down a rope. Usually used to get off
cliff tops safely, this is something that
needs to be taught by an expert using
specialized equipment that is checked
every time it is used.

Lowering
Lowering is when one person lowers another
down a cliff with a climbing rope. It is quick and
easy, but can easily go wrong with a silly mistake.
Always make sure the rope is long enough and tie
a stopper knot (there are several types) on the
free end. Again, this should only be attempted
under the guidance of a qualified person.

how to tie a stopper knot

1 2 2

Re
3 4

5
 MOUNTAIN SPORTS
Mountain climbing is a lot of fun, but there is so much more you can
do on a mountain. There is a huge variety of different fun sports and
activities you can do — whether you like climbing, skiing, or even
hangliding, there’s something for everyone!

Rock climbin em
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The most popular type of Th done under the This is climbing across
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 A Bear
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« SS Dy

Skiing Alpine skiing Snowboarding

Skiing is not just a sport In this exhilarating sport, Similarto skiing, in
— it can also be a useful the toe and heel of your snowboarding both of your
way of travelling around boot is attached to the ski. feet are attached to one
on snow. Originally done Ski or chair lifts carry you to board. Many people find
on wooden skis, people the top of the slope so you snowboarding easier to
have been skiing for can whizz down! pick up than skiing.
thousands of years.

Mountain biking Fell running Hang gliding

This involves riding Similar to cross-country In this extreme sport, you are
specially-designed bikes running or orienteering, launched off a hill, attached
off road. It’s important to this involves running to a giant, stringless kite
watch out for other people up and down hills or called a hang glider. It is kept
using the area, and make mountains. Sometimes in the air with the help of
sure you have permission you will need to navigate warm air rising in columns
to cycle in the area. a route as you run. called “thermals”.
MOUNTAIN SHELTERS
lf you are planning to spend the night on a mountain, a tent is often the
easiest option. There are a huge variety of lightweight tents that are
easy to carry. If you have to spend an unplanned night on the mountain,
there are many other options for finding and building shelter — you just
need to know where to look!

Finding a place to build your shelter

Location is everything when it comes to
building a shelter. Choose a suitable site on
the drier, more sheltered side of the mountain.
Make sure your shelter is safely away from
loose rocks that could fall, and steer clear of
areas like ditches that might flood if it rains.

Mountain huts Bivvy bags Hooped bivvy bags

These huts, high up on This very simple shelter is These are more expensive
mountains, can be found basically an orange plastic than a basic bivvy bag, but
in many countries, so it is bag, big enough for one slightly more comfortable.
useful to do your research person, which will keep They are basically a small
before you travel. They you sheltered from the tent big enough for a person
range from small, basic elements in an emergency. but not any kit. Considering
shelters to fully-staffed They may not be the most how light many tents are
hostels, and are a great comfortable shelter, but nowadays, a tent may bea
option if you have to spend they’re cheap, easy to carry, better option than a hooped
an unplanned night ona and could save your life in bivwy bag, as they will keep
mountain. an emergency. your equipment dry, too.
 A Bear
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Natural shelters
If you are short of time and equipment,
natural shelters are often easy to find on
a mountain. A rock shelter is a shallow
cave at the base of a cliff, often under
waterfalls. Always check for sleeping
animals before you make shelter — you
don’t want to disturb any wildlife in its
natural home! Rocks will capture the
sun’s heat in the day and radiate it back
during the night, which will help keep you
warm. Make sure any rock you shelter
under isn’t going to fall.

Survival shelters:
There are lots of shelters you can build
using mountain debris and a few basic
materials. Here are a few basic examples

snow shelter
poncho A frame

shelter

en : pe

a
\ wie

debris lean-to shelter

MOUNTAIN PLANTS
Mountain plants have to survive in harsh and changeable living
conditions. It can be extremely windy, with temperatures that can vary
hugely, and the air is very thin and lacking in the carbon dioxide plants
need to make food. Soil can be thin, rocky, and lacking in nutrients.

Mountain yucca Krummbholtz

This tough evergreen plant can be found Krummholtz is German for “twisted wood”,
n the mountains of Arizona and Mexico and describes the groups of trees in
It can be up to 5 m tal , but its trunk is subarctic
and subalpine areas that have had
sually less than 3 m in diameter their growth stunted and branches shaped
by the wind.

Flag tree
This is a type of
krummholtz where the
branches on just one side
have been damaged by
the wind

Fir tree
This is a large
evergreen tree often
found in mountainous
areas. IteIts wood can be
ised for building.
 AK Bear
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Pine tree Korean pine cone Alpine flowers

These evergreen trees can The large seeds (pine These cope with a short
live for a very long time nuts) of the Korean pine growing season, low
— sometimes over 1,000 are edible, and so is the temperatures, and dry
years! Their wood is great soft, white inner bark. The conditions. In Nepal and
for building, and they are needles can be steeped in India, many families make
often used as Christmas boiling water to make a tea money from trading in
trees. They are common in that is high in vitamins medicinal alpine plants.
the Northern Hemisphere. AandC.

ALTITUDE ZONES
Snow
Ea Alpine
2 Subalpine
a Montane
BB Foothill
ms Mesomediterranean

a Thermomeso-
mediterranean

Altitude zones
Different species of plant and animal live in
different parts of a mountain, depending upon
the conditions they need to survive. These
layers are called altitude zones. You'll notice the
vegetation around you change when you reach a
new altitude zone.
MOUNTAIN ANIMALS
Animals have a survival advantage over plants because they can
move from place to place. Warm-blooded mammals can deal with
cold conditions by migrating, hibernating, or seeking shelter. Larger
animals tend to migrate, while smaller ones will hibernate.

Mountain goat
Well adapted to mountain life, goats
can easily climb the steepest cliffs
thanks to their muscular legs and
wide hooves. They eat alpine plants
such as fir trees, and can even find
food in the snow.

Mount Lyell shrew Grizzly bear

This is one of the smallest animals Known to scientists as the North American
living at high altitude. Because of the brown bear, this giant hibernates for around
amount of energy needed to survive in six months every year. They can be aggressive
these conditions, it needs to eat every to humans, particularly when defending their
one to three hours and can eat its own young. Most of them will avoid humans, and
body weight in food in one sitting. problems usually only occur when they are
surprised at very close range.
 AK Bear
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Condor Mountain quail Mount Graham

The two species of These birds are easily red squirrel
condor are the largest recognizable by the These tiny squirrels live in
flying land birds in the distinctive feathers on a remote mountain range
Western Hemisphere. The their heads. They live on in Arizona. They are diurnal
California condor can have the ground in the foothills and don't hibernate. They
a wingspan of nearly 3 m. of mountains. They migrate carry out their main activity
Condors feed on carrion, short distances down the during the warmest part of
such as dead seals. mountain by foot in winter. the day.

How to survive a bear encounter

e Keep all food packed away — bears have a very strong sense of smell.
@ Try to identify the bear.
e Stay calm and quiet. Do not react unless you are sure the bear is charging at you.
e Adog will alert you if a bear is nearby, and the barking may scare the bear away.
e Don't run (they can outrun humans) or hide in a tent (they aren't stupid).
e Play dead (but never for a polar or black bear). Lie flat on your stomach. Spread
your legs out and cover the back of your neck with your hands, locking your fingers
together. Use your elbows to cover your face. Stay very still and silent. If the bear
does manage to roll you over, roll back onto your stomach again, each time.
e@ Talk in a low voice and wave your arms slowly so the bear knows you are human,
not prey.
e A bright, loud bear banger or attack alarm might scare them off.
e If it is dark, shine a torch in their eyes. Their eyesight isn’t very good, so this might
drive them off.
e Find a way to escape the area, but make sure the bear has an escape route too,
otherwise it might feel cornered and lash out.
e@ Never walk between a mother bear and her cubs.
AVALANCHES
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, growing as it
gathers more snow. Rock and debris can also behave the same
way, called a rockslide. These can be very dangerous, and even
experienced climbers have been badly injured and even killed by
falling rocks or snow.

avalanche

What causes an
avalanche? Preventing an avalanche
An avalanche can simply be e |f a lot of people are travelling across an
caused by gravity — the sheer area, the snow will become compacted
weight of the snow is too much (squashed down) and will be less likely
for the slope and gives way. to collapse.
Other causes include seismic e Experts use explosives to trigger small
activity (the Earth's crust avalanches to break down unstable areas.
moving), change in temperature, e Snow fences or dams can stop snow
rain, skiiers, snowmobiles, and building up.
controlled explosive work. e Planting trees can help to hold snow in
place, or at least reduce the flow of the
avalanche.
 AK Bear
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Avalanche equipment
Every member of your group should wear an avalanche
transceiver, which can be used to locate them if they
get trapped in an avalanche. A collapsible probe can
be used alongside a transceiver to find someone who
is buried. An ABS backpack contains airbags (like in
a car) which can increase the person's volume and
keep them close to or on the surface of the snow. It
is set off when an avalanche strikes, and needs to be
regularly checked.
ABS backpack

How to survive an avalanche

e Take a guide if possible, and make sure you
know which areas to avoid.
e Complete an avalanche training course so you
can practise what to do.
e Find out about any warning systems in place
and follow them.
e Try to escape to the side of an avalanche.
e Hang onto a tree or rock.
e If you are knocked off your feet, set off your
ABS backpack and fight for your life.
e Roll to the side or swim upwards.
e Spit out a little bit of saliva as it will run dig an airspace in front
downwards and help you work out which way of your face
is up if you are disorientated.
e Before the snow stops moving, cup your
hand in front of your face to create an
airspace.
e If you are near the surface, try to get
an arm or leg out to show others where
you are.
e If you can't get out, don’t struggle — just
enlarge your airspace if necessary.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
This medical condition can occur when you travel over 3000 m
above sea level. Symptoms begin to show between six and 24 hours
after reaching the high altitude, and it can be incredibly dangerous,
resulting in serious illness or even death.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

The symptoms of altitude sickness can
vary, SO it is important to pay attention to
your body and, if you start to feel unwell,
stop climbing.

headache

Ih tiredness

nausea and
vomiting
¢ loss of
appetite

dizziness
shortness of
breath

Preventing altitude sickness

@ Travel slowly to high altitudes — avoid climbing more than 500 m per day.
e Have a rest day every four days.
e Don't fly directly into a high altitude area.
e Take three days to get used to the altitude before going above 3000 m.
e Drink plenty of water.
e Eat a high calorie diet.
e If you start to feel unwell, climb back down to let your body recover.
 A Bear
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Treatment for altitude sickness

e Tell others in your group how you feel.
e Stop and rest where you are.
@ Don’t go any higher for a couple of days after you
feel better.
e Treat headaches and sickness with the correct
medication, as advised by your doctor.
e Drink lots of water.
e Avoid fizzy drinks, coffee, or anything with
caffeine in it.
e |f you don't feel better after 24 hours, you should
go down to a lower altitude.
e Seek help from a doctor or medical professional.
e@ There are medications that a responsible adult
can bring with them to treat altitude sickness.

climb slowly -
don't rush get plenty
of sleep
NAVIGATION AND
ROUTE FINDING
Mountains aren't just straight up and down, and it’s easy to get lost.
It is very important that you know how to find your way, and plan out
the best and safest route before you go. Always stick to your planned
route unless you absolutely have to divert.

Orientation Navigation Route finding

This is simply working out Navigation is working When you are choosing the
where you are. You might out where you are, right line of travel, you must
use a map, compass, or GPS where you are trying to always take into account
device to help you, or just go, and choosing and your available equipment
look out for landmarks. followinga route. and the abilities of everyone
in your group.

Useful equipment

Compass Altimeter GPS

There are many types of A standard altimeter This uses satellites to find
compass. It is important measures air pressure. It a location. It can be used
to choose an appropriate can be very precise, but is in areas where there are no
type that you can carry sensitive to temperature landmarks, but some parts
and you know how to use. and pressure changes, and of the world may not get a
Compasses always point will take some practice to satellite signal for the whole
north, and are best used use effectively. day, and it may not work
alongside a map. perfectly in extreme cold.
 RK Bear
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Dead reckoning
This is really just educated guesswork! You can calculate your current position
based on where you were before, and the speed and direction of travel. It’s best
to combine this with other methods as it’s very easy to make mistakes using
this technique.

thick fog makes it much

harder to navigate
3e aware
Ybjects will look closer than they really are:
» If you look from high ground onto lower ground.

» When looking down a straight, open road.

» When looking over a smooth, uniform surface,

like a desert.
. When the light is bright and the sun is shining

from behind you. It's a good idea to take more

)bjects will look further away than they than one piece of navigation
eally are: equipment with you in case of
» If you look from low ground to higher ground any problems.
' When the object is small in relation to its
surroundings
When the light is poor, such as dawn or dusk.
When the object blends into the background
TRAVELLING ON DIFFERENT
TYPES OF TERRAIN
Mountains have all sorts of different terrain, and some are much
easier to climb than others. You will need different equipment,
clothing, and techniques depending on the type of ground.

Hard ground Talus slopes Scree slopes

Rest every few steps to Step on the uphill Kick in with your toe, make
allow your leg muscles to side of rocks, and sure you are stable before
recover. Walk uphill in zig- keep checking for any transferring your weight,
zags rather than straight movement underfoot. and then kick the next step.
lines, and avoid crossing Avoid walking below Screeis extremely tiring
your feet when turning other peoplein case to walk on and should be
corners so you are less rocks begin to fall. avoided if at all possible.
likely to fall.

Snow slopes Grassy slopes Thick brush

Kick steps into soft snow Step onto the upper side Push the brush apart to
as you go along,so that of any tussocks. This will create a tunnel, or stand on
people behind you can give you grip and help lower branches and hold
walk in your footprints. you to climb. Try to avoid onto higher branches.
slippery, muddy patches.
 K Bear
Grylls

ANCHORS
When you are climbing, you may need to use an anchor. This can
be a tree, rock, or a peg hammered into the ground. Anchors are
used to hold a rope in place, so that you don’t fall when weight is
put on the rope.

Tree anchors
A tree is the most obvious natural anchor to use. Check it
is well-rooted by pulling and pushing it. Anchor as low as
possible to prevent the tree being bent over and keep sap
off any equipment.

Rock anchors
Make sure rocks are solid by tapping them and listening
to the sound made. Check for loose rocks, as they won't
be suitable. Any jagged edges will need to be padded to
protect the rope.

Chock stone anchor

A rope can be tied around a rock that has been wedged into
a crack. Any chock stone will need carefully testing before
it can be used to make sure it is solid enough to take the
weight of the person or equipment on the other end of it.

Rock tunnels
Sometimes holes form in rocks, making a
tunnel or arch shape. This can be one of the
most solid anchor points as the rope can be
safely pulled in any direction.
Slings
Slings are very useful, and can be as
simple as a loop of webbing, which can be
wrapped around your anchor point. There
are three ways of attaching a sling to an
anchor point.

Drape
This very basic method is when you simply wrap, hang,
or drape the sling over or around the anchor point. It still
counts as a drape if you have to untie the webbing sling,
thread it through, and retie it. It can be used on trees, rock
projections, or sturdy rocks, but make sure it’s very secure
and won't slip.

Wrap
To create a wrap, connect the two ends of your sling
together with a carabiner or knot. This is useful on trees or
larger rocks, and will provide a little more security than a
basic drape as it is less likely to slip.

Girth hitch
A girth hitch is a type of knot that
you can use to secure your rope. If
you use a girth hitch, the strength
of the rope is reduced, meaning
you can't lift heavy weights, but it
is less likely to slip about.
 A Bear
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\rtificial anchors
lan-made climbing equipment can be placed into the rock to create an
rtificial anchor. This can be permanent or removeable — many popular
limbing routes may have permanent anchors to help climbers at difficult
tretches. Always be careful when relying on artificial anchors and test them
roperly to make sure they’re still sturdy and not damaged.

steel expansion bolts

spring-loaded
camming devices
PLE: PEOPLE
Many people live on mountains and hills for a variety of reasons.
Mountains have often been regarded as sacred places in some
cultures, so it is a privilege to be there. Near the Equator, it is spring
all year round so crops can be grown, and in the tropics there is less
disease higher up than in the hot lowlands.

Swiss Alps - Swiss Alps pie

3 OR yo pos ae
There are around 14 million
people living in the Alps, - \ . ps ay Jens p'
especially farmers. In the spring, \ 3 Wai i $6
they will move their cattle up to ay a y* ‘
the highest pastures, then come “g SY \_ y Lev.
back down in the autumn when \ | t| SEREN
the weather gets colder. er ! fo f ad

Berber tribe
This group of people live in small
communities across North Africa, many
in hills and mountains. Often, Berber
communities move around rather than
living in the same place all year round.
Traditionally, Berber men look after
livestock while the women look after
the family and make things to use at
home and to sell, such as beautiful
woven carpets called kilims. Music
and dancing are very important
traditions to Berber people.

Berber
tribesperson
 AK Bear
Grylls

Sherpa people
These people live in the Himalaya mountains. Sherpas are
regarded as excellent mountaineers and often work as guides
for climbers and explorers, including attempts to climb Mount
Everest. Tenzing Norgay, one of the first people to climb Everest,
was a Sherpa. Because they spend their whole lives at high
altitudes, Sherpa people have a much bigger lung capacity
than most people, and can survive more easily in the thin air
up high mountains.

Gurkhas
Gurkhas were originally Nepalese soldiers
who were recruited into the British army. Their
name comes from the hill district of Gorkha.
They are famous for being incredibly brave

aft
and fearless soldiers.

Quechua people
These people, from South America, traditionally farm
crops and keep livestock. Their land belongs to the
whole community, as opposed to one person. Quechua
men and boys wear a distinctive poncho on special
occasions. They often wear woolen hats with ear-flaps,
and the first one of these that a child receives is knitted
by their father.

Chiang Mai hill tribes

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern
Thailand, and is on the highest mountains in the
country. It is a very important part of Thailand
— there are over 300 Buddhist temples there. It
is possible to visit local hill tribes either on foot
or on an elephant, and huge numbers of tourists
visit the area every year.
MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL
STORIES
While many people enjoy simply walking or taking part in simple
climbs in the mountains, there are some people who want to try
something nobody else has ever tried before. Every mountain
was first climbed by bold explorers like these. Mountaineering is
incredibly dangerous, though, and it is important to be well aware of
the dangers involved.

Everest 1996
May 1996 saw one of the biggest disasters Mount
Everest has ever seen. While several climbers, including
guided tour groups, were at high altitude, a huge
blizzard hit. Eight people were killed, mostly from
exposure to the freezing conditions, or from falls
caused by the high winds and low visibility. This
disaster raised many questions about whether
or not guided tours should be allowed ona
mountain as dangerous as Everest.

memorial to people who

S have died on Everest
\ Siula Grande 1985
In 1985, two English mountaineers conquered the
previously unclimbed West Face of Siula Grande in
the Andes. On the way down, though, one man fell and broke his leg. The uninjured man
attempted to lower his companion, but they became stuck in a position where they could
not see or hear each other. They couldn’t move, and the man at the top had to make the
difficult choice to cut his friend loose, or stay there and die with him. He cut the rope.
Thinking the other man had died, he went down alone. Amazingly, three days later, his frien
arrived at their camp... alive! He had crawled five miles through the mountain with a broker
leg. This became one of the most incredible survival stories in mountaineering history.
 A Bear
Grylls

Eiger 1936
Four German and Austrian climbers were
attempting to climb the North Face of the
Eiger, in the Alps, when one of them suffered
a head injury from falling rocks. As they
attempted to abseil back down, three of the
men were killed by an avalanche. Rescuers
were able to get within shouting distance of
the final man, who spent five hours unpicking
the knot in his rope and tying a rescue rope.
Finally, he was able to abseil down, but sadly
died only a few metres from his rescuers.
K2 1953
An American team attempting to climb K2 got
caught in a storm near the summit. One of them
fell ill, suffering from blood clots which are
almost certainly fatal at such a high altitude. At
one point during their descent, several of the
climbers slipped and fell while roped together.
They would certainly have fallen to their death
if one very experienced climber hadn't managed
to wrap the rope around himself and his ice &
axe, saving all their lives. The unwell manwas- > /
killed by an avalanche, but this probably saved _
the lives of everyone else as they could
concentrate on their own survival. Five 2 P 7
days later, they reached base camp with >
frostbite and other injuries — but alive. ee
a

Matterhorn 1865
An Englishman and an Italian were
competing to be the first to reach the
summit of the Matterhorn, which is on
the border of Italy and Switzerland.
The Englishman and his team got there
first, but on the way down one of them
slipped and fell, pulling down three
other men. Two people clung to the
rocks and survived, but the rope broke
and the falling men were killed. The
survivors were accused of cutting the
rope to save themselves, but it was
later found out that the rope that broke
was old and weak.
 AK Bear
Grylls

Utah 2003
In 2003, a man called Aron Ralston was climbing
in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, US. He was
climbing in Blue John canyon, a slot canyon, when

BEAR SAYS
a 360 kg boulder fell and trapped his right hand
against the wall. He couldn’t move or break the
rock no matter what he tried. On the fourth day
of being trapped, he ran out of water and realized If you are climbing, always tell
that the only way to get out would be to cut off someone where you are going
his own arm. He did this using just a pocketknife and when you'll be back so they
and survived! He later said that thinking about his know to send for help
family and friends helped him through the ordeal. if needed.
GLOSSARY
Ascend - to go up

Carrion - dead animals

Census - an official population count or survey

Compacted - squashed together until it is very dense

Descend - to go down

Diurnal - active in the daytime

Dormant - temporarily inactive

Elevation - the height of something, such as a mountain

Evacuate - to leave a dangerous place to get to a safer place

Extinct - no longer in existence

Fault - a gap between tectonic plates in the Earth's crust

Hibernating - a plant or animal spending the winter in a dormant state

Lithosphere - the Earth's crust

Migrating - a creature that moves from one area to another according

to the seasons
 A Bear
Grylls

Polyethylene - the most common type of plastic

Pyroclastics - rocks and other debris thrown into the air by a volcano

Scurvy - a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C

Seismic - to do with earthquakes

Slot canyon - a deep, narrow canyon

Subalpine - the mountain zone just below the treeline

Subarctic - areas just below the Arctic Circle

Tectonic plate - a segment of the Earth's crust that can move.

Terrain - a certain type of land

Turpentine - a smelly oil used to clean paint brushes

Vegetation - the plants found in a particular habitat

 Discover more amazing books in
the Bear Grylls series:
Perfect for young adventurers, the
Survival Skills series accompanies an
exciting range of colouring and activity
books. Curious kids can also learn
tips and tricks for almost any extreme
situation in Survival Camp, explore
Earth in Extreme Planet, and discover
some of history's greatest explorers in
the Epic Adventures series.

Conceived by Weldon Owen in partnership

with Bear Grylls Ventures

Produced by Weldon Owen, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing

Suite 3.08 The Plaza, 535 King's Road,
London SW10 0SZ, UK

Copyright © 2018 Weldon Owen, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing

WELDON OWEN
Publisher Donna Gregory
Designer Shahid Mahmood
Editorial Susie Rae, Lydia Halliday, Sophie Blackman, Tayabah Khan
Contributor Anne Farthing
lllustrator Bernard Chau
Cover image © 2018 Ben Simms

Printed in Malaysia
24681097531
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer
Weldon Owen and Bear Grylls take pride in doing our best to get the facts right in putting together
the information in this book, but occasionally something slips past our beady eyes. Therefore we
make no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information in the book and to the
maximum extent permitted, we disclaim all liability. Wherever possible, we will endeavour to correct
any errors of fact at reprint.

Kids — if you want to try any of the activities in this book, please ask your parents first! Parents — all
outdoor activities carry some degree of risk and we recommend that anyone participating in these
activities be aware of the risks involved and seek professional instruction and guidance. None of the
health/medical information in this book is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice;
always seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

A WELDON OWEN PRODUCTION. AN IMPRINT OF KINGS ROAD PUBLISHING.

PART OF THE BONNIER PUBLISHING GROUP.
a Bear
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