The Mountain Never Jokes

Remember: the Mountain always wins!

A little anecdote: some time ago, together with a few friends (including a nature guide off-duty), we packed our backpacks and decided to head towards the Piero Vacca bivouac, with plans to reach Monte Giusalet the following day.

The day was nearly perfect, just a few scattered clouds, nothing worrying. The gear, considering the poor snow conditions, included snowshoes for all five participants and two pairs of crampons, just to be safe. We set off, and halfway there, we began to see some snow on the ground, nothing to worry about. The only tricky part of the day was the snow traverse to cross the valley.

The snow wasn’t much, but the slope was enough to make us choose an alternative route, heading up towards the ridge along the non-snowy grassy wall. Slippery, very steep, and in some parts, climbing with hands and feet was necessary.

Then, in a second of distraction, one of our companions slips. He’s at the back of the line, the shock leaves him speechless. A lucky rock just below his feet immediately stops his fall, and he manages to stop just below the trail. By a stroke of incredible luck, I turn around and spot him right away. We help him get back on his feet and continue for a few more minutes, before deciding that, for everyone’s safety, it’s better to let the mountain win and head back, all safe and sound.

And this is the point. When is it best to give up and not push forward? No amount of experience may be enough; just one second, or rather a fraction of a second, and the mountain, which usually represents a beautiful spectacle with its peaks, becomes the worst and most treacherous enemy. Sure, the adrenaline is high, the satisfaction of reaching the goal even higher, but safety must always come first.

The reliability of equipment is fundamental, above all else. Whether you’re climbing a vertical wall or taking a peaceful walk, always keep in mind that you are, nonetheless, in the mountains. The weather can change (a jacket is always mandatory), and the terrain may require snowshoes or crampons, or in some cases, might even be impassable.

Experience is the second crucial point. If you venture into something unknown (and I’m not saying you shouldn’t), make sure to research and prepare thoroughly beforehand.

Bring the necessary gear. If it’s a new activity, read something about it, and approach any new route with caution. It might hold dangerous surprises that, if faced with the right knowledge, will actually enhance the experience! But above all, trust your instincts.

If at any moment you don’t feel secure, comfortable, or happy with what you’re doing beyond the fatigue, it’s the first warning sign. A bit of fear is normal; it’s part of the adrenaline rush, but when that sensation becomes something more, it might be time to stop, turn around, and head back.

This doesn’t mean conceding to the mountain. The mountain always wins, and that’s a rule of nature. It doesn’t mean losing a challenge with yourself: on the contrary, that’s winning the challenge. It means accepting that, at that moment, the trial is beyond our limits.

You can try again, and you should try again; with better gear, more favorable weather, or after getting more rest. Whatever it takes to succeed. But if fear takes over, it’s time to turn back.

In short, experience the mountains (and any outdoor place) to the fullest, always respecting nature and yourself. Taking risks is fine, but the line between risk and danger is thin, and once crossed, turning back is not always possible.