Can I improve simply by climbing regularly, or do I need to train differently?
To a certain extent, yes. The more you climb, the more your movements become automatic, route reading gets easier, and your body often knows what to do intuitively. You’re also more likely to keep a cool head in difficult situations because you recall similar spots you've handled before. However, once you reach a certain level, more targeted training becomes necessary.

If I mostly climb in summer, how can I stay in shape over winter?
By training once or twice a week in a climbing gym or bouldering area. It takes a bit of discipline, but it really pays off—you won’t have to start from scratch in the spring. Even if you don’t have a climbing partner, that’s no excuse. You can still train alone using autobelays or go bouldering, or find a partner via an online platform.

Can taking a break from climbing actually be beneficial?
Absolutely. When you’re too focused on a single project and keep failing, it can become frustrating and take the joy out of climbing. In that case, it’s smart to take a short break and focus on something else. It gives your body and mind time to recover. With some distance, you might suddenly notice solutions you couldn’t see before. And if you're not feeling well, it’s better to skip a session—an injury will set you back much more than a short pause.

Beat Wenger
My name is Beat Wenger, and I'm from Grindelwald—born, raised, and working as a mountain guide since 2018. The mountains are my home; climbing and skiing are my passion.