Mountain Climbing Mountain Climbing, ascending mountains, most commonly as a recreational activity. Mountain climbing is popular worldwide, wherever hills rise high enough to provide challenge. The activity’s rewards include the physical exertion it requires, the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties by working with others, the thrill of reaching a summit, and the unobstructed view from a mountaintop. Exploration and research are other reasons that people climb mountains. Ascents can be either nontechnical (a hike up a path or a scramble over rocks, not requiring the safety of a rope), or technical (a climb up more di