Multi-pitch climbing is a type of climbing that typically takes place on routes that are more than a single rope length in height, and thus where the lead climber cannot complete the climb as a single pitch. Where the number of pitches exceeds 6–10, it can become big wall climbing, or where the pitches are in a mixed rock and ice mountain environment, it can become alpine climbing. Multi-pitch rock climbs can come in traditional, sport, and aid formats. Some have free soloed multi-pitch routes.
Leader (top) belaying the second (below), an aspect of multi-pitch climbs
Topo of the famous 320-metre multi-pitch climbing route, Brych (VI+, 9-pitches), in Germany.
Lead climber and Belayer (in a hanging belay position) on the multi-pitch El Niño 8b (5.13d), El Capitan
Josune Bereziartu on the multi-pitch sport climb Yeah Man 8b+ (300-metres, 9-pitches: 7a, 7b+, 7b+, 7c, 8a+, 8a/+, 8a, 8b+, 7a), north face of Grand Pfad, Switzerland.
Climbing is the activity of using one's hands, feet, or other parts of the body to ascend a steep topographical object that can range from the world's tallest mountains to small boulders. Climbing is done for locomotion, sporting recreation, for competition, and is also done in trades that rely on ascension, such as rescue and military operations. Climbing is done indoors and outdoors, on natural surfaces, and on artificial surfaces
Free solo climbing in the Verdon Gorge
Bouldering on Midnight Lightning in Yosemite
Traditional climbing on a crack in Indian Creek
Sport climbing on a bolted route in Spain