Minimal Gear, One-Push Summits: Hong Kong Alpine Club Promotes Alpine-Style Climbing

【MAMMUT Mountain Series】Minimal Gear, One-Push Summits: Hong Kong Alpine Club Promotes Alpine-Style Climbing

Interview/Photos: Hong Kong Alpine Club
Written by: Maverick Au
Edited by: Mammut Hong Kong / Play Hard Hong Kong

Founded by individuals with full-time careers, the Hong Kong Alpine Club (HKAC) is a passion-driven organization that stays true to its core mission. Its four core members, united by their love for mountaineering, observed a curious trend: while hiking, camping, and rock climbing are popular in Hong Kong, mountaineering remains a niche pursuit. Determined to change this, founder Yang Cheuk-lam and friends established the HKAC to introduce the public to mountaineering, offering accessible entry points and opportunities to progressively deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the sport. Their fervent enthusiasm for promoting their beloved activity is the heart of the club’s mission.

Climbing Styles: Himalayan vs. Alpine

“Friends and family often ask me when I’ll climb Everest. Every time I hear this, I’m puzzled, wondering how to explain that climbing Everest is vastly different from our style of climbing. Broadly speaking, there are two main approaches to mountaineering, and my preference is Alpine Style, not the Everest approach,” explains Yang Cheuk-lam. Climbing is generally divided into two styles: “Himalayan Style” and “Alpine Style.” The former, also known as the “expedition siege method,” relies heavily on manpower and resources, such as establishing multiple camps along the route and hiring Sherpas to accompany climbers and transport supplies. In contrast, “Alpine Style” is entirely different. This approach emphasizes self-sufficiency, with climbers carrying their own gear, using minimal equipment, and aiming to summit in a single push without external support. This essence of Alpine Style is what captivates the Hong Kong Alpine Club, reflected in its name and mission.

Hong Kong’s Unique Advantages for Climbing Training and Diverse Approaches to Mountaineering

Going solo without relying on others is naturally a more challenging climbing style. Alpine-style mountaineers require enduring stamina, strong physical strength, solid mental resilience, and extensive experience to navigate rocky terrains and icy peaks, increasing both the success rate and safety of their climbs. “Technique isn’t the most critical factor—we can teach that over time. The key is fostering interest. With consistent practice, progress follows naturally. Hong Kong offers a unique advantage for mountaineering training: its mountains are close to urban areas, making regular practice highly accessible,” explains the Hong Kong Alpine Club. While Hong Kong’s peaks are not particularly high, their proximity to the city facilitates consistent training.

In Hong Kong, the term “hiking” is commonly used to describe mountaineering activities, largely because the region’s compact size allows most outings to be completed within a single day. Strictly speaking, this is “hiking” rather than “trekking.” Hiking in Hong Kong typically requires basic fitness, athletic shoes, and trekking poles. In contrast, trekking abroad often involves higher latitudes and altitudes, where mountains rise above the tree line, leaving bare rock and snow. Some peaks retain snow even in summer. To conquer such complex terrains, specialized knowledge, techniques, and equipment have been developed, including multi-pitch climbing, rope management, rappelling, personal protective gear, ice axes, crampons, ropes, cams, and other protective devices. The climbing and bouldering currently popular in Hong Kong are, in fact, derived from Alpine traditions. The Hong Kong Alpine Club is deeply passionate about researching and refining various mountaineering techniques.

Hong Kong Mountaineering Training Routes

1. Lion Rock Originally a training ground for multi-pitch climbing, Lion Rock’s East Wall, particularly the Austrian Staircase, has become an excellent site for traditional climbing after its bolts were damaged. The route features numerous cracks, offering versatility in climbing techniques and encouraging thoughtful placement of protection points.
   
   
2. Sunset Crack (Kowloon Peak) A perfect training ground for traditional climbing beginners, Sunset Crack is an accessible learning route. Novices can place protection points from stable, comfortable positions, gradually honing their skills. For weighted training, the ascent at Kowloon Peak closely mimics the terrain of foreign mountains.
   
   
3. Beacon Hill A natural bouldering and sport climbing site with over 30 years of history, Beacon Hill offers dozens of sport climbing routes catering to both power and balance styles. Its accessibility makes it ideal for skill-focused training. Yang Cheuk-lam considers it a top choice for climbing practice and enjoys night climbing here, thanks to the stunning nighttime views of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, if you're passionate about mountaineering, consider joining the activities organized by the Hong Kong Alpine Club (HKAC). Learn from one another and find joy in climbing together.

About Hong Kong Alpine Club

Founded by a group of passionate mountaineers, the HKAC is dedicated to promoting and introducing climbing to the public. The club offers a range of activities, including outdoor rock climbing experience days, climbing practice sessions, mountaineering talks, and Alpine-style climbing courses, providing opportunities for Hong Kong residents to engage with the sport, practice, and enhance their climbing skills together.