Question 1

What is a peak progression planner?

Accepted Answer

A peak progression planner is an interactive tool that takes a mountaineer's current experience level, region preference, and goal peak, and outputs a recommended ladder of intermediate objectives that build toward the goal. The Peak Progression Planner outputs a 2 to 4 peak ladder drawn from canonical recommendations published by alpine clubs and guide associations (British Mountaineering Council, Mazamas, American Alpine Institute, Nepal Mountaineering Association), with typical training time for each step.

Question 2

How accurate are the training time estimates?

Accepted Answer

The training time estimates assume a moderate starting fitness baseline and one focused training cycle per peak in the ladder. A 2-peak ladder typically takes 9 to 12 months. A 3-peak ladder takes 12 to 18 months. A 4-peak ladder takes 18 to 24 months. From a sedentary start, add 6 months. These are realistic estimates accounting for base building, peak-specific training cycles, and consolidation time between peaks.

Question 3

Why does the planner not include some peaks?

Accepted Answer

The planner covers 41 mountaineering peaks across the Alps, US Cascades and Rockies, Nepal Himalaya, Andes, Atlas, Caucasus, Pyrenees, and Eastern European ranges. Commercial walk-up trekking peaks are deliberately not included because they are a different category of objective and do not require the mountaineering skills the progression ladders are built around. For an authoritative list of which peaks count as real mountaineering, see our easiest mountain to climb guide.

Question 4

Can the planner replace a certified mountain guide?

Accepted Answer

No. The planner is a free tool that suggests progression context based on published recommendations and your inputs. It is not professional climbing instruction. Before committing to any objective, discuss your experience level, current fitness, route choice, and peak progression with a certified mountain guide (IFMGA / UIAGM in Europe, AMGA in the US, NMA-registered in Nepal). Your guide is the authoritative source on whether a specific peak is safe for you at your current level.

Plan your peak progression.

Train for your first peak.