Mountain activities, whether it’s on foot, on bike or on skis, should not be undertaken alone. No matter how experienced or fit you are, or how familiar you are with the terrain, in the mountains there is always the risk of objective hazards that may be difficult to foresee or plan for. If there are two of you, or more, you can offer each other support, reassure each other, and make decisions jointly, and in an emergency, it can even be a matter of saving the other person’s life.
But in a team or group, there is the added responsibility that we adopt for others. That’s why it is important to carry out a partner check before setting off to ensure that all group members are physically fit and technically proficient enough, and that you all have the correct gear to meet the challenges of the tour. That way, the whole experience will be as enjoyable and safe as possible for each individual right from the start. As research into climbing accidents has shown, partner checks can substantially reduce the chances of accidents happening.
Choose a subject to get some top tips and simple checklists on how to carry out a pre-tour partner check.
