Climbing My First Mountain

How Climbing My First Mountain Changed the Way I Travel

By Elena Moretti
A personal story of fear, grit, and breathtaking views from a first summit experience.

The Dream That Started on a Postcard

Growing up in the flat plains of northern Italy, the sight of snow-capped peaks seemed like something out of a movie. My only exposure to mountains was through postcards, travel shows, or the rare vacation photo a friend would bring back. Mountains looked majestic, mysterious, and untouchable. But they were never part of my world—until I decided they had to be.

Planning the Unthinkable: My First Mountain Climb

The idea began innocently. I was planning a trip to Switzerland and wanted to add something unconventional to my itinerary. When I saw a trekking company offering a beginner-friendly guided climb to Pizol, a 2,844-meter mountain, something clicked. I wanted to test my limits, to understand what drew people to climb mountains again and again. So I signed up.

The Night Before: Jitters, Gear, and a Sleepless Sleep

The night before the climb, I stayed at a cozy mountain lodge in Wangs. My gear looked so foreign—crampons, trekking poles, thermal socks, energy gels. I triple-checked my packing list. As night fell, doubts crept in. Was I strong enough? Was I foolish? I barely slept, but I had already decided: I would show up and see what I was made of.

The Ascent: Where Pain Meets Purpose

We began early—5:30 AM. The trail started gentle, weaving through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. But soon, the terrain steepened, the air thinned, and my breath grew short. My legs burned with each switchback. There were moments I wanted to turn back. But my guide, a kind-hearted Swiss woman named Anja, kept reminding me to focus on each step.

The Breaking Point: Halfway to Heaven

Around 2,000 meters, the mental game began. My thighs were trembling, my water bottle empty, and the sun had grown harsh. I sat on a boulder and seriously considered quitting. But then I looked up—above the clouds, above the pain—and something inside me stirred. The summit was still hours away, but I wasn’t going to give up now.

Reaching the Summit: A New Kind of Euphoria

When we finally reached the top, I burst into tears. Not from exhaustion—but from awe. The view was unimaginable. Jagged peaks stretched endlessly, lakes shimmered in the distance, and clouds swirled below us like whipped cream. I had done it. I had climbed a mountain.

What the Mountain Taught Me

That climb changed me. Not just as a traveler—but as a human. It taught me:

• The difference between discomfort and danger

• That resilience is built one step at a time

• How important mental strength is in physical challenges

• That nature has healing powers we underestimate

It made me question how I travel and why. I realized I didn’t want my adventures curated through screens. I wanted sweat, mud, cold, wind—and wonder.

A New Philosophy: Active Travel Over Passive Sightseeing

After the climb, I started planning my travels differently. I sought out places where I could do something—kayak in Norway, trek in Patagonia, cycle across Ireland. My memories became more vivid, my body stronger, my soul lighter.

Tips for First-Time Mountain Climbers

If you’re inspired to try your first mountain climb, here’s what helped me:

• Start small: Choose a beginner-friendly mountain

• Train beforehand: Build stamina with regular hikes

• Hire a guide: Especially if it’s your first

• Gear up wisely: Layers, hydration, sunscreen

• Stay positive: It’s more mental than you think

Mountains Are Metaphors

The summit is not just a goal—it’s a metaphor. For self-belief. For persistence. For transformation. That mountain didn’t just change how I travel. It changed how I live.

So to anyone sitting at the base of something daunting—be it a physical peak or an emotional one—know this: You are more capable than you think.

And the view from the top? It’s worth every aching muscle.

Have you climbed your first mountain? Share your story in the comments or tag us on Instagram @AffordableJourney.