Multi-pitch climbing

Multi-pitch climbing is a type of climbing that typically takes place on climbing routes that are more than a single rope length – approximately 50 to 70 metres – in height (or distance), and thus where the lead climber cannot complete the climb as a single pitch. Where the number of pitches exceeds 6–10 (300–500 metres), it can become big wall climbing (especially if very sheer), 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 climbers have free soloed multi-pitch routes.

Multi-pitch climbing is more technically complex and also riskier than single-pitch climbing as the climbers will remain exposed on the climbing route (e.g. a rock climbing route, an ice climbing, or a mixed climbing route) for longer, and it often involves the use of techniques such as hanging belays, long abseils, and the creation of belay anchors. Rescues from multi-pitch climbs are far more serious, and climbers will use additional protection to avoid this (e.g. use of helmets). Multi-pitch climbing requires greater communication between climbers; advanced climbers can use the quicker—but riskier—simul climbing technique.