Moving through nature isn’t just about walking: it’s about reading the terrain, adapting your body and mind, and making smart decisions that make the difference between a safe experience and a risky situation. Teaches us how to move efficiently, responsibly, and mindfully in natural and mountain environments.
The key to moving forward safely, efficiently, and respectfully
Adapting to the terrain
Each environment requires a different way of moving. It is not the same to walk along marked trails as it is to walk on rocky terrain, snow, ice, dense forests, or steep slopes. Mountaineers must adjust their technique, pace, and posture according to the type of terrain, always seeking stability and energy conservation.
Economy of movement
One of the most important principles is to move efficiently:
✓ Short, firm steps
✓ Steady pace, without sudden
accelerations
✓ Controlled, rhythmic breathing
This allows you to conserve energy, reduce fatigue, and maintain concentration during long days.
Reading the environment and orientation
The importance of observing the landscape and anticipating:
✓ Use natural landmarks (relief, rivers, vegetation).
✓ Identify safe routes.
✓ Avoid unstable or dangerous areas.
Moving well also means choosing where to go, not just how to get there.
Safety and prevention
Poor walking technique increases the risk of falls, injuries, and exhaustion. That is why we emphasize:
✓ Knowing when to stop or change route.
✓ Maintaining balance on uneven terrain.
✓ Using poles and equipment correctly.
Safety begins with conscious decisions and humility in the face of the mountain.
Respect for nature
Moving through nature also means minimizing environmental impact:
✓ Respect wildlife and the environment.
✓ Do not open new trails.
✓ Avoid damaging vegetation.
Responsible mountaineers leave the place as they found it, or better.
Those who learn to move well in nature develop a deeper connection with it. Walking, climbing, or advancing in the mountains becomes a conscious, fluid, and respectful act.
Cox, J., & Fulsås, K. (2004). Montañismo: La libertad de las cimas (7.ª ed.). Desnivel.
