[L. summus, "highest", via Fr.] The highest point of a mountain. A single mountain can have multiple peaks, but only one summit.

The area above treeline.

[Fr: "needle"] A tall, narrow spire of rock.

[Fr.: "fish-bone"] 1. A sharp ridge. 2. (rock-climbing): a vertical corner in a rock face (sometimes useful as a handhold).

[Fr.: "fish-bone"] 1. A sharp ridge. 2. (rock-climbing): a vertical corner in a rock face (sometimes useful as a handhold).

see self-arrest

A device for climbing a rope.

The Appalachian Trail. [external link]

To hike (especially in winter) without use of crampons, showshoes, skis, or other traction aids.

[Old Eng. belagen] 1. to hold one end of a rope, so as to prevent a climber tied to the other end from falling. 2. (obsolescent) To coil or fasten a rope.