What are 'free-soloists'?

What are 'free-soloists'?

• A. People who went up the mountain alone and without rope or hardware
• B. People who climb with a rope
• C. Guides and Sherpas who lead climbs
• D. Climbers who descend by helicopters

Answer: (A)

Free-soloing means climbing a route without any ropes or protective gear, and doing it alone. Free-soloists are climbers who go up a mountain by themselves, without catching a fall with ropes, anchors, or hardware. That’s why the description of people who go up the mountain alone and without rope or hardware fits best—there’s no protection used at all. Climbing with a rope isn’t free solo, since protection is involved; guides and Sherpas typically lead or assist climbs with safety gear; and descending by helicopter has nothing to do with solo ascent.

Free-soloing means climbing a route without any ropes or protective gear, and doing it alone. Free-soloists are climbers who go up a mountain by themselves, without catching a fall with ropes, anchors, or hardware. That’s why the description of people who go up the mountain alone and without rope or hardware fits best—there’s no protection used at all. Climbing with a rope isn’t free solo, since protection is involved; guides and Sherpas typically lead or assist climbs with safety gear; and descending by helicopter has nothing to do with solo ascent.