STYLE
The notion of record in the mountains is not correct. Because conditions make a big difference and also the style or support is different in every case, it is more accurate to talk about FKT (Fastest Known Time). And even then is not really possible to compare with the same bar 2 activities in the same route, but it is interessting on seing how fast someone can go in a particular terrain with some conditions and support.
Because any activity in the mountains is very different depending the conditions of the route, the style and the support it is important to specify:
Running / Alpinism:
Supported (expedition style): You have a support crew or person that meets you along the way. From someone handing water, someone preparing the route for you, a team to supply whatever you need, or the use of pacers. This generally allows for the fastest, lightest trips, and for an element of camaraderie and safety, since someone knows about where you are at all times.
Self-supported (Semi-alpine): You don’t have people helping you but use in-place facilities or self deposits. It can be that you stock supplies/gear for yourself prior to the trip, or that you use the things out there, such as stores, mountain huts, etc. Or that the route is prepared from others or prior by yourself (no opening tracks)
Unsupported (Alpine style): You have no external support of any kind. You carry all your supplies all the time from the start, except any water that can be obtained along the way from natural sources.
Climbing:
Team: a team of 2 or more climbers using ropes for protection.
Solo: Free climbing alone and no use or carry of any protection system or to abseil. *Simul Solo (when solo climbing with a partner)
Rope Solo: Climbing alone (free or aid) but using or carring protection gear/ to abseil.
Free climb: generaly team or rope solo but without using any gear to progress.
Other considerations:
- First Ascent: A route nobody has done before.
- Onsight: A repetition of a route that has been done before but you done for the first time and without any informations of the route.
- Winter: done during winter season