Mountains have always attracted people with their inaccessibility, grandeur and beauty. Professional climbers conquer high peaks, overcoming dangerous obstacles. Ordinary people enjoy relaxing in the mountains, enjoying the transparent healing air and silence. But there is a separate category of citizens who love the majestic massifs with all their souls and devote all their free time to them. These are mountain tourists.
Mountain tourism is a hobby for strong people
Mountain tourism is an extreme type of recreation for strong people. Without thorough preparation to go to the mountains is extremely frivolous. The harsh nature of the slopes does not forgive mistakes. Nevertheless, there are a lot of lovers of this type of relaxation. Each person going to the top has their own goals.
Some travelers seek tranquility and solitude from city madness, others crave unity with pristine nature, while others need to understand themselves and overcome their own fears or get strong emotions. Mountains are loved by people of all ages, professions and social status. They unite in clubs of interest, where they find friends, professional training, and organize joint trips along interesting routes. In Moscow, such a popular mountain tourism club is Vestra.
Travel Club "Vestra" in Moscow: a brief historical background
Club "Vestra" has its history since 1979. In those days, four main directions had equal strong positions: mountain, water, foot, ski. The members of the tourist association were part of Moscow’s strongest teams in water and mountain tourism. Unfortunately, after perestroika, the development of this industry practically stopped, as did much then in the country. The club movement rested solely on enthusiasts who remained true to their passion. There was no room or funding. The club has changed many addresses. Had to huddle in schools and casual rooms.
But the “Wind of Wanderings” (the short name “Vestra” is deciphered) survived. True, the main direction remains only one: mountain tourism. Today’s address of the Vestra tourist club is: Studenny proezd 7. A vibrant life is in full swing in the modern renovated club. More than twenty mountain hikes of varying difficulty are held annually, creative meetings and seminars are held, great importance is given to training beginners and attracting young people. The Moscow tourist club "Vestra" employs real professionals and fans of mountain tourism.
Features of mountain tourism
Tourism is a joint journey of people who want to break out of their familiar surroundings, get new experiences, see new places. This is a romantic and very useful activity for modern urbanized people. But mountaineering has its own characteristics, which are associated primarily with the dangers that melt the peaks. Without training, knowledge of the laws of the mountains, a person can easily fall into a difficult situation, sometimes life-threatening.
The relief of the slopes, the height of the mountain peaks, the discharged air, rockfalls, temperature changes: everything matters. Mountain tourism is not a pleasure walk, but a physically and emotionally difficult trip. Therefore, the tourist club "Vestra" focuses on long-term and high-quality training in human behavior in the mountains.
Compulsory education
People with different backgrounds and backgrounds come to mountain tourism. In the tourist club "Vestra" training is organized for both beginners and more experienced tourists. During the year, the club hosts theoretical classes, lectures and mandatory practical training. Usually, the theoretical part is studied by novice tourists in the fall and winter. In summer, the first study tours begin. They pass mainly in the Moscow region. According to the results of training, qualification exams are required.
An interesting test step for the club's students is a cross-trip, the stages of which simulate various difficult situations in conditions as close as possible to real mountainous terrain. A tourist in safe conditions fulfills the skills necessary in critical and non-standard situations. Professionals of the Vestra Travel Club put safety first.
Club Events
Professionals of the Vestra tourist club regularly participate in Russian and Moscow mountain tourism competitions, taking prizes. Each year, under the guidance of experienced instructors, the club organizes more than a dozen interesting mountain routes. Members of Vestra visited the Tien Shan, the Caucasus, Altai, the Carpathians and the Pamirs.
In addition to traditional routes, new hiking trails are constantly explored and developed. But not only mountain hikes unite people in the Vestra club. This is also a rally, joint holidays, creativity dedicated to the mountains. Club members also enjoy kayaking, downhill skiing and cycling. But mountains remain the main love. Club "Wind of Wanderings" unites people who are active, inspired and strong.
Tourists reviews
In reviews of the Vestra tourist club, people say that when they come to the club, they find here, first of all, real friends. Mountain tourism is not only overcoming difficult passes and conquering peaks. This is also songs with a guitar, friendly conversations around a fire, warm friendship and a feeling of a friend’s shoulder. And, of course, the opportunity to touch the eternal beauty of nature and learn to talk with it.
The main advantage of Vestra is the association of like-minded people who are close in spirit to people.