Climbing terminology glossary: ​​your cheat sheet for your climbing holiday abroad

What's the Spanish word for "Umführer" again? And how do I warn of rockfall in Italian? We present a glossary of the most important climbing terms you'll frequently use on your climbing holiday – translated into English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Those who go on climbing holidays abroad can usually get by well with English these days. Nevertheless, it's possible that one or two terms might come up in the guidebook or in conversations with locals that you don't immediately understand.

We've compiled the most common translations of key climbing terms for you, sorted alphabetically from A to Z as a "cheat sheet." With this glossary, you'll be prepared for your next holiday in most areas. Further down, you'll also find all the important information about (alpine) emergency calls in other European countries.

Glossary: ​​useful climbing terms in English, French, Italian and Spanish

This list was compiled with the support of climbers from France, Italy, and Spain. However, we would like to point out that depending on the context and language, there may sometimes be different possible translations for a single term.

If something still doesn't seem right to you, we would appreciate a heads-up at [email protected].

Emergency on vacation: these are the numbers you should know

The 112 This is the Europe-wide, toll-free emergency number for ambulances, police and fire brigades. It is directly connected to the local rescue control center, which alerts mountain rescue if necessary.

In some countries, there are also direct alternatives:

• France: 15 (medical emergency call SAMU)
• Greece: 166 (National Centre for Emergency Aid EKAB)
• Liechtenstein: 144 (Mountain Rescue)
• Austria: 140 (Alpine emergency call)
• Switzerland: 1414 (Rega) 
• Spain: 062 (Guardia Civil)

When making an emergency call: Remember the W-questions (who, what, when, where, why, how).

• Where: Detailed description of the location (summit, valley, prominent landmarks or GPS coordinates)
• What: Type of emergency, local conditions
• How many: Number of injured or missing
• What injuries: Type of injuries (e.g. fractures, unconsciousness)
• Wait: Stay on the phone in case the rescuers have any questions; do not turn off the phone!

Alpine distress signal

If there is no signal or the battery is dead, you can call for help using the internationally standardized alpine distress signal. Important: The alpine distress signal is only effective if there is a reasonable chance of actually being noticed by others.

• Audible or visual sign, six times within one minute (shouting, headlamp, waving with e.g. bivouac sack)
• Signal each Repeat after a one-minute break
• Answer mark This occurs three times per minute and is repeated after a one-minute pause.

Generally speaking, efficient rescue chains can be relied upon in most popular climbing areas in Europe. Nevertheless, there are still regions where rescue services may take longer to reach climbers. This is particularly true for very remote climbing areas or for countries where rescue organizations receive little financial support.

In March 2026, a Fatal climbing accident on KalymnosThat even in Europe, it's not always a given that you'll be rescued quickly in an emergency. No matter where you're going: We always recommend that all climbers carry a first aid kit and wear appropriate safety equipment (helmet!).

That might interest you

• Kletter ABC: You should know these terms when climbing and bouldering
• Climbing scales explained: UIAA, Fontainebleau, V-Grade & Co.
• Bouldering on rock: How to behave correctly

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Credits cover photo: Adobe Stock/Standard license, image ID 216031962