noun
Refers to a person who climbs high mountains, especially in the Alps or using alpine techniques. More specific than a general climber.
彼は有名なアルピニストで、多くの難関ルートを登ってきた。
He is a famous alpinist who has climbed many difficult routes.
登山家 is a general term for a mountaineer or climber, while アルピニスト specifically implies alpine-style climbing or high-altitude expertise.
Borrowed from English 'alpinist', ultimately from French 'alpiniste', referring to Alpine climbing.