Brooke Raboutou boulders La Proue (8b) and Kings of Sonlerto (8a +)

The American Brooke Raboutou has been in Switzerland for almost a week and announces two difficult ascents.

After a few days in Italy, the Olympian moved Raboutou to where she feels most comfortable: on the rock. There are endless existing and potential lines on the Ticino granite blocks and she has been dedicating herself to them for almost a week.

Kick-off with a majestic line

Right at the beginning of her trip, Raboutou managed to climb the boulder Kings of Sonlerto (8a+) with its famous black rock carvings.

Brooke Raboutou inspecting Kings of Sonlerto (8a +). (Picture Finn Stack)
Brooke Raboutou inspecting Kings of Sonlerto (8a +). (Picture Finn Stack)

Four days later comes the next success story, this time from the sunny bouldering area Cresciano. Brooke Raboutou gets the (probably) first female ascent of the 8b boulder La Proue. We are curious to see how Raboutou's performance curve will develop during the trip.

Samuel Ometz inspecting La Proue

+ + +
Credits: Cover picture FinnStack

News

From 8C to 9A: Matthew Mendes replays Realm of Torment

This week, 20-year-old Briton Matthew Mendes made the second ascent of Will Bosi's "Realm of Tor'ment" (9A) in the Peak District. It is his first boulder problem of this grade – after only five years of climbing outdoors and indoors.

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.

Ice climbing and ski touring in Norway: The Mountain Equipment Oreus and Xenith jackets put to the test

Frozen waterfalls, steep approaches, and cold belay stations: Norway is one of the most impressive destinations for ice climbers in Europe – but it also places high demands on equipment and clothing. Ice climber Anna embarked on a winter trip through Norway and tested two models from Mountain Equipment under realistic conditions. In the following review, Anna explains why these jackets complement each other surprisingly well in winter conditions.

From 8C to 9A: Matthew Mendes replays Realm of Torment

This week, 20-year-old Briton Matthew Mendes made the second ascent of Will Bosi's "Realm of Tor'ment" (9A) in the Peak District. It is his first boulder problem of this grade – after only five years of climbing outdoors and indoors.

Climbing and knee problems: where they come from and how to prevent them

Knee pain is common among climbers. Klaus Isele explains what to do in case of knee pain.

A tie in the final: The decision at the German Lead Championships 2026 was that close.

Anna Maria Apel (cover photo) and Yannick Nagel remain Germany's number one in lead climbing. Both successfully defended their titles at the German Championships in Darmstadt. While Apel had to wait anxiously until the very last moment, Nagel set the decisive mark in the men's competition.