bouldering

Yannick Flohé flashes “Flow State” (8C) in Val Daone

Shortly before the Rock Master in Arco, where he intends to defend his bouldering title, Yannick Flohé flashed "Flow State" (8C) in Val Daone. After "Foundation's Edge" (8C), it is his second flash at this grade – and according to the German professional climber, the significantly harder one.

Trad, bouldering, sport climbing: 5 downgrades that have shaped our scene

A broken hold, a new beta, or simply a disagreement: The downgrading of boulders or routes can have various reasons. We've compiled five downgrades that caused a particular stir – or were historically important for the climbing scene.

European Outdoor Film Tour 2026/27 | All films & dates starting on October 12th

The European Outdoor Film Tour returns for its 25th anniversary with a brand-new film program. The premiere is on October 12th at the Deutsches Theater in Munich – after which many stops are planned throughout Europe. See all films and dates at a glance.

How is artificial intelligence changing the sport of climbing?

Whether in training or route setting, for climbing gym operators or amateur athletes: We have looked at some examples of how artificial intelligence is currently shaping climbing, what might come in the future and what advantages and risks are involved.

Climbing gym accident statistics 2025: the most frequent causes and injuries

Every year, the German Alpine Club (DAV), together with the climbing gym association KLEVER, publishes an analysis of accident data from climbing and bouldering gyms in Germany and Austria. The causes of accidents and injury patterns for the reporting year 2025 are presented at a glance.

The Rock Master 2026: Garda Trentino celebrates 40 years of climbing history

From October 2nd to 4th, 2026, the Rock Master in Arco celebrates four decades of competition history. Among those competing are Adam Ondra, Stefano Ghisolfi, Jessica Pilz, and Laura Rogora. The guest list includes Lynn Hill, Yuji Hirayama, François Legrand, and Muriel Sarkany.

The 6 best bouldering areas for summer

High altitude instead of heat wave: You won't break a sweat at these summer-friendly alpine bouldering spots, even in August.

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

What was the Spanish word for "Umleiter" again? The most important terms you need in European climbing areas – translated into English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Fontainebleau: Firefighter confesses to arson – what will happen to the forest?

It couldn't get more absurd: A 19-year-old firefighter from France has confessed to starting the fire in the Fontainebleau forest. The fire is now under control, but not yet completely extinguished. It could take decades for Paris's "green lung" to recover.

Adam Ondra flashes four 8Bs in one day in Val Daone

Sometimes rock climbing is the best training – Adam Ondra thought so too last week when he went to Val Daone instead of the climbing gym. There, he flashed a total of four 8B boulder problems in just three and a half hours and even managed to flash an 8A/+ on top of that.

Behind the Scenes: Jakob Schubert on his exploration of »SHAOLIN« (9A)

Torn fingers, fails, and doubts – the path to a successful ascent doesn't always go according to plan, even for professional climbers. In his new YouTube video, Jakob Schubert gives honest insights into his work on "SHAOLIN," his third 9A.

Major fire in Fontainebleau: almost 2.000 hectares of forest destroyed

A devastating forest fire in the Île-de-France region has destroyed approximately one-fifth of the Fontainebleau forest. Around 1.000 people have had to leave their homes, and the world-famous bouldering area will remain closed until further notice. Authorities have not ruled out arson as the cause.

Mountain Equipment Stonewear: Born in 95. Rebuilt for today

Mountain Equipment is refreshing its climbing and bouldering collection – with clothing that captures the feeling of life between rock, gym and everyday life.

World Cup week in Innsbruck: All results for Bouldering, Lead & Para Climbing

A packed house and a highly competitive field of competitors in Innsbruck: All the results of the World Cups in Bouldering, Lead and Para Climbing at a glance.

Bouldering, Lead & Para World Cup Innsbruck | Info & Livestream

The Innsbruck Climbing Centre is packed: From June 15th to 21st, World Cups in bouldering, lead climbing, and para climbing will take place against the familiar backdrop of the Tyrolean Alps. All information on the lineup, schedule, and livestream is available.

"WELCOME TO MY WORLD!" – Janja Garnbret launches a YouTube channel

The most successful competitive climber in history is giving fans a first-ever glimpse into her private life on her new YouTube channel. Her first video takes them to the Boulder World Cup in Keqiao.

World Cup Prague: Double gold for Sanders, fourth bouldering victory for Anraku & a surprise winner in lead climbing

Beta breaks, drama and surprises on the podium: We have summarized all the results from the Boulder and Lead World Cup in the Czech capital.

Like in the old days: Ondra & Schubert compete in Prague | Boulder & Lead World Cup

The world's elite climbers will gather in Prague from June 3rd to 7th for the Bouldering and Lead World Cup – including lead climbing legends like Adam Ondra and Jakob Schubert. All the information on the starting field, schedule, and livestream is available here.

World Cup Madrid: Sorato Anraku wins gold again, Erin McNeice returns to the top

At the World Cup in Madrid, Japan's Sorato Anraku won the third of the season's three bouldering events so far, with gold going to Great Britain's Erin McNeice. In speed climbing, American Emma Hunt and China's Chu Shouhong triumphed.

Bouldering & Speed ​​World Cup Madrid | Info & Livestream

From May 28th to 31st, two World Cups will take place simultaneously in Madrid for the first time – in the disciplines of bouldering and speed climbing. All information about the starting field, program and livestream.

War and Climbing: A Story from Ukraine – Beyond the Wounds of War

In Kyiv, climbing is helping war veterans with amputations, vision loss, and PTSD rebuild their lives. Photojournalist and climber Wilson Vieira accompanied veterans, trainers, and foundations there. His three-part report shows how, from rubble and power outages, a space for self-determination emerges, and the climbing wall becomes a new beginning.

Bern: First World Cup victory for Oceana Mackenzie, Sorato Anraku wins again

At the second Boulder World Cup of the season in Bern, Oceania Mackenzie won the first World Cup gold of her career – and also the first gold medal ever for Australia. In the men's competition, Sorato Anraku remains undefeated and celebrates his seventh Boulder World Cup victory.

Two shoes, one manufacturer: The Jett S and Diamond S models from Ocún

Ocún is launching two models, the Jett S and the Diamond S, which at first glance appear to be siblings, but upon closer inspection reveal two quite different characters. We've taken a close look at these two Czech vehicles and will show you what terrain they're designed for.

Boulder World Cup in Bern | Information & Livestream

From May 22nd to 24th, the Swiss capital will host the international bouldering elite for the third time. All information about the starting field, schedule and livestream.

Katie Lamb reports first 8C ascent in Yosemite: »130 BPM«

US boulderer Katie Lamb has established her hardest route to date, "130 BPM" (8C). This is an impressive achievement, highlighting the rarity of female first ascents at this grade.

Noah Wheeler ticks »Burden of Dreams« (9A)

Nalle Hukkataival's legendary boulder "Burden of Dreams" in Lappnor, Finland has gained another ascent, this time by 23-year-old American Noah Wheeler. He secured the seventh ascent of the world's first 9A.

The architecture of a Send: A conversation with Nicolai Uznik

In elite bouldering, the name Nicolai Uznik is synonymous with precision. The Austrian athlete and former European Bouldering Champion has built his career on versatility – on the combination of raw, explosive power with calculated, fluid technique. Whether he's dissecting a complex problem in the World Cups or searching for the most efficient line on granite, Nicolai's approach is deeply rooted in the "process."

Sorato Anraku defends his bouldering title in Keqiao, Zélia Avezou's first World Cup gold

At the first Boulder World Cup of the season in Keqiao, France's Zélia Avezou surprisingly secured gold ahead of Olympic champion Janja Garnbret. Sorato Anraku narrowly defended his 2025 title against Dohyun Lee and Mejdi Schalck.

First Boulder World Cup of the season in Keqiao | Info & Livestream

The Boulder World Cup in Keqiao from May 1st to 3rd is the first international meeting for the bouldering elite in the 2026 season.

World Cup season start 2026: Dates, information & live streams at a glance

The World Cup season kicks off in China on the first weekend of May. Here you'll find all the information about the opening events in Keqiao and Wujiang, as well as the entire 2026 season.

News

Silvan Schüpbach: New, wild climbing route in the Bernese Oberland

Silvan Schüpbach and Janluca Kostner have made the first complete free climb of "Untergang der Titanen" (8a) on the north face of the Gross Wellhorn. The 600-meter route in the Bernese Alps remains consistently difficult over its 20 pitches.

Eneko and Iker Pou: First free ascent of “Vicios Ocultos”

Eneko and Iker Pou have free climbed "Vicios Ocultos" (7c, 285 m) on Tiro Pedabejo in the Picos de Europa for the first time, one year after the Basque brothers had opened the six pitches themselves.

Scarpa BLACKBIRD: Carbon midsole for the smallest lasts

Scarpa spent six years developing their new climbing shoe. At its heart is the Italian company's first carbon-reinforced midsole – built for precision on the smallest footholds, without the shoe needing to fit brutally tightly.

Jenya Kazbekova also scores “Dreamcatcher” (9a) in Squamish – one year after the birth of her daughter.

Following Camilla Moroni, Jenya Kazbekova has also repeated the famous sport climbing route in British Columbia. For the Ukrainian, it is also her first 9a – and a particularly remarkable achievement considering she became a mother about a year ago.

Two 9a flashes in two days for Filip Schenk | “Vivi si muore” & “Prima Classe”

After his very first 9a flash of "Vivi si muore", the 26-year-old Italian climber immediately followed it up the next day with another 9a on his first attempt: "Prima Classe". Both routes are located in the Italian climbing area of ​​Val Tanaro.