climbing

The qualification system for LA 2028 has been finalized | Olympics

World Climbing has announced the qualification system for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The qualification events and the rules for the combined bouldering and lead climbing disciplines have also been finalized.

No plane required: The 5 best climbing areas for spring

We present five climbing areas in Europe where you can already climb well in spring – without getting on a plane.

New 9c: Sean Bailey completes »Duality of Man« in Arizona

Sean Bailey became only the fifth climber ever to assign the highest difficulty grade of 9c to a route. The American invested four years and three seasons in his project, "Duality of Man" in Dry Canyon.

9c – These are the hardest sport climbing routes in the world

In sport climbing, the difficulty grade 9c (5.15d) represents the absolute pinnacle of human performance on rock. Worldwide, there are currently only three routes rated at this grade, and none of them have been repeated. But who exactly is currently part of the 9c club, and who wants to secure a place in this elite group?

"This is still competitive sport" | Interview with para climber Sebastian Depke

Sebastian Depke is one of the most important figures in the development of para climbing in Germany. In this interview, the 40-year-old talks about the sport's long journey to the big stage in Los Angeles and explains what the successful bid for the Paralympic Games has to do with his own abrupt end to his competitive climbing career – and why he won't be bored in the future.

The best podcasts about climbing & bouldering

Can't get enough of climbing and bouldering even when you're not on the wall? We've compiled podcast recommendations about climbing so you can always have your favorite topics at your fingertips.

Cloe Coscoy in an interview | Explosive moves and absolute passion

Playful, passionate, and explosive – that's Cloe Coscoy's bouldering style. She combines impressive strength with infectious joy, is one of the strongest climbers in the competition scene, and a member of the US National Team. She has been a three-time Pan American Champion and a three-time US Vice Champion. Through bouldering, she has found her own unique way to express herself and show who she truly is.

"Open Minds" | Will Bosi and Dave Graham in search of the future of bouldering

A dream for bouldering fans: In the 40-minute documentary "Open Minds," two of the world's most influential boulderers venture into a valley brimming with untapped potential. Will Bosi and Dave Graham take viewers on a journey through Val Balvona in search of future classics.

Yannick Flohé repeats »Excalibur« (9b+) in Arco

The well-known test piece in Drena near Arco saw another reshoot just before Christmas. So far, only Will Bosi and Brooke managed to...

Writing your own training plan: the most important dos and don'ts

For some of us, the new year starts with athletic ambitions – ideally structured in a training plan. Here's what you should keep in mind if you're creating your own training plan for the first time.
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Connor Herson secures the first replay of »Towing the Line«(8c)

Twenty-two-year-old American Connor Herson became the first person to repeat the rarely climbed test piece "Towing the Line" on Empath Cliff in Kirkwood, California. Unlike its more famous neighbor "Empath," the route offers powerful climbing in the style of Carlo Traversi, characterized by technical precision, thoughtful movements, and flawless granite.

Weightless – Music meets mountaineering spirit

On January 31, 2026, a meeting will take place in the Cantate Hall of the Volksbühne Frankfurt that is rarely experienced on a stage: The Frankfurt duo formation THE OHOHOHs, known for their musical mix of classical and club culture, will play together with the extreme climber and pianist Alexander Huber. 

Far from being trashy: 5 climbing films that take themselves seriously

It's a familiar story: Hollywood productions often take liberties with the technical aspects of climbing and mountaineering. Of course, there are exceptions: We've compiled five climbing films that strive for realism.

New to the climbing gym? The most important climbing and bouldering tips for beginners.

Do you want to start climbing or bouldering in 2026? We've compiled the most important tips for beginners to ensure a successful start in the climbing gym.

Climbing, bouldering and mountaineering 2025: A year in review

Last year once again demonstrated the diversity, creativity, and high performance of our climbing community. In our review, we look back at some of the outstanding achievements and milestones that characterized 2025 – from surprising, powerful first ascents and impressive repeats to top athletic performances on rock and walls.

5 New Year's resolutions for climbing that you actually stick to

Resolutions, yes – but please be realistic: We've collected five New Year's resolutions that will actually make a difference to your climbing year in 2026 and are even a bit of fun.

Boom, Limitation, Balance: Margalef and the Dilemma of Modern Climbing Hotspots

Margalef, a village with just over a hundred inhabitants in the Catalan region of Priorat, is currently at the center of a heated debate that extends far beyond...

Christmas surprise on the rock face | Leo Cea sends »Pure Dreaming« (8c+/9a) in Arco

Just before Christmas Eve, Leo Cea gave himself an early Christmas present. During a four-day trip to Arco, the 13-year-old climbed "Pure Dreaming" – and was himself a little surprised by his quick ascent.

Alex Honnold's free solo at Taipei 101 – the date is set.

American Alex Honnold is probably one of the most famous extreme climbers in the world. He is known for spectacular ascents of large walls, such as "Freerider"...
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Adam Ondra opens »Niobe« – one of the hardest slab routes in the world

Adam Ondra has made the first ascent of the extraordinary slab route "Niobe" (9a), setting a strong benchmark in a style for which he was previously less known. The route is among the most difficult slabs in the world and demands precision, balance, and strong toes. 

"Natural Heights" – the new series about climbing on Red Bull TV 

With Natural Heights, Red Bull TV launches a new documentary climbing series that not only showcases achievements but also delves into the minds of the participating athletes who are currently shaping the sport. The first season premieres on December 19th at 10:00 AM and is available to stream for free on Red Bull TV.

Despite protests: Natural climbing wall in Buenos Aires is being demolished.

For six years, the climbing community in Buenos Aires fought to save "La Palestra"—most recently with protests and a petition. On December 15, the demolition of the world's largest natural climbing wall began to make way for the highway expansion.

A feat of strength: Laura Pineau becomes the first woman to climb "Wet Lycra Nightmare" (8b) in Yosemite

French climber Laura Pineau has become the first woman to complete "Wet Lycra Nightmare" (8b, 9 pitches) in Yosemite Valley. It is also her first solo ascent of a multi-pitch route.

12 climbing technique exercises that everyone should try

Clean climbing technique – yes please! Every climber can easily try these twelve effective exercises in their next session.

World Climbing – The IFSC embarks on a new future with a new identity

The international governing body for competitive climbing is undergoing a major transformation: the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is becoming World Climbing. After almost 19 years, the organization is abandoning its somewhat cumbersome acronym and presenting itself with a clear goal: to position sport climbing as a global brand and a modern movement.

“I’ve never tried so hard before” – Matilda Söderlund masters “Spomin” (8c)

Swedish professional climber Matilda Söderlund completed the first female ascent of the 350-meter multi-pitch route "Spomin" (8c) in Croatia's Paklenica National Park in mid-November. The...

"In dire need": Season 2 of the mountain rescue series will arrive in spring 2026

"In dire need" returns in spring 2026 with a second season. The popular series from Bavarian Broadcasting closely follows volunteer emergency responders during real-life missions in the Bavarian Alps.

Impressive performance: Pietro Vidi repeats the trad test piece »Magic Line«

Italian climber Pietro Vidi has successfully repeated the trad testpiece Magic Line (5.14c/8c+). The iconic line, first climbed by Ron Kauk in 1996, has seen few repeats since and is considered a tough challenge even among very experienced climbers.

The toughest trad route in the world: Jacopo Larcher repeats »Bon Voyage« E12

South Tyrolean trad specialist Jacopo Larcher has repeated James Pearson's "Bon Voyage" (E12) in Annot, France. This marks his fourth ascent of the world's hardest trad route.

Rising star from South Korea: Ga-eun Kwon (12) climbs »Era Vella« (9a)

Twelve-year-old South Korean Ga-eun Kwon has become the second youngest person ever to repeat Chris Sharma's Margalef classic "Era Vella" (9a).

News

The qualification system for LA 2028 has been finalized | Olympics

World Climbing has announced the qualification system for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The qualification events and the rules for the combined bouldering and lead climbing disciplines have also been finalized.

Mentor on the ice: on the road with Ines Papert | »Havana« (WI4)

A frozen waterfall high above the Pitztal valley. The weather: ideal. Not too warm, not too cold, the sun peeking through the clouds now and then. Together with professional athlete Ines Papert, Gwen from LACRUX tackles a multi-pitch ice climb. She learns a great deal, from route planning and avalanche awareness to precise ice-cutting techniques. She's also using CAMP X-Dreams ice axes and Alpinist Tech crampons for a practical test.

"I need rest days from his rest days" | Will Bosi and Dave Graham

Two absolute pros on the rock face discuss training, difficulty ratings, projects, and rock climbing. Will Bosi and Dave Graham talked to us about their shared passions, and we learned a lot! 

Frankenjura | World Cup feeling in Europe's largest bouldering hall

At the 5th German Cup of the season, held in Europe's largest bouldering gym, two familiar faces stood atop the podium for the first time. We were there for you at the kick-off event of the Boulder Bundesliga at the Frankenjura bouldering gym.

Nathan Williams: 100 Sessions for his first 9A | Return of the Sleepwalker

“The epic battle is over”: US bouldering specialist Nathan Williams has ticked off “Return of the Sleepwalker” in Nevada after more than 100 sessions – his first 9A.