climbing

Following a fatal climbing accident on Kalymnos: Almost 400 routes have been refurbished with titanium bolts.

Since the fatal climbing accident on Kalymnos in the spring, route refurbishment on the Greek island has accelerated. According to the local initiative Rebolt Kalymnos, 383 routes have been completely re-equipped – with titanium instead of stainless steel.

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.

New sole instead of a new shoe: the time to resole

The right time to get climbing shoes resoled is sooner than you might think: when there's about one millimeter of sole left. Honestly, nobody measures it, but how do I know when I should get my shoes resoled, and where can I even do that?

How to read mountain weather: These planning tips & warning signs you should know

Every mountain tour hinges on the weather conditions. We'll show you what's important when planning mountain tours to avoid dangerous situations caused by sudden weather changes or thunderstorms, and how to react correctly in an emergency.

Rätikon: Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher repeat “Déjà” (8c+) – the hardest multi-pitch ascent by a woman

With their free ascent of "Déjà" on the south face of the Kirchlispitzen, the Austrian woman and the Italian man have completed their hardest project to date in the Rätikon. It is the first time the line has ever been repeated – and probably the first time a woman has climbed a multi-pitch route graded 8c+.

First 9a+ for Leo Cea (13): “No Pain No Gain” in Rodellar

Climbing a 9a+ was Leo Cea's clear goal for 2026. The year is far from over, but the plan has already been achieved: On September 2nd, the 13-year-old German-Chilean climber completed a real endurance challenge with "No Pain No Gain" in Rodellar.

RENATURATION | Silvan Schüpbach – Trad in Wilderswil

John Thornton's film "Renaturation" follows Silvan Schüpbach to Wilderswil. There, he freed a forgotten sport climbing route from its rusty bolts and then climbed it clean. A film about style, climbing ethics, and what climbing beyond maximum difficulty can mean.

You are our athletes – 25 years of Chillaz

Since 2001, Chillaz has stood for sustainable materials, high-quality climbing apparel, and responsibility towards nature. For its 25th anniversary, we celebrate the history of this Tyrolean family business – and the athletes who bring the brand's vision to life on the rock face.

Gold for Janja Garnbret & Neo Suzuki at the Lead World Cup in Koper

At the penultimate Lead World Cup of the season in Koper, Garnbret delivered a spectacular fight in front of his home crowd, while Neo Suzuki demonstrated his endurance and secured his third gold medal of the season. All results at a glance.

Solveig Korherr repeats “Histoire sans Fin” (8b+)

Solveig Korherr has free climbed "Histoire sans Fin" (8b+) on the Petit Clocher du Portalet in Valais. She completed the ten-pitch granite route on August 23, 2026, after two and a half weeks of work and seven days of climbing, together with the French climber Soline Kentzel.

Back from summer break: All the info & livestream for the Lead World Cup in Koper

After a short World Cup summer break, the final round takes place in Koper: At the penultimate Lead World Cup, (almost) all the familiar faces of the season will compete once again to collect crucial points in the overall ranking. All the information on the starting field, schedule, and live stream is available here.

Tips for multi-pitch climbing from mountain guide Michi Wohlleben

Professional mountaineer, mountain guide and physiotherapist Michi Wohlleben, in collaboration with LACRUX, refreshes the various techniques for multi-pitch climbing – from material selection to belay station construction to rappelling.

"You have to be able to push yourself to the limit" – Lara Neumeier in an interview

Within twelve months, Lara Neumeier completed all three routes of the Alpine Trilogy, becoming only the second woman to accomplish this feat. We spoke with her about her childhood in a climbing harness, the difference between Instagram and reality, and her upcoming projects.

Paralympics 2028: Qualification system for Para Climbing has been finalized

Para climbing will be featured at the Paralympic Games for the first time in Los Angeles in 2028. The International Paralympic Committee has now presented the qualification system.

Karakoram: Thomas Huber, Miquel Mas & Víctor Sans report first ascent of Biacherahi Central

In early August, the trio established the route "Wild Soul" (7a/A2+, 600 m, 21 SL) in the Pakistani Karakorum Mountains, probably the first line on the 5.700 meter high Biacherahi Central.

Simon Gietl free climbs “KAIROS” on the Lavarella di Fora

Simon Gietl has redpointed the new route "KAIROS" on the west face of Lavarella di Fora. The South Tyrolean climber, together with Davide Prandini and Martin Niederkofler, established the approximately 250-meter-long line using only mobile protection and without a single bolt.

Soline Kentzel achieves the first female redpoint ascent of "La Darbellay" (8a, 300 m)

On August 13th, French climber Soline Kentzel achieved the first female free ascent of "La Darbellay" on the Petit Clocher du Portalet (2985 m). She climbed the historic trad multi-pitch route, with crux sections in the 8a and 7c+ range, in a single day.

Competition: Edelrid Ohm II in the exclusive Bergfreunde edition

Bergfreunde is turning 20! And for you, that means: a lot of climbing gear in the special Bergfreunde edition. The Ohm has been a staple in many climbing gyms for years. Edelrid has redesigned it, Bergfreunde has released a special color version for its 20th anniversary – and we're giving away three limited edition copies.

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.

Fußstein & Pizzo Badile: Martin Sieberer climbs “Ridge2Ridge” solo and in a new record time

For the Austrian mountaineer, a very personal project has come to an end: crossing Fußstein and Pizzo Badile in just one day – and connecting them by bicycle. He set a new speed record for the route, which involved an elevation gain of around 6.700 meters: 23 hours and 23 minutes.

Pou brothers and Micher Quito complete the most difficult alpine route of their careers in Peru: “Bonus Track”

For their project, the Basque professional climbers once again teamed up with Peruvian Micher Quito. They describe "Bonus Track" (WI7/M6/6c/1.060 m) on the 6,000-meter peak Ranrapalca as their most difficult alpine route to date.

Paul Preuß: A pioneer of vertical thinking

Pitons, fixed ropes, artificial oxygen: How much technology should be allowed to help in mountaineering? Paul Preuß debated this question more than 100 years ago – and placed his own skill above any artificial assistance.

Six days for the Kingline of Céüse: Laura Rogora climbs “Bibliographie” (9b+)

Just two months after Janja Garnbret, Laura Rogora achieved the second female ascent of "Bibliographie" in Céüse. The Italian needed only six days for her first 9b+ – no one had ever climbed this grade so quickly before her.

One of the hardest female free solos: Aleksandra Taistra on “Alfredo Alfredo” (7a, 200 m)

Polish climber Aleksandra "Ola" Taistra free-soloed the 200-meter multi-pitch route "Alfredo Alfredo" on Monte Oddeu in Sardinia on May 3rd. In terms of difficulty, the ascent ranks among the hardest known free solo climbs by a woman. However, the climber doesn't place much importance on rankings.

"Weight training is more of a boys' thing": Commentator apologizes for sexist remarks at the Youth European Cup

During the World Climbing Europe Youth Series speed climbing event in St. Pölten, an Austrian sports commentator made a controversial statement during a live stream: he claimed that women are less motivated to train, which he considered more of a "boys' thing." In his apology, which has since been issued, the commentator cites the language barrier as the reason for the "miscommunication."

New route in Greenland | Jernej Kruder, Silvan Schupbach & Filippo Sala open “Sila” (7c/A2+)

A summer trip with a twist: Jernej Kruder, along with Silvan Schupbach and Filippo Sala, established a new route in South Greenland from July 26th to 28th, 2026. Spread over 19 pitches and 600 meters of climbing, the trio left behind only one bolt.

Rockfalls on the Matterhorn & Mont Blanc: How the climate crisis is making the mountains more dangerous

The two rockfalls on Mont Blanc and most recently on the Matterhorn demonstrate how heat and thawing permafrost are exacerbating the danger for mountaineers. While there is currently an acute risk throughout the Alps, climbing is continuing in some places.
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Video | New classic on the tick list: Michaela Kiersch boulders “Hazel Grace” (8B+)

She spent two weeks in June at the Gotthard Pass, and Michaela Kiersch is once again showing top form. Among other things, one of the most coveted routes in Switzerland, "Hazel Grace" (8B+), is now on her tick list. The latest Mellow video shows the ascent, with special guests Dave Graham and first ascensionist Giuliano Cameroni.

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.

“Yeah Man” – Katherine Choong climbs an 8b+ multi-pitch route in one day

Six years after her first – and supposedly last – visit, Katherine Choong successfully completed the redpoint ascent of "Yeah Man" (8b+) on the north face of the Grand Pfad on July 27th. The Swiss climber completed the nine pitches in one day, leading all of them in the eighth grade.

News

Following a fatal climbing accident on Kalymnos: Almost 400 routes have been refurbished with titanium bolts.

Since the fatal climbing accident on Kalymnos in the spring, route refurbishment on the Greek island has accelerated. According to the local initiative Rebolt Kalymnos, 383 routes have been completely re-equipped – with titanium instead of stainless steel.

La Sportiva Challenger 28 review: Sailcloth at full throttle

With the Challenger 28, La Sportiva is entering a category previously unknown to the brand: technical backpacks. I took it with me for five days of touring, including trips to the Arête des Cosmiques and alpine climbing.

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.

Warming up on the rock: This is how Alexander Megos does it.

On a trip away from Bleu and Ticino, it's often just you and your project. No warm-up boulders and easy routes in sight. Professional climber Alexander Megos explained to us how best to prepare your fingers and body for such situations. He always keeps two things in his car for this purpose – a yoga mat and a fingerboard. Here he explains how he uses both.

Messner tours Germany: 23 dates between Füssen and Ingolstadt

Reinhold Messner will embark on a lecture tour starting in October: 23 dates between Füssen and Ingolstadt, four different programs. From "Nanga Parbat" to "World Mountains – The 4th Dimension". Tickets are available through Eventim.