News

The UIAA has called for fewer restrictions on mountaineers, climbers and trekkers in Slovakia’s High Tatra Mountains, intervening on behalf of the Slovakian Alpine Union.

Participants from 13 countries have met in Wales to discuss the importance of international training standards and exchanged experiences on developing training programmes.

An American medical study has tested new sucessful techniques and drugs to treat frostbite. In the future, this treatment could mean that fewer mountaineers suffering from severe frostbite will have to have arms, legs, fingers or toes amputated.

The members of the Eco Everest expedition 2008 have reached the summit. The purpose of the expedition was to field test an environmentally friendly approach to climbing and draw attention to climate change.

At the recent Management Committee meeting, the ISMF announced changes to the rules and organisation of Ski-Mountaineering competitions. It was also decided that Schladming, Austria will organise the 2012 World Championships.

In the Khumbu region of the Himalayas, a pilot early warning system for glacial lake outbursts is being developed. Glacial lake outbursts can be caused by global warming and is a major threath to people in the region.

Do you want to spend the summer holiday doing what you like best: meeting new people while climbing, hiking, rafting, caving and much more?

If you are between 14 and 30 years old and a member of a UIAA federation, you have the chance to do just that. This summer UIAA Member Federations are organising about ten different international youth events in Europe and Asia.

You can take part in ascents of Mount Olympus, Mount Kazbek and Mount Elbrus, a route setting and climbing meet in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, multi-activity camps in Germany and Slovenia (extended registration deadline!), rock climbing in Russia and Romania, a Mountain Protection meet in Japan, caving in Romania and a youth trek in Italy. You will find invitations and registration forms in the calendar.

What are you waiting for? Let's get out in the mountains!

In the new section for Member Federation's events here on the UIAA web site you can find great international events for both athlete and amateur climbers.

The Mountain Club of South Africa is inviting you to a Winter meet in Drakensberg, 5 to 13 July 2008. This is for you who want to experience Sout Africa's premier ice climbing venue, Giant’s Castle, as well as rock climbing. The registration deadline is 31 May 2008. First-come, first-served!

For the world's best crack climbing, parties and new international climbing friends, head out for the International Climber's meet, Utah, United States, 3-14 October 2008. This is a great opportunity for two (one male and one female) young climbers from each country.  Registration deadline: 1st July.

The UIAA Ice Climbing Commission (ICICC) has decided to ban the use of spurs, effective from the 2009 competition season.

Statement: The UIAA has advised the Chinese Mountaineering Association that it cannot bring the UIAA flag to the summit of Mount Everest as part of the Olympic torch relay.