News

Japanese mountaineer Tamotsu Nakamura last autumn led an expedition into the deep gorge country of southeast Tibet. During the expedition Nakamura photographed and mapped many unclimbed peaks. He has kindly given us the chance to show you the photos, which you will find in our Expedition section.

Indian Creek, Utah is home to the world's best crack climbing. The Creek's endless splitters of all sizes and lengths offer up challenges of endurance and strength and have been a worldwide climbing destination for over three decades, making it the perfect location for hosting the American Alpine Club's 2008 International Climbing Meet.

After the death of Sir Edmund Hillary, the UIAA office has received many messages paying tribute to the great mountaineer.

The first event of the season took place in Valle di Daone in Italy, 18th-20th January. Men and women ice climbers competed in Speed and Difficulty disciplines.

The development of a large ski resort in Serbia is threatening the flora and fauna of the country’s largest national park. The Association for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Stara Planina is protesting against the construction of the new ski resort inside the Stara Planina National Park.

If you are in Georgia between 18 February – 3 March 2008, you have the chance to visit the Tbilisi International Mountain, Adventure and Extreme Film Festival Niamori.

The UIAA is saddened to hear the news that Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the two first people to climb Mount Everest on the 29th May 1953, has died. Hillary was an Honorary member of the UIAA and a big inspiration to climbers all over the world.

From the 11-18th of May 2008, climbers of all nations and abilities will come together at the International Summer Rock Climbing Meet in North Wales. The meet is organised by the British Mountaineering Council, and each federation can nominate two climbers to take part.

The UIAA launched its new web site on 11th December, the UN International Mountain Day. It looks good, is easy to use and is of course packed with useful information about mountaineering and climbing. “In time the UIAA website will become one of the primary sources where a person will go to find information about mountaineering, mountain competition sports and the issues pertaining to access and the mountain environment,” says Mike Mortimer, the UIAA President.