Your partner is in trouble (e.g., knot stuck in his rappel device, friction hitch has jammed, etc.)—he is stuck mid-rappel! The following steps will let you free him either from above or below. Freeing your partner from above 1 — Reach your stuck partner by rappelling down the rope under...
The UIAA Medical Commission has produced a dedicated paper on the use of hiking sticks. It was first published in 2008 and is available in Czech, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Many hikers, mountaineers and climbers use telescopic (hiking) sticks because they...
First launched in 2015, the annual UIAA Rock Climbing Festival Award is a celebration of rock climbing in its purest form, placing an emphasis on events which put the climber and the sustainable development of rock climbing at its very core. The Award recognises festivals which...
The UIAA Mountain Protection Commission confirms that as of 30 June, the application process for the 2018 UIAA Mountain Protection Award is now closed. The sixth edition of the Award has welcomed over 20 applicants from some 17 countries. The Award Assessment Team are currently reviewing...
Athletes, officials and member federations are informed that the Competition Regulations for the 2019 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour are now available. The Competition Regulations can be downloaded here. Specific changes to the Regulations from 2018 to 2019 are detailed here. A reminder that the 2019 UIAA Ice...
Two major international gatherings for the outdoor community took place in June 2018 with the UIAA represented, and leading discussions, at both events. First, the biennial Sustainable Summits Conference took place in Chamonix, France from 12-14 June where the three-day discussions focused on the future for...
As part of its commitment to raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural rock and to reducing indiscriminate bolting, the UIAA is sharing an article from Norwegian climber Robert Caspersen concerning an expedition made in late 2017 with three friends to climb the high east...
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation - UIAA - is delighted to announce the publication of its 24th international safety standard for climbing and mountaineering equipment. After extensive research and development, the UIAA published Standard 109 dedicated to Belay Lanyards in June 2018. Standard 109 can be...
Climb the Hill began in 2016 to give climbers a stronger voice in Washington, D.C.. Co-hosted by The American Alpine Club and the Access Fund, the event brings together more than 60 professional climbers, industry leaders and partner organizations to advocate for public lands and...
The latest extract from the UIAA Alpine Summer Skills Handbook focuses on the factors which weaken a rope and features as part of a chapter dedicated to Equipment. Limitations of a dynamic rope A wet rope will be heavier and harder to use. If your rope...