Mountain ranges are often the natural borders between countries. The demarcation of borders in such remote and difficult geography can be contentious. This has led on occasion to diplomatic disputes with these border issues often dating back to colonial times. The United Nations Security Council...
A new study carried out by the EDYTEM - ISTerre laboratories, supported by the Petzl Foundation, has been conducted to better understand how rockfalls occur in the Goûter couloir, on the normal route up Mont Blanc. The study provides valuable information for mountaineers. In particular the study analyses: Which periods are...
As announced at the 2019 UIAA General Assembly, translations of the UIAA Alpine Summer Skills Handbook continue to grow. The guide which covers general knowledge as well as various aspects of alpine hiking, climbing and alpinism, is produced in collaboration with the Petzl Foundation, and has...
This new UIAA series focuses on the backgrounds of some of the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate precious time and considerable expertise to the federation each year. Klara Dvorakova, head of the UIAA's Legal Experts Working Group, is the subject of the first profile. Klara Dvorakova...
If the fallen climber isn’t injured and knows how to ascend a rope, crevasse self-rescue will be his/her quickest escape. Precautions Plan for self-rescue before a fall: “If I fall, brace yourselves as much as possible, install an anchor and keep the rope tight. I will climb...
The months of May and June are traditionally busy with UIAA Commission meetings. Despite the restrictions placed on travel during Covid-19, the UIAA has been able to host a number of important online meetings throughout the past six weeks. In fact many Commissions and groups...
The UIAA - International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation - has published its 2019 Annual Report. The digital report provides easier access to key resources - such as UIAA news articles, video content and multimedia assets. Contents include: President's Annual Message A Review of 2019 UIAA General Assembly 2019 UIAA Strategy...
The impact of Covid-19 will be felt for many months, and even years to come. The climbing industry and outdoor world will be significantly affected. Cancellation of competitions, entire climbing seasons and expeditions; loss of sponsorship income and other revenue streams; the closing down of...
For the first time in the UIAA’s near 90-year history, and owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, its biannual Management Committee meeting was held online. The virtual format proved to be a success. All discussion topics and voting were successfully negotiated and all MC members, delegates...
Owing to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic all onsite courses scheduled by the UIAA Training Panel have been postponed until further notice. In response to the lockdown currently impacting most areas of the world, the UIAA is having to adapt to the new normal...