EAWS (European Avalanche Warning Services) have introduced a standard for typical avalanche problems and changed the names of avalanche sizes and the wording of the European avalanche danger scale. Full details can be found here. Please also find a recent article about the UIAA Safety Commission's progress in launching...
The latest article from the UIAA Mountain Skills provides recommendations for equipment for an ice, snow, rock or mixed route. Adapt this list accordingly to the difficulty and conditions of your chosen climb. Head: warm knit cap helmet scarf sunscreen > SPF 30 lip balm > SPF...
With eight of the fourteen world's highest mountain peaks located within its borders, Nepal is well known as one of the greatest destinations for climbing and mountaineering. From Everest to Kanchenjunga, its mountains have created legends and have inspired incredible feats of human endeavours. Over recent...
In 2013, the UIAA Safety Commission (SafeCom) undertook the development of worldwide minimum standards for avalanche probes and shovels. Previously, formal requirements for avalanche shovels and probes only existed for participation in International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) ski touring races, mainly with the aim to...
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...
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...
UIAA Safety Label holder Skylotec has published the following information related to its via ferrata sets and in particular all SKYSAFE carabiners. The message from Skylotec: The brand SKYLOTEC stands for the highest safety in industry and mountain sport. In the critical area of via ferrata sets...
The UIAA Safety Commission is looking for samples of failed climbing anchors to assist in several related matters with the UIAA Climbing Anchor Standard UIAA 123. The Anchor Corrosion project is part of the UIAA's commitment to continually researching and innovating in order to further...
Uniting representatives from global climbing equipment manufacturers and testing laboratories and national delegates from UIAA member associations, the annual UIAA SafeCom meet is a crucial opportunity for leading players in the field of mountain safety to discuss the current challenges facing the climbing world and...
The latest extract from the UIAA Alpine Summer Skills Handbook focuses on gear requirements for single and multi-pitch climbing and features as part of a chapter dedicated to Equipment. In climbing, safety starts with choosing the right equipment. Knowing the difference between a double rope and...