Ice climbing showcased in Tignes

On Sunday 24 April, in collaboration with the famous French ski resort of Tignes and FFCAM (La Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne), the UIAA organized a dedicated ice climbing event as part of a day-long ‘Sport for All’ programme. Athletes from France and Switzerland took part in the speed exhibition The event provided an opportunity for members of the public to try out the sport under the guidance of expert coaches and athletes. This...

Black Diamond announces voluntary recall

A statement from UIAA Safety Label holder Black Diamond released on 13 April. Voluntary recall for inspection of Easy Rider and Iron Cruiser Via Ferrata lanyard sets, Index Ascenders, Camalots™ and Camalot™ Ultralights We are a company of climbers. For more than 25 years, manufacturing climbing equipment has been the centerpiece of our company and an expression of our mission to build innovative product of exceptional quality for our global community of users. In 2014, we began the...

Nepal Mountaineering Association celebrates pioneering achievements

On 29-30 April, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first ascents of Mounts Manaslu (8,163m) and Lhotse (8,516m). The occasion will be marked by a Diamond Jubilee celebration and the publication of a special edition of its Nepal Parbat journal. "Nepal Mountaineering Association's role and efforts in the promotion of mountain tourism in Nepal is commendable," explains UIAA President Frits Vrijlandt. "I am very pleased to learn that the NMA is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee...

UIAA setting standards at the Patrouille des Glaciers

 Image courtesy: Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG) One of the most famous events in the ski mountaineering calendar – the biennial Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG) – takes place next week, 19-23 April. The competition is organized by the Swiss Land Forces and supported by a number of partners including the Swiss Alpine Club, a UIAA member federation. The event’s origins are rooted in the border patrols which took place during the Second World War - the first organised race itself was held...

Annual Meeting: UIAA Ice Climbing Commission

The UIAA Ice Climbing Commission held its annual meeting this weekend hosted by the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal - UPD in Lisbon. During a series of productive exchanges, the Commission laid down the foundations for its road map until 2020, which includes supporting the development of ice climbing in its quest to become an Olympic competition sport at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The Commission also reflected on the progress made during the 2016 UIAA Ice Climbing World...

UIAA lines up ‘Sport for All’ ice climbing event in Tignes

n collaboration with the famous French ski resort of Tignes and FFCAM (La Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne), the UIAA is organising a dedicated ice climbing event as part of a ‘Sport for All’ day on Sunday 24 April. The programme will allow members of the public to discover the sport before a special showcase in the late afternoon. Throughout the day, resort visitors and mountain lovers will have the opportunity to try...

Report: International Youth Ice Climbing Camp (Guillestre) France 2016

The International Youth Ice Climbing Camp, organised by FFCAM / Alpine Club of Toulouse, recently took place in Guillestre (Hautes Alpes), France with over 50 participants taking part in the near week long event. For several years this camp has gathered together different participants and camps. In 2016, it included: - One instructor training for adults (10 participants) - The UIAA Youth camp (12 participants) - A camp for youngsters from my club, Toulouse, from 11-17 years old (14 participants) -...

PractICE climbing. Our guide for the future of the sport.

The UIAA Ice Climbing season concluded in early February with back to back events in Rabenstein, Italy. The first event saw the conclusion of the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour, supported by The North Face Korea, which was held across four different countries in three continents. The second celebrated the future of the sport showcasing the world’s best youth climbers who contested the UIAA Ice Climbing World Youth Championships. The season is condensed into two months,...

One year on from the earthquake. An update from Nepal.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Honorary Member of the UIAA, shares the latest news from Nepal in the aftermath of last year’s devastating earthquake in a dedicated Earthquake Report from the Climate Alliance of Himalayan Communities, of which Ang Tshering Sherpa is the Chairman. Ang Tshering Sherpa writes: "As a Himalayan country that contains most of the highest mountain peaks in the world, Nepal is experiencing temperature changes that much more pronounced....