By day, Lionel Kiener is a micro-mechanical engineer for Neuchâtel-based research company CSEM. In his spare time he is a keen climber and one of the many volunteers who gives up their precious time to support the UIAA. Kiener has been volunteering with the UIAA for well over a decade. Despite a busy work schedule, he manages to contribute around 100 hours per year to the organisation in his role with the Safety Commission (SafeCom). He...
UIAA President Frits Vrijlandt has shared the following message with UIAA member associations ahead of this year's General Assembly. -- The reason for contacting you is my wish to highlight your association’s work at the upcoming UIAA General Assembly (GA) on 23-24 October 2020. Through our digital magazine, communication channels and during the online sessions of this year’s GA, we would like to shine the spotlight our valued member associations. We are aware of the tremendous effort and...
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Covid-19 Crisis Consultation (CCC) Taskforce held its fourth online meeting on 6 August. In addition to the meeting minutes below, the UIAA also published the following statement related to Covid-19. During the meeting the following topics were discussed: UIAA Covid-19 Communication As the pandemic evolves, the UIAA is focusing more on providing guidance related to general topics (travel, global climbing restrictions and trends, huts) rather than updates about the specific status...
On 4 August, the UIAA Covid-19 Crisis Consultation (CCC) Taskforce held its fourth online meeting. The meeting notes are available here, while all UIAA activity related to Covid-19 can be consulted through the dedicated Portal. Following the 4 August meeting and in analysing valuable feedback from CCC Taskforce members worldwide as well as competent international health organisations, the UIAA believes exercising caution remains a priority in containing the spread of the virus. The pandemic is clearly...
Following the publication of the digital version of the 2019 UIAA Annual Report in May 2020, a print version has now been prepared for distribution to UIAA member associations as well as Management Committee delegates and Commission Presidents. The print version is being made available to supplement delegate preparations for this year’s UIAA General Assembly which, for the first time, will be held online. The GA is scheduled for 24 October. Copies will be sent out during...
The UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – regularly receives questions related to safety topics. The UIAA Safety Commission, with support of other UIAA Commissions and experts, has commenced a series of articles answering common questions with the objective of making them available to the wider climbing community. This first topic is: A number of climbers put on sunscreen when at the crag, climbing or belaying. Does it damage equipment? UIAA SafeCom: What effects certain substances have...
The American Alpine Club (AAC) has paid tribute to its outgoing CEO Phil Powers. Since his appointment in 2005, Powers has inspired significant change and progress at the AAC - overseeing a constant rise in membership, providing leadership on sustainability topics, lobbying for climbing at a political level, introducing measures to ensure a greater commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as development of the AAC's schemes to award grants and donations to climbing causes in...
One of the roles of the UIAA as the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation is to provide a network for likeminded climbing and mountaineering federations. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and led by the UIAA’s dedicated CCC taskforce, there have been countless positive examples of solidarity and information exchange between UIAA members and partners. In March, and as China began to emerge from lockdown and recover from its first Covid-19 wave, the UIAA’s accredited laboratory for testing...
Sixteen events in thirteen countries form the provisional calendar for the 2020-2021 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour partnered by Outdoor Research. Ranging from the pinnacle of the competition arm of ice climbing – the biennial UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships – through to Continental Cups, the calendar offers a more extensive World Cup programme than last season and increased opportunities for young climbers to establish a pathway in the sport. The World Cup component of the season...
The 2020 UIAA General Assembly Calling Notice, draft agenda and programme as well documents related to election procedures have been distributed to UIAA members. Registration is also now open. Members are invited to access documents through the dedicated portal. To request access please email office@theuiaa.org The draft Agenda and Programme - and further information - can be found on the General Assembly page. https://www.theuiaa.org/uiaa/2020-uiaa-general-assembly-to-be-held-online/...