MOUNTAIN SKILLS: Equipment for an ice, snow, rock or mixed route

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 30 sunglasses (protection level IV) Top: long-sleeved breathable undershirt 1 waterproof breathable shell jacket 1 fleece jacket 1 lightweight insulated jacket or vest 1 pair of snow gloves 1 pair of...

DISCUSSING ACCESS TO THE MOUNTAINS OF NEPAL

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 years, the climbing and mountaineering community, often through UIAA member federations, has expressed its concern regarding increased restrictions proposed by Government of Nepal. The latest plans, muted at the close...

Progress on Safety Standards for Avalanche rescue shovels and probes

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 ensure equal and fair racing conditions for all athletes. While not legally binding, UIAA SafeCom standards represent a self-regulatory approach for the only worldwide, industry standard for mountain safety equipment. Initially,...

Les Frères Ladevant: Always Climbing

Whether in the gym, on the walls of a World Cup venue or climbing in their beloved Alps, the Ladevant brothers are inseparable. Almost three years divide older brother Tristan, 20, and Louna, 17. In their two full seasons on the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour, the French pair have climbed with energy and panache, demonstrated considerable potential and progress and become an integral part of the ice climbing circuit. Another factor which makes them stand out...