There is an obvious difference between the U.S.A. and the rest of the world when it comes to competitive climbing. North American may harbor some of the strongest and most media spotlighted climbers in the world, but when it comes to competitive climbing, it seriously lacks momentum. Compared to the rest of the world, it doesn’t really seem like we [...]
There are not too many people that I can think of with as much dedication — some might even call it an addiction — as Josh Hurst and climbing partner Ryan Brooks. Over a five day period the duo spent 50+ hours on the road dedicated in order to climb the first ascent of Road Warrior, a four pitch M8/NEI [...]
It comes as no surprise that Nathan Kutcher is back at it in Southern Ontario. Not long after his victory at the Ouray Ice Festival, Kutcher headed to Diamond Lake in Ontario with his sights set on the long standing right leaning crack system that finishes on the large dagger at the top. The impressive 35m (115 ft.) of overhanging runout rock [...]
We’re getting psyched for another epic weekend here in Vermont! Sunrise Adventure Sports, Alpinist, NEice, and yours truly Climberism are sponsoring the 6th annual Smuggs Ice Bash from Friday to Sunday, January 27-29. I was in the Notch a couple weeks ago with -15 degree temperatures, but the ice was mighty fine. Temperatures are looking a bit more friendly for [...]
We’re super lucky in the Northeast to have ice climbing festivals in most of the major areas this time of year. They bring together the climbing community, introduce new folks to the sport, and are an all around shindig. This weekend brings us the 14th annual Catskill Ice Festival. Presented by Alpine Endeavors and Rock and Snow, we’ve gone the [...]
A few years, ago when I was getting a Wilderness First Responder certificate, our instructor made a comment about how a climber needed to have at least four pairs of crampons; aluminum for skiing and summer use, steel horizontals for glacier use, steel horizontals with a toe basket for general use, and technical ice crampons. Until this season, I agreed [...]
Nate Kutcher of St. Catharines, Ontario took home the top prize at the 17th annual Ouray Ice Festival this weekend. Over 3,000 climbers from around the world descended on Southwestern Colorado for an invitation-only throwdown. Climbing without gloves, Kutcher was one of only two men to top-out on a challenging mixed route, 6 seconds ahead of Andres Marin. Incredibly, this [...]
At the end of December, Bjørn-Eivind Årtun and Ole Lied climbed a gnarly new route on the west side of Torre Egger’s south face in Patagonia. They’ve dubbed the line Venas Azules and tacked an AI6 grade to the the overall route! Torre Egger is the second highest spire (8,809 feet) in the Fitz Roy massif of southern Patagonia, and though [...]
As ice climbing competition go, the Ouray competition in Colorado is likely the biggest in the country. The likes of the best climbers in the nation and even the world travel to the small mountain village. This year, we’re paying close attention to a few climbers competing in the Ouray Ice Climbing Competition: Nathan Kutcher (Ontario), Josh Worley (Vermont), Will Mayo [...]
It’s that time of the year to pack up your RV (or Mazda Miata) and take to the road for some seriously awesome ice climbing festivals throughout the Northeast. While the weather hasn’t cooperated for solid and consistent ice just yet, the colder temps are finally here in northern New England. Coming up next weekend is the 16th Annual Adirondack [...]
