When the edge keeps moving
Alex Honnold once again shifts our sense of what feels "normal" - this time with humor, but the same level of commitment. Free solo doesn't stand still, and neither does progression. Alongside that: first 9c ascents, long-term 9A projects finally unlocked, athletes returning from injury, and new competitive structures taking shape. This edition sits right in the tension where climbing currently lives: precision, exposure, recovery, and constant forward motion.
This Week's Highlights
This week's highlights capture the state of modern climbing: a historic 9c first ascent in the US, urban exposure at an unprecedented scale, the confirmed Olympic qualification path for Boulder, Lead, and Speed, and an honest look at injury and recovery at the top level.
America's first 5.15d / 9c
First ascent @seanbailey. Feature film from @neilson.ben in the Mellow Film Tour premiering February 27th.
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Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 playlist
We finally got our hands on Alex Honnold's music playlist for his free solo of Taipei 101
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The Road to LA28 Has Been Paved
The IOC Executive Board has approved and published 22 qualification systems for the Olympic Games LA28, including those for Boulder, Lead, and Speed.
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Sean Bailey makes first ascent of new 9c route
Comprehensive up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by Google News.
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Natalia Grossman's Recovery Journey
After Natalia Grossman's injury in 2025, recovery has been about small wins, solid support, and learning to navigate the emotional side of healing.
View post →Where limits are tested, again.
From 100-session journeys to a first 9A, to uncompromising V14 power, pristine V15 lines, and iconic sport routes at the highest grades. Performance this week comes in many forms: patience, precision, and the willingness to keep returning until everything clicks.
Nathan Williams: 100 Sessions for his first 9A | Return of the Sleepwalker
The epic battle is over: After more than 100 sessions, US bouldering specialist Nathan Williams has ticked off Return of the Sleepwalker in Nevada - his first 9A.
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Banana Slap (low) V14
Great new addition from @nick_climbs. Consistently tense. Combining 1st and 2nd moves was the crux of the low.
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Vision Quest 9a/+
It was many days and many falls to finally send this immaculate line. These moments when everything comes together are few and far between.
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The Nest V15/8C
Started the session with another big split on Shaolin and decided to take the one hour hike. Definitely worth it, especially the first half of the boulder has the most amazing holds on perfect rock.
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Patagonia Mission
Straight from the airplane to the mountain - alas, the weather window was too wet to send. Beautiful place though.
View post →The system evolves.
The road to LA28 is officially mapped: unified qualification across all three disciplines. At the same time, the pro scene continues to grow through new formats and leagues, creating more pathways without slowing the sport's momentum.
Pro Climbing League Qualifier
Climbing is evolving - and competitions are too. The Pro Climbing League is competition built for climbers, by climbers. Join us at The Font Climbing Gym on Feb 7.
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National Competition Dates 2026: German Championships, Youth Series & Highlights
Save the dates! Here you will find all the highlights of the 2026 national climbing season: from the German Championships to the Youth Series.
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Boulder Japan Cup 2026 Silver
Solid winter training so far. The energy and technical skill from the younger crew today were truly inspiring. Onward to the season.
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Darius Rapa joins PCL London
From becoming the first Romanian to climb 9a at only 15, to an ascent of legendary deep water solo Es Pontas 9a+ last year - Darius is a strong youth champion still on the rise.
View post →Refinement, not reinvention.
Updated classics, competition-focused shoes, and functional details aimed at sensitivity, warmth, and control. Gear isn't getting louder - it's getting sharper, tuned for training, competition, and long days outside.
Not All Chalk Bags Are Created Equal. These 6 Are Tried and True.
Chalk bags may not make or break your day, but they sure can add comfort on the wall.
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The New Zenist Competition Shoe
Our softest, most sensitive competition shoe for smearing, toe hooking and heel hooking. Thinner, stickier, and more responsive everywhere it matters.
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Adidas TERREX Climawarm System
The moments before a major event matter just as much as the performance itself. Engineered to prepare athletes' bodies in the cold.
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The NEW GuideTennie
Built to evolve. Bringing the iconic approach shoe back to the forefront of 5.10, updated in look and materials but rooted in its original performance DNA.
View post →Culture, context, continuity.
From big wall ambitions and personal transitions to community topics like access, youth development, and stewardship. Climbing isn't just about movement - it's about people, places, and responsibility.
Legend of Ontario Lives on Across Canadian Crags, Cabins, and Communities
Helmut von Microys lived a full life, passing away at the age of 91 in December.
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From Early 60s Stoney Point to 70s Yosemite, This Climber Did It All
Yosemite climber Jerry Anderson passed away after a courageous battle with myeloma.
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Torres Del Paine 24h Push Attempt
Free climbing a 1200m big wall in a day! The first time it took us 19 days, the second time 18 days - now we are trying to get it done in a 24h push.
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UKClimbing Top 10 Photos of the Week
Still got the Hobbits, and winter, and Jopplety How, in this weeks user voted Top 10 Climbing & Mountaineering Photos.
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Hannah Meul Moving to Barcelona
Leaving home and everything familiar for a little while, guided by trust and a deep sense of knowing. Barcelona is calling, with new roads to drive, new training to shape me.
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Access Fund Climber Stewards Program
Dream job alert! Access Fund is looking for TWO rad folks to launch our first season of Climber Stewards in Washington. From April to October.
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Fort William Mountain Festival - Pete Whittaker
Hear Pete Whittaker share his experience free soloing the massive Kjerag wall in Norway. In person! Climbing Night, Saturday 14 Feb.
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