Where progression becomes perspective
This week's stories sit right at the intersection of raw performance and long-term vision. From one of the hardest boulders ever climbed to historic repeats, alpine first ascents, elite competition returns, and honest reflections on recovery, patience, and longevity — Issue #7 captures how broad "progress" really is in climbing today. Big moments, yes, but also the thinking, preparation, and resilience behind them.
Defined by contrast and continuity
A landmark V17 ascent, a major alpine first ascent, a world-class return to competition, deep conversations around 9A+ bouldering, and the long road behind breakthrough performances. Different disciplines, same question — how far can progression be pushed without losing meaning?
Shaolin V17/9A
Truly one of the best boulders in the world. A proud aesthetic bloc, perfect landing, obvious start, amazing holds and not just one but two of the coolest moves I've ever done. My third boulder of this grade — and in a completely different style.
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Chris Sharma Returns to Competition
Chris Sharma is officially competing in Lead at the upcoming YETI National Championships.
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Jannu East North Face First Ascent
Jannu East, North Face (7468m). First known ascent by Benjamin Vedrines.
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Elias Iagnemma on Unique Beta, Hard Repeats, and His 9A+ Boulder
When Elias Iagnemma made the fourth ascent of Nalle Hukkataival's Burden of Dreams (f9A), it immediately identified him as a climber to watch — but not necessarily due to the grade.
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Will Bosi and Dave Graham on Training, Grades, and Projects
Two absolute pros talk training, difficulty ratings, projects, and outdoor climbing. Will Bosi and Dave Graham share their perspectives on shared passions.
Read article →Nathan Williams Climbs Return of the Sleepwalker 9A After 100+ Sessions
After more than one hundred sessions, Nathan Williams has made the eighth ascent of Daniel Woods' Black Velvet Canyon testpiece, Return of the Sleepwalker (f9A).
Read article →From sandstone cruxes to high-altitude faces.
Elite bouldering, long-term sport projects, emotional first ascents, and historic repeats define this week. Whether it's V17 precision, 8c+ mileage, or an alpine north face, the common thread is commitment — physical, mental, and often deeply personal.
No Pasaran and Action Discrète 8c+
Grenoble is increasingly becoming the French capital of climbing, full of hidden gems. Both routes feel 8c+ — great natural compression and a packed day ending in the best possible way.
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Keenan Takahashi vs. The Dark Side V16
Keenan Takahashi goes up against one of the Valley's hardest. Full video premiering at the Mellow Film Tour.
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Iron Resolution V13 FA — 20 Years Later
Joshua Tree, New Year's Day 2006. A brand new boulder had just appeared, revealing exquisite iron rock from inside the mountain. The arete line was big, obvious, and stunning. A liberating moment that set the tone for an important new year.
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Insouciance — The Biggest Project Yet
This project is surely the biggest one I could ever dream of. The perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and style. The crux is an 8c+/V16 boulder atop a 9a approach pitch. Psych is high.
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Jenya Kazbekova Redpoints Necessary Evil 5.14c
Just four and a half months after giving birth, Jenya Kazbekova redpointed the historic route Necessary Evil (5.14c), matching her hardest grade to date.
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Campusing SIKAU TOT 13.b in Margalef
Campusing SIKAU TOT 13.b in Margalef — raw power on display.
View post →Experience meets momentum.
Standout World Cup performances, iconic names returning to the start list, and a clearer picture of the Olympic qualification pathway. Competition climbing continues to evolve — blending youth, legacy, and increasingly defined structures.
Oriane Bertone Lights Up Seoul Boulder Final
Oriane Bertone lit up the wall in the women's Boulder final in Seoul, delivering one of the standout performances of the night and pushing the fight all the way to the last problem.
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Pro Climbing League Qualifier Results
The PCL qualifying round podium is set. Max Milne and Jenny Buckley take the top spots and move on to the Seed Round, followed by the Finals at the Magazine arena in Greenwich.
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Road to LA 2028: Olympic Qualification Mode Confirmed
The qualification mode for LA 2028 is set — covering the separation of Lead and Bouldering and how athletes can secure their tickets.
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Here's How Climbers Can Qualify for the Next Olympics
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will see 76 climbers across three separate disciplines — Boulder, Lead, and Speed.
Read article →Small details, real impact.
Lightweight systems, smarter packing, and practical solutions for moving efficiently in the mountains. Gear here isn't about hype — it's about function when conditions, terrain, and speed matter.
Beyond the send.
Philanthropy, film, festivals, interviews, and community stories remind us why climbing resonates far beyond grades. From personal priorities to shared culture, this section ties performance back to purpose.
Alex Honnold Foundation — Open Grant Applications
After Skyscraper Live, focus shifts to the Honnold Foundation. Applications for the Core Fund are open until February 12th. Over 650,000 people helped to date, across 130+ projects in more than 30 countries.
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YETI National Championships — Tickets Available
More tickets to the YETI National Championships are now available. Watch it live on Outside Watch if you can't make it in person.
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Rich Roll Podcast: Behind Honnold's Taipei 101 Free Solo
Over 6 million people watched Alex Honnold free solo Taipei 101 in real-time. This week's pod goes behind the spectacle to explore what really happened on that building.
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Frankenjura Climbing Festival: Four Days of Climbing, Culture, and Community
The Petzl Climbing Festival Frankenjura 2026 in Koenigstein promises a long weekend from 4 to 7 June dedicated to climbing, meeting people, and mountain sports.
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A Not So Mellow Adventure — Boulderers Go Alpine
Jackson Marvell and Matt Cornell lead Shawn Raboutou and Nathaniel Coleman into the Alaskan mountains. Premiering at the Mellow Film Tour on February 27.
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Climbing in Montserrat
Climbing in Montserrat is unique, geologically and culturally. Long days, big views, and unforgettable lines.
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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026
Unique stories, powerful emotions and breathtaking images await at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 — 7 films that inspire and move.
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Why You Should Obsess Over Your Ape Index (And 10 Other Measurements)
Most climbers know their ape index, but do you know how to calculate your sloth index? And what about your snake index?
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