When the Impossible Becomes Routine
What we witnessed this week goes far beyond a single ascent. Alex Honnold free-soloing Taipei 101 rewrites the scale of what we consider "normal" in climbing — not because it was loud, but because it looked calm, controlled, almost inevitable. And yet, this issue proves one thing: the climbing world didn't stop there. From cutting-edge V16 movement to deeply human stories, competitions, gear reflections, and community moments — this edition captures the full spectrum of where climbing stands right now.
Moments That Defined the Conversation
Urban free soloing pushed into a completely new scale this week, while comp-style movement continues to shape the very hardest boulders outdoors. Beyond performance, the strongest signal came from Kilter Board, who publicly shut down operations in solidarity with a national strike — a clear reminder that the climbing community can take a stance that goes far beyond grades and ascents.
Alex Honnold Completes Free Solo of Taipei 101
The 101 story climb took 1 hour and 31 minutes, setting a new benchmark for urban free soloing at 1,667 feet.
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Comp-Style Move in New V16 from Will Bosi
Pôr do Sol V16 in Sintra, Portugal is now the country's hardest boulder problem.
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Kilter Board Shuts Down in Solidarity with National Strike
Kilter Board will shut down operations on January 30th as part of national strike efforts.
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Mellow Climbing Announces Big Screen Tour
Get ready for some of the hardest, unfiltered climbing ever. Mellow is coming to the big screen.
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Boulder Mag #2 Released
The first and only German boulder-only magazine releases issue #2 with exclusive Yannick Flohé interview.
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Stolen Squamish Boulder Found in Bishop
A stolen Squamish boulder has been found in Bishop and will be returned to its proper home.
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The North Face: 12 Years in the Making
1,667 feet of climbing. Taipei 101. Confident in his skills, we all watched on edge while Alex Honnold completed his free solo.
View post →Progress, Precision, and Pure Commitment
From Stefan Hochbaum's Mind Flayer ascent to Sophie Buitendyk's highball composure and Will Bosi redefining V16 movement — this week shows how diverse excellence in climbing has become.
Stefan Hochbaum Sends Mind Flayer (8C)
Stefan "Stevie" Hochbaum secures the first ascent of Mind Flayer (8C) at the Scharfenstein.
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Sophie Buitendyk Sends Evilution Direct V11 Highball
The over 40-foot boulder problem is a Buttermilks classic.
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Adam Ondra Flashes Big Nose 8C
After flashing Foundation's Edge 8C in November, Adam Ondra went for another 8C flash candidate.
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Climbing Magazine: Honnold Sets New Benchmark
At 1,667 feet, Taipei 101 is the tallest building ever climbed without ropes.
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Will Bosi - Pôr do Sol 8C+/V16
5 different 8A+ and above First Ascents from 4 incredible crags.
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Jakob Schubert Climbing in Red Rocks
Enjoying some of the nicest sandstone in Red Rocks, fighting dry conditions.
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Simon Lorenzi Wraps US Trip with V12 Flash
Plain High Drifter V12 flash and reflections on exploring new places with friends.
View post →Form, Focus, and the Long Game
National championships, athlete reflections, and competitive milestones remind us: competition climbing isn't just about medals.
2026 British Boulder Champions Crowned
Emma and Dayan Akhtar crowned 2026 British Boulder Champions.
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Janja Garnbret: Training Going Strong
Lowkey exhausted but training is going well - feeling stronger and better every week.
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New World Anti-Doping Code Presented to UIAA Ice Climbers
The 2027 World Anti-Doping Code will take effect January 1, 2027.
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Pro Climbing League Opens Qualifiers
Compete at The Font, Wandsworth and win your spot in the London final.
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Adam Ondra's Boulder Competition Legacy
From Hall 2009 to Prague 2025, 31 Boulder events with seven golds, eight silvers, and three bronzes.
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French Bouldering Championship Semi-Finals Results
Semi-finals wrapped up in Chaumont and Chamonix, setting the field for finals.
Read article →New to climbing?
Start with our guides
Plain English explainers on gear, grades and skills, so every edition makes sense from the first read.
All guides →Gear & Equipment
Insights on shoes and rubber technology from the pros.
The Skwama Diaries: Adam Ondra on Robin Ud 9b
Adam Ondra explains why the Skwama earned its place on Robin Ud (9b).
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40 Years of Stealth Rubber - Five Ten Anniversary
For 40 years, STEALTH rubber has helped climbers get high. All the grip you need, since 1986.
View post →Culture, Responsibility, and Perspective
From hard conversations about safety and health to films and media shaping the culture around climbing — these stories matter beyond performance.
Girl Climber Now Available on Amazon Prime
Alex Honnold supports, Emily Harrington soars, dreams get chased.
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A "Normal" Sport Climbing Fall Ended in a Thumb Amputation
We investigate the accident and learn how it could have been avoided.
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Weekend Whipper: Gear Blows in Nearly 200-Foot Brazilian Hand Crack
The biggest fall of his life in Brazil's legendary Fenda do Macaco (5.11; 190ft).
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How Does Alex Honnold Manage to Be Everything Everywhere All at Once?
A travel show with Honnold as host drops next month.
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UKClimbing Top 10 Photos of the Week
A lot of Winter and some Hobbits in this week's user voted Top 10.
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