Stories

Climbing Dreams: Nurturing a Revolution in Malawi's Vertical Landscape

The perspectives of Malawian climbers on the future of climbing in the Warm Heart of Africa

In August 2023, the young climbing community of Malawi in southeast Africa took part in educational climbing workshops through the Global Climbing Initiative’s Climbing Leadership Fund. Mentored by a team of instructors from the US and Kenya, their goal was to develop skills and knowledge to lead their community, grow as climbers, and further develop the sport for all Malawians rather than being reliant on visiting foreign climbers.

Local Climbing Community in Almora, India Produces Its First Guidebook

GCI connected with author Siddhartha Chattopadhyay to discuss the process and motivation behind developing a guidebook for this new climbing area

Almora, a region in the Himalayan foothills, is growing to become a new climbing destination thanks to the work of Siddhartha Chattopadhyay and the local climbing community of RockTrailSleep. Now, Chattopadhyay has published the area’s first climbing guidebook: The Essential Guide to Climbing in the Almora Area, Volume 1. We caught up with him to learn about this huge milestone for the Almora climbing community, as well as the continued development of climbing in the area and the growth of RTS.

Balancing the Scales: Bringing Outdoor Opportunities to Peruvian Youth

Two Peru-based nonprofits work to create equal opportunity through climbing and outdoor recreation for local youth in the mountain community of Pitumarca

Uma Rumi and 7a Escalada are two nonprofits working together to bridge the social and economic gaps between visitors to the land and the local community, helping young locals access outdoor educational and recreational opportunities in their home mountains. These organizations need the support of the global climbing community to make this program a reality. Read our interview with Uma Rumi co-founder Mara Brcic Bello (@marabrcicbello), learn about the extensive opportunities offered by the program, and find a link to their GoFundMe, including details about how your donation will directly benefit local youth in Pitumarca.

Jordan Climbing Federation Hosts 2nd Annual Pan-Arab Climbing Competition

More than 70 climbers competed in Amman, Jordan in March 2022

A new regional climbing competition is a momentous occasion in the growth of the global climbing community. The Climbing Initiative connected with Marwan Maayta (Routesetter and Judge), Abdelqader Al Dabbas (Competition Organizer / First Place Finisher), Dr. Ghassan Alami (JCF founding member and Fundraising Manager), and Sharaf Kilani (JCF President and Climbat Amman founder) to talk about both the competition as well as expansion of the Middle Eastern climbing scene.

If You Can’t Find It, Build It

Elbrus4Alpinists plans to bring sustainable alpine tourism to the remote valleys of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic of Russia

Matt Johnson, a truck driver from Madison, Wisconsin and founder of Elbrus4Alpinists and the Elbrus Alpine Foundation, is collaborating with local Karachay actors to create a climbing industry in the Ullukam Valley.

Climbing With Immigrants [in Spanish and English]

Stories Across the Wall

The word "immigrant" has long been associated with negative connotations around the world. Katherine Gonzalez, a Central American immigrant, decided to change the narrative of migration by climbing walls with other immigrants and telling their stories of migration through photography. Here, she tells the story behind her photo series "Climbing with Immigrants.''

RockTrailSleep: The Birth of a Rural Climbing Community in Northern India

RTS is using climbing as means for meditation, reflection, and healing

In Almora, Uttarakhand, India, members of RockTrailSleep have developed over 100 new routes, offer affordable climbing instruction courses, and teach principles of environmental stewardship. RTS blends recreation, introspection, and self-discovery in a community known for its wealth of spiritual knowledge.

Turning Fear Into Joy: How a Community in Uganda Has Found Healing Through Climbing

The Recreation Project uses climbing to address trauma and foster resilience

In Northern Uganda, a youth-centric nonprofit is using climbing and outdoor adventure to provide transformative experiences for children and families in a region affected by a long history of adversity.

Breaking the Mold: The First All-Black Team Will Attempt Mt. Everest in 2022

An Interview with Dom Mullins of Full Circle Everest

As of 2021, there have been over 10,000 summits of Mt. Everest, but only 8 by Black climbers. The Full Circle Everest expedition plans to change the future of mountaineering as the first all-Black team to attempt the world’s tallest mountain, and hopes to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts from underrepresented communities.

The Power of Pizza: How Miguel's Catalyzed the Growth of an Iconic Climbing Destination

The humble beginnings of a small business - turned world-class climbing destination

Miguel’s Pizza represents the heart, soul, and sustenance of climbing in the Red River Gorge. Miguel’s son Dario reflects on taking over his father’s business, noting that though its trademark rainbow door is a little faded, the community remains as vibrant as ever.

The Kida of India

A first-hand account of the early days of climbing in Western Maharashtra

Sachin Gaikwad shares a first-hand account of the evolution of climbing in western India and how the community overcame significant hurdles to develop the sport.

Montaña Limpia

A campaign uniting Latin America to celebrate and protect the mountains

International Mountain Day is December 12 and 13, and Acceso PanAm is leading a coalition of outdoor organizations on a campaign to clean up the mountains!

Climbing in the Country of Four Worlds

How one organization is using climbing to elevate rural Ecuador

The beautiful, mountainous country of Ecuador is a climber and outdoor athlete’s paradise. Fundación Acceso Andino is working with rural communities to capitalize on the economic opportunities waiting in their backyards, and they need our support.

Escalando Fronteras

Changing the lives of children in Monterrey, one route at a time

Escalando Fronteras is an organization dedicated to empowering Monterrey, Mexico’s vulnerable youth through climbing and education. In June 2019, The Climbing Initiative partnered with Escalando Fronteras to assist with the important task of measuring the impact of their programs.