King of Kanzi Climbing Festival in Austria with Steve House, Angelika Rainer and Sean Villanueva

With over 300 routes the Kanzianiberg is one of the biggest and most important sport climbing areas in Austria. It is here that after the early explorations in the ’70’s of the most obvious cracks and corners, in the ’80's the smooth slabs and fierce overhangs witnessed the advent and entire sport climbing revolution.

And it is here that, from 22 to 24 May, the King of Kanzi will take place, a sport climbing meeting to discover and rediscover this beautiful corner of Carinthia. The theme of this first edition is dictated by '80's Climbing Marathon which, as the name suggests, pays tribute to the free spirit of the early-years of sport-climbing, to the pioneers and to those who envisioned the first free climbing lines. At the end of the event the King and Queen of Kanzi will be crowned, namely those who climbed most routes during the day, and it’s worth noting that authentic ‘80s climbing outfit earns extra points. Furthermore, the best outfit will be awarded with the “Golden Lycra Needle”…

The three-day event is open to everyone, from beginners to experts alike and for those who wish, there are also climbing clinics organised by local mountain guides. Clinics will also be held for the more advanced by thee star guests: the king of modern alpinism Steve House, the queen of ice climbing Angelika Rainer and the king of crazy big wall expeditions Sean Villanueva. It’s worth noting that alls profit from these three clinics go towards route maintenance.

As is often the case, the Festival is much more than ‘merely' climbing in a fabulous place rich in climbing history: the participants can also do yoga, slackline, highline, via ferrata, listen to evening lectures by the historic climbing pioneer Thomas Brandauer and Steve House who will present his Next Gerneration alpinism, and much more still.

For more information check out kanzianiberg.com