The news

Interview with Fred Rouhling after the first ascent of Salamandre at Saint-Pierre en Faucigny, which the French climber has graded 9?

On Tuesday 27 November Patxi Usobiaga redpointed La Rambla 9a+ in Siurana, one of the reference routes for this incredible grade.

Climber, mountaineer, but also keen snowboarder, surfer, skydiver, base jumper and nature lover, Leo Houlding is one of the most famous rock climbers and mountaineers in the world.

Interview with Swiss mountaineer Ueli Steck, nominated for Piolet d'or 2005 for his solo ascents of Cholatse (6440m), Tawoche (6505m) and Ama Dablam (up to 5900m).

Last July Lynn Hill and Katie Brown made a free ascent of Leaning Tower's West Face (Yosemite, U.S.A.).

On 23 May Heinz Zak from Austria made the audacious second solo ascent of one of Yosemite valley’s finest routes, Separate Reality 5.11d.

Ueli Steck and his solo ascents of Cholatse and Tawoche in the Himalaya, in the words of Christine Kopp .

Interview with the Russian expedition leader who received the Piolet d'Or 2004 for the first direct ascent of the North face of Jannu.

Interview with the American mountaineer who received the nomination for the Piolet d'Or 2004 for his solo ascent of K7. This climb recieved the People's Choice Award as the most important ascent of the year.

An interview with Yuji Hirayama after the first ever 8c on-sight: White Zombi in the Baltzola Cave, Spain.

In an open letter Yvon Chouinard, mountaineer, surfer, fly fisherman and founder of "Patagonia", the famous American outdoor clothing company explains how urgent and pressing the envirnmental issue is.

On 23 August Maurizio "Manolo" Zanolla and Riccardo "Sky" Scarian both made the first free ascent of "Cani morti", their 2003 testpiece on the north face of Campanile Basso di Lastei, Pale di San Martino, Dolomites.

Cristian Brenna and Marzio Nardi free the historic Itaca in Valle dell'Orco. The photos and story by Andrea Gallo.

Christoph Hainz talks about his speed ascent up the North Face of the Eiger in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The 8C boulder problem established by Fred Nicole at Cresciano, repeated by Christian Core. Photos by Andrea Gallo, video by Marzio Nardi.

On 15 October Mauro Calibani makes the first ascent of Is not always Pasqua E9 7a at at Collina di Interprete, Mount Sibillines National Park, Central Italy.