Crazy things happened this year. Not only crazy, but amazing, unbelievable things that even just two years ago would seem too far-fetched to be true.

5.14c was onsighted—not just once, but a lot. The number of women who’ve ever climbed 5.14d potentially tripled. Climbers absolutely raged the alpine. So many big numbers were put up that they began to lose meaning. But by all measures, 2011 was a banner year in climbing.

What stands out above all the numbers and achievements, however, is just how truly big this sport is. Climbing can take an infinite number of expressions, and our playing field is literally as large as the earth itself. Based on how far and fast we’ve come, one can’t help but imagine that momentum hurtling forward. 5.16, V17 and free-solos of El Cap seem to be just around the corner.  If there are limits or boundaries to how hard, high and dangerous climbing can get, then we didn’t see them this year. If anything, 2011 has shown just how far away we are from scratching that surface.

In a year of standout progression, there are 10 ascents that can be called the year’s best.