Austin Siadak, 26, has become the first reported climber to solo the Evolution Traverse (V1, 5.9) in the High Sierra of California from car to car in under a day. He completed the route in 23 hours and 58 minutes on Monday, June 23.
World-renowned boulderer Nalle Hukkataival has climbed Beat Kammerlander’s Silbergeier (5.13d/5.14a) in the Rätikon, the Swiss Alps. Established in 1993, Silbergeier remains one of the most difficult alpine sport climbs in the world.
Ryan Jennings and Kevin Cooper of Colorado have established an impressive new 4,000-foot alpine route, Stairway to Heaven (Alaska 6 A1 M6 WI4 AI5+), on Mount Johnson, the Ruth Gorge, Alaska. The route, on the direct north face, was a culmination of a nearly 20-year dream, accomplished by two seasoned alpinists.
On May 18, Spanish climber Carlos Soria became the oldest person to summit Kangchenjunga (28,169 feet), the world’s third highest mountain.
Japanese climber, Sachi Amma, had a stellar day on May 14, climbing Hydrangea (V15) and Babel (V15), both located in Shiobara, Japan.
Mélissa Le Nevé has pulled the first female ascent of Wolfgang Gullich’s Wallstreet, the world’s first 5.14b, in Frankenjura, Germany.
Jimmy Webb continues to raise the bar for bouldering standards by making the fourth ascent of Jan Hojer’s Jour de Chasse (V15) in Recloses, Fontainebleau, in a mere 15 minutes.
Ethan Pringle spent the spring season in Las Vegas, and took the opportunity to head to Clark Mountain on the Nevada-California border and hop on Chris Sharma’s mega-line, Jumbo Love. At 5.15b, Jumbo Love is probably the hardest sport route in North America.
Alex Puccio recently competed in the World Cup and placed fifth in Women’s Bouldering. Watch Alex Puccio talk about her journey training for the World Cup this year.
Yep, you read that title right. A mere two hours....
Adam Ondra makes a first ascent of Back Road (5.14d) and a repeat of the the classic Underground, also 5.14d while preparing for the World Cup.
Josh Wharton frees The Hallucinogen Wall (5.13+ R) in the Black Canyon of Gunnison, Colorado.