Climbing (magazine)

Climbing (magazine)
source
Title	Climbing
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Sports magazine
Firstdate	1970
Country	United States
Language	English

Climbing (magazine) is an American periodical focused on rock climbing, bouldering, mountaineering, and indoor climbing culture. Founded in 1970, it has covered technical advances, notable ascents, gear testing, and profiles of influential figures, linking developments in sport climbing with communities centered in places such as Yosemite National Park, Indian Creek (Utah), Smith Rock State Park, Red River Gorge, and Bishop, California. The magazine has documented achievements connected to climbers and institutions including Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Lynn Hill, Chris Sharma, Reinhold Messner, Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, International Federation of Sport Climbing, American Alpine Club, Outdoor Industry Association, and notable events such as the IFSC Climbing World Championships and the Piolet d'Or.

History

Climbing began during the era of expansion in American outdoor sports alongside publications like Outdoor Life, Backpacker (magazine), National Geographic's adventure coverage, and regional outlets in the 1970s. Early issues reflected influences from figures such as John Gill (gymnastics coach), Warren Harding (climber), Royal Robbins, and Yvon Chouinard; coverage traced routes in Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and The Nose (El Capitan). In the 1980s and 1990s the magazine chronicled the rise of sport climbing in locations like Chulilla and Siurana, and highlighted ascents by Jean-Christophe Lafaille, Wolfgang Güllich, Ben Moon, Celia Paul, and Steve McClure. Ownership and format shifted through the 2000s amid consolidation among publishers such as Active Interest Media and other specialty media groups; these changes paralleled debates involving Access Fund, Sierra Club, and land managers at sites like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The title adapted to digital platforms as outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube reshaped outdoor media.

Editorial content and features

The magazine's editorial mix includes route guides, gear reviews, training plans, expedition reports, feature photography, and investigative pieces. Regular departments have examined techniques associated with free soloing practitioners like Alex Honnold, highline rigging tied to Slackline pioneers, and training methodologies promoted by coaches related to British Mountaineering Council-affiliated programs. Gear test features have compared ropes, harnesses, shoes, and protection from brands with founders such as Yvon Chouinard's Patagonia (company), Black Diamond Equipment, Petzl, and La Sportiva; the magazine has reviewed guidebooks and chronicled first ascents in zones like Squamish, Cochamo Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, and Gunks. Long-form journalism has addressed risk, avalanche safety with input from American Avalanche Association, environmental stewardship relating to Leave No Trace, and policy disputes involving Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and local climbing organizations.

Contributors and notable authors

Over decades, the magazine has published work by prominent climbers, writers, and photographers. Notable contributors include climbers and authors such as Tommy Caldwell, Alex Honnold, Lynn Hill, Peter Croft, Steph Davis, Mark Synnott, Conrad Anker, and Jim Bridwell; journalists and essayists have included names associated with Outside (magazine), The New Yorker, and National Geographic. Photographers and chroniclers like Jimmy Chin, Corey Rich, Andy Anderson, Tommy Caldwell (photographer)—and editors who later worked with outlets such as The New York Times—have been featured. The magazine has hosted gear test teams and technical analysts with academic links to institutions such as University of Colorado Boulder and University of Utah.

Circulation, ownership, and business developments

Circulation patterns changed with the shift from print to digital; subscription models and newsstand distribution paralleled trends at periodicals including Men's Journal, Outside (magazine), and National Geographic Traveler. Ownership transfers involved specialty-publishing companies and private equity entities similar to transactions seen at Active Interest Media and other niche media groups; partnerships and advertising relationships connected the title to brands like Patagonia (company), Black Diamond Equipment, La Sportiva, Arc'teryx, and retail outlets such as REI. The magazine navigated industry pressures from classifieds migration to online marketplaces such as eBay and social platforms like Instagram and YouTube, while monetization strategies included sponsored content, events, branded gear guides, and collaborative projects with organizations like the American Alpine Club and the Access Fund.

Events, competitions, and community involvement

The publication has organized, sponsored, or promoted competitions, festivals, and conservation initiatives, often collaborating with entities such as the IFSC, USA Climbing, Access Fund, American Alpine Club, and regional climbing festivals in Bishop, California, Squamish, Carbondale, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. Events highlighted include coverage of the IFSC Climbing World Cup, regional bouldering contests, and film festivals that align with Banff Mountain Film Festival programming. Community engagement has encompassed trail stewardship days, bolting ethics workshops coordinated with local bolting committees, and fundraising drives supporting access litigation involving organizations like Earthjustice and local land trusts.

Category:Sports magazines published in the United States Category:Climbing magazines