Frequently Asked Questions, Community Guidelines, and more
Discussion about general climbing topics. A great place to talk about gear, technique, and the climbing community!
Discussion about the OpenBeta website, forums, and community
Share stories and pictures from your climbing trips!
Share or browse articles, videos, and news about climbing from around the web
Discussion about OpenBeta (and related projects) development
Marchaland is no stranger to throwing down hard routes quickly
The post Jules Marchaland Sends France’s First 5.14d on His Second Try appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Marchaland is no stranger to throwing down hard routes quickly
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
It is with great appreciation that the American Alpine Club honors and celebrates the life of Virginia (Ginnie) Boucher—an unsung hero in the Club’s history.
Virginia Boucher was the chair for the AAC Library Committee for a decade, and a driving force in introducing best practices to the AAC Library from the 1990s onward—including online access to the AAC’s library catalog, expansion of library staff, and implementing interlibrary loans in this highly niche space of mountaineering libraries and literature. Boucher was also instrumental in the physical move of the AAC Library from the AAC’s original Clubhouse in New York to its current location among the mountains of Golden, Colorado.
Boucher received the 2005 Angelo Heilprin Citation from the AAC for exemplary service to the Club, thanks to her transformational leadership at the AAC Library. Not only did her leadership bring the full force of library science to bear on this now world-renowned library and archive, but she also helped steward the acquisition of many pieces of the John M. Boyle Himalayan Collection and the Nicholas B. Clinch Collection, two keystone collections in the AAC’s current holdings.
In the notes announcing her award of the Heilprin Citation, the Award Committee shares some tidbits that suggest that Boucher wasn’t just the bookish type—she also had a flair for adventure. The committee notes that she and her husband, Stanley Boucher–a lifetime member of the AAC—were known for their unplanned night descents, and had a hilarious story about fighting off porcupines in the San Juans. She climbed the Grand Teton, Rainier, and many of Colorado’s mountains, and in her early years started off her climbing at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
Boucher’s extensive impact as a volunteer for the AAC’s Library Committee was fueled by her love for the mountains and her calling as a librarian. But by the time she was serving on the committee, she had left climbing behind her. In her autobiography, she writes of this part of herself: “I know a number of those who have ‘summited’ Mount Everest…those who are addicted to boulders, and a few such as myself who climb [only] in our memories.”
But even so, climbing was a part of her history and identity, and after shepherding the AAC Library into the world-class institution it is today, she recalls how her volunteer involvement with the AAC Library brought her full-circle in her career: “I have drawn upon my special library experience…to give the best advice I can to this emerging and unique library… And finally, I have returned to my beginnings; I shelve books once again.”
Virginia Boucher May 26, 1929 – March 9, 2025 It is with great appreciation that the American Alpine Club honors and celebrates the life of Virginia (Ginnie) Boucher—an unsung hero in the Club’s history.
American Alpine Club (americanalpineclub.org)
I really enjoy bold ascents like this, they just feel really fun and out there, and I love the feeling of mind control that leads to dangerous leads like this. It feels enjoyable and freeing.
Climbing can be the best way to enjoy your free time, just be sure to learn the basics first
The post 10 Essential Tips for Beginner Rock Climbers appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Climbing can be the best way to enjoy your free time, just be sure to learn the basics first
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Some details have been released, including the age of the climbers and the route they were on
The post Three Climbers Die After Anchor Failure appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Some details have been released, including the age of the climbers and the route they were on
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
After considerable effort and trauma, Eliot Stephens closes the deal making the first ascent of another South Wales boulder test-piece.
Andrea Hassler didn’t grow up outdoors beyond playing in the woods behind her childhood home, but today, she’s one of the leading voices in climbing stewardship and education. Her journey from a college freshman on an indoor climbing wall to Access Fund’s Stewardship & Education Director is
Access Fund (www.accessfund.org)
The iconic list of Squamish blocs features many of Squamish's best, biggest, and boldest lines. We talk with Tiger to get his thoughts on the list.
The post Jake Tiger Completes ‘Top 25’ Squamish Highballs appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
The iconic list of Squamish blocs features many of Squamish's best, biggest, and boldest lines. We talk with Tiger to get his thoughts on the list.
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Chingando was first climbed 60 years ago and is one of the best 5.10a wide cracks in the Valley
The post A Must-Try Yosemite 5.10 for Offwidth Lovers appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Chingando was first climbed 60 years ago and is one of the best 5.10a wide cracks in the Valley
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Ondra used some funky beta to unlock Fantazija, a 5.15a power-endurance line in Slovenia
The post Adam Ondra Using His Thigh as a Foothold in a 5.15a First Ascent appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Ondra used some funky beta to unlock Fantazija, a 5.15a power-endurance line in Slovenia
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
New guidebook has 600 pages of photos and route descriptions, it's currently only available for purchase in America
The post New 2025 Yosemite Guidebook Has 750 Climbs appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
New guidebook has 600 pages of photos and route descriptions, it's currently only available for purchase in America
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Margareta Morin was attempting to climb Kanchenjunga when she fell ill
The post Climber Dies High Up on Himalayan Peak appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Margareta Morin was attempting to climb Kanchenjunga when she fell ill
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Curled into the bench seat like astronauts they hurtled through the dark, stars hanging low outside the dust-dimmed beam of her headlights, his eyes twinned planets in her mirror. This poem is published in Volume 23. Art by Rhiannon Williams Rambling conversation, comfortable strangers, that strange intimacy of predawn, those trickling hours that bathe any…
Curled into the bench seat like astronauts they hurtled through the dark, stars hanging low outside the dust-dimmed beam of her headlights…
The Climbing Zine (climbingzine.com)
No injuries or accidents were reported as a result of the earthquake
The post Earthquake Near Everest Shakes Climbers appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
No injuries or accidents were reported as a result of the earthquake
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Nicolai and Timo Užnik recently established Airbag V14, a new problem in Maltatal
The post V17 Climber Shares V14 First Ascent with His Brother appeared first on Gripped Magazine.
Nicolai and Timo Užnik recently established Airbag V14, a new problem in Maltatal
Gripped Magazine (gripped.com)
Welcome to the OpenBeta Forums!
Our goal is to provide a friendly, welcoming, helpful online community of people passionate about climbing. Remember to follow the Community Guidelines, and have fun!
