Fabulous Roman Candles
[This story originally appeared in Alpinist 87 (Autumn 2024), which is now available on newsstands and in our online store. Only a small fraction of… Read More »Fabulous Roman Candles
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Derek Franz
Echoes through the Ages
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 86, Derek Franz contemplates the future and finds hope. He writes: “While digging through the Alpinist archive for… Read More »Echoes through the Ages
A Drone in the Desert
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 85—which is now available on newsstands and in our online store—Derek Franz encounters a drone on top of… Read More »A Drone in the Desert
Two proposals threaten America’s rock climbing
Policy proposals are now being considered by the National Park Service (NPS) and US Forest Service (USFS) that threaten to fundamentally change the way rock… Read More »Two proposals threaten America’s rock climbing
Sharp End: Shiny Things
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 84—which is now available on newsstands and in our online store—Derek Franz weighs the pros and cons of… Read More »Sharp End: Shiny Things
![A fixed piton offers a lone spot of protection for Nik Berry and Hayden Kennedy on the notoriously spicy Hallucinogen Wall in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, 2014. [Photo] Andrew Burr](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/a83-sharp-end-1-2-800x620.jpg)
Climbing in Wilderness
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 83–which is now available on newsstands and in our online store–Derek Franz examines the legal landscape and uncertain… Read More »Climbing in Wilderness
Contemplating the Next Impossible
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 82–which is now on newsstands and in our online store–Derek Franz considers some of the hardest objectives for… Read More »Contemplating the Next Impossible
![Reinhold Messner holds the Maestri bolts from Cerro Torre that were given to him in Aspen, Colorado, on November 23, 2022. [Photo] Derek Franz](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/a81-sharp-end-1-830x620.jpeg)
Between safety and boldness
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 81–which is now on newsstands and in our online store–Derek Franz seeks a balance between safety and boldness.… Read More »Between safety and boldness
![Derek Franz on Ecclesiastes (IV 5.9) on Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming, in 2019. [Photo] Todd Preston, Derek Franz collection](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/a80-sharp-end-1-930x620.jpg)
A Climbing Life
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 80–which is now available on newsstands and in our online store–Derek Franz shares his journey from Alpinist reader… Read More »A Climbing Life
![Madaleine Sorkin during her free ascent of the Dunn-Westbay Direct (IV 5.14-, 4 pitches, 1,000') on the Diamond of Longs Peak (Neniisotoyou'u, 14,255') on August 10. [Photo] Henna Taylor](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/madaleine-sorkin-dunn-westbay-direct-longs-peak-930x620.jpg)
Madaleine Sorkin becomes the first woman to free climb Dunn-Westbay Direct (5.14-)
On August 10, Madaleine Sorkin, 40, enjoyed a no-falls day on the Dunn-Westbay Direct (IV 5.14-, 4 pitches, 1,000′) on the Diamond of Longs Peak… Read More »Madaleine Sorkin becomes the first woman to free climb Dunn-Westbay Direct (5.14-)
![Francois Franz Cazzanelli and Pietro Picco climbing the Aosta Valley Express variation (AI 90° M6 85°, 1400m) up to Camp 2 (ca. 6000m) on the Kinshofer Route on Nanga Parbat (8125m). [Photo] Courtesy of Yodel press agency](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nanga-parbat-aosta-express-1-930x620.jpeg)
A new variation to Camp 2 and a speed ascent on Nanga Parbat
In late June and early July, a group of climbing guides from Italy’s Aosta Valley completed a variation to Camp 2 and a speed ascent… Read More »A new variation to Camp 2 and a speed ascent on Nanga Parbat
![Annapurna (8091m). [Photo] Wolfgang Beyer, Wikimedia](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/annapurna-i-930x620.jpeg)
Researchers challenge historical records for 8000-meter peaks
A team of researchers has been working for the past several years analyzing summit photos from the world’s highest peaks–particularly on Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m)… Read More »Researchers challenge historical records for 8000-meter peaks