The Art of Progress
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 95, Derek Franz mulls questions that will never have black-and-white answers and considers various examples of how the… Read More »The Art of Progress
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Derek Franz
Peering into the Void
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 94, Derek Franz considers the culture that produced Dean Potter after a four-part documentary about Potter’s life, titled… Read More »Peering into the Void
Finding Solace in Small Things
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 93, Derek Franz celebrates the humble value of small backwater places that can offer us much more than… Read More »Finding Solace in Small Things
High Places
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 92, Derek Franz writes of his experience climbing in the Swiss Alps with The North Face team last… Read More »High Places
Responsibilities of Storytelling
In this Sharp End story from Alpinist 91, Derek Franz considers recurring themes and the responsibilities of storytelling, and announces his trip to Nepal. He… Read More »Responsibilities of Storytelling
Black Diamond Technician Pro Approach Shoes are built for Climbers
If I were heading out the door to spend a summer day scampering in mountains like the Tetons, the Black Diamond Technician Pro approach shoes… Read More »Black Diamond Technician Pro Approach Shoes are built for Climbers
Close to Home
[This Sharp End story originally appeared in Alpinist 90 (Summer 2025), which is now available on newsstands and in our online store. Only a small fraction of our… Read More »Close to Home
A discussion of mixed reactions to a mixed winter ascent of the Diamond
Whenever there is an ascent that breaks away from expected norms in terms of tactics, style, difficulty, whatever—it is usually worth a second look, if… Read More »A discussion of mixed reactions to a mixed winter ascent of the Diamond
Impossible Things
Dawn Wall free in a day. There, I thought it, said it, wrote it. Someday it’s sure to happen, yes?
Séb Berthe agrees…. Saying, speaking,… Read More »Impossible Things
Navigating a Crack of Doom
Any climber worth their salt must understand their relationship with ego. It affects not only the individual but also those around them, even the environment… Read More »Navigating a Crack of Doom
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
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