by Tom Markiewicz on May 25, 2009
The National Geographic Adventure Travel blog interviews the First Ascent team about the technology behind their Everest filmmaking. weather permitting, mountaineers Ed Viesturs, Peter Whittaker, and other members of the First Ascent team will take on the summit of Everest. And even though we have not yet donned our down jackets, we’ve been there every [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on February 10, 2009
Ade Miller offers some tips on how to succeed on winter alpine routes. Rehearse the climb. If you’re trying do a winter ascent of a line that climbs a summer route then climb the route in summer at least once. Getting off route in winter will waste time and saps your momentum. I’ve failed more [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on January 5, 2009
In what is truly a great example of using new media tools for expedition reporting, Andy Kirkpatrick is blogging and posting updates to Twitter on his solo ascent of the North Face of the Eiger. Unfortunately, as of yesterday, it looks like he is retreating: Starting this morning I put my solo belay device upside [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on December 3, 2008
I received an interesting press release from Bay Area Wilderness Training that many of you may find useful – do some fund raising, bag some big peaks, and get free gear. What better way is there to climb a fantastic peak and help kids at the same time? You can join Climbing For Kids and [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on October 8, 2008
The prusik hitch may be pretty basic for many readers, but there are certain essential knots that every climber should know. The American Alpine Institute has posted a great video illustrating the prusik knot. Alpinists keep a variety of technical tools in their back-pockets. One of the most important tools is the prusik hitch. The [...]
by Tom Markiewicz on May 23, 2008
An interview with the mountaineering great, Reinhold Messner via The Adventure Blog.
by Tom Markiewicz on January 12, 2008
As has been widely reported, Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to scale Mount Everest, died at age 88 in Auckland, New Zealand. Good coverage and insight can be found at The Adventure Blog and The New York Times.
by Tom Markiewicz on November 22, 2007
Taking place in New York’s Adirondacks, the 12th annual Mountainfest will take place this winter January 11-13, 2008. A full schedule of classes include beginning through advanced ice climbing, snowshoe mountaineering, and avalanche fundamentals.
by Tom Markiewicz on October 12, 2007
Petzl has posted a recall for all its Petzl Charlet Sarken crampons. Recent customer experience has shown that the front points of SARKEN crampons are susceptible to premature wearout following heavy use. This means cracking of the metal forefoot near the front point(s), followed by possible breakage if usage continues. Petzl has stopped sales and [...]