Weekly Feature Archives

The Precarious World—The Sharp End, Alpinist 57

Posted January 20, 2017

At a time when the word precarious is used increasingly to describe many aspects of our current existence, Katie Ives reflects on the differences between confronting risk in the mountains and responding to much vaster political and ecological uncertainties in the US and the world. "I think now, especially with climate change, we are without a doubt living in a precarious world," climber and environmental advocate Laura Waterman tells her. "We have to make the right decisions, ethically, as best we can."

Diving into the Unknown

Posted January 17, 2017

Four friends spend 10 days doing first ascents in the Purcell Wilderness, British Columbia, and for some it was their first time doing a first ascent.

Talking Environmentalism at the Summer Outdoor Retailer 2016

Posted January 16, 2017

At the 2016 Summer Outdoor Retailer trade show, Erin Monahan wonders how far leaders in the outdoor gear industry are really willing to take their commitment to the environment.

Lives of the Volcano Poets

Posted January 6, 2017

The author climbs after the volcano poets. This piece originally appeared in Alpinist 40.

Axe of Contrition

Posted January 6, 2017

Stevenson contemplates the axe of God in this Climbing Life story from Alpinist 20.

After the Expedition

Posted January 6, 2017

In this work of short fiction from Alpinist 18, Stevenson weaves a tale about a driftless climbing guide balancing his successes "against an unwritten page of his climbing resume, against the darkness."

The Adventure Gap and Narratives of Inclusion: James Edward Mills talks about why the face of outdoor adventure must change

Posted December 21, 2016

Brad Rassler interviews author James Edward Mills about current events and the disparity of opportunities for minorities to try outdoor activities like climbing.

Poetry Feature: Experiencing Ice

Posted December 17, 2016

In this poetry feature, writer and adventurer Manasseh Franklin shares work from Experiencing Ice, a series of images and poems about glaciers and "vastness to ponder."

Beyond the Guide: White Mountains, New Hampshire

Posted December 16, 2016

For years, Alan Cattabriga has roamed the White Mountains of New Hampshire, exploring the spaces between the contour lines of maps and creating long, arabesque-like enchainments of classic ice routes. Herein, a tale from one of the East Coast's most imaginative wanderers.

The Country of Winter: Nitassinan, Quebec

Posted December 16, 2016

Pete Takeda ventures into some of the vast realms of ice, and the countries within countries of Nitassinan and northeastern Quebec.