Reaching the Roof of Africa: The Ins and Outs of Climbing Kilimanjaro

A perfect pyramid straddling the Swiss border, Matterhorn might just be the most recognizable peak in the world. Everyone’s seen the snow caps and striking faces — but do you know what it takes to reach the top? Summiting Matterhorn is every aspiring alpinist’s life-long dream. However, overcoming the mountain’s steep and unforgiving flanks requires excellent physical fitness, technical finesse, and sure-footedness. Plus, even if you’re comfortable in your crampons and you can scramble like a spidermonkey, the high exposure, navigational complexities, and pitfalls riddling the routes make the climb a formidable challenge. That’s exactly why you should tune in to our free hour-long webinar! Learn what it takes to scale the most iconic summit in Europe — from fitness and skill requirements to gear and logistics —- from a seasoned guide with years of experience on the mountain.

Welcome to sunny Kalymnos, a sport climbing mecca blessed with a dizzying array of world-class routes and limestone so marvelously grippy it must have been crafted by Haephestus himself! Climbers from around the world flock to this gorgeous island in search of adrenaline, making the prospect of finding crowd-free crags slimmer and slimmer every year. So how do you find the best climbs without rubbing elbows? The answer is—sailing! Combining the luxury and flexibility of a sailboat with the thrill of sending top-tier routes, a sailing and climbing tour of Kalymnos means less downtime and more sun-soaked sublimestone for everyone. In this one-hour session, skipper and avid climber Lorenzo Pernigotti will give you a peek into the most exquisite rock climbing by the sea, and show you the best way to access it. Just imagine: one second you’re cruising the calm Mediterranean Sea with a refreshing cocktail in hand, the next you’re sending routes and problems while the sea spray cools your legs. Tune in to learn more about this unforgettable outdoor odyssey and find out why climbing and sailing are a match made in heaven!

One thing rock climbers are always looking for are fresh areas to explore. From newly-bolted routes, undiscovered crags, and pristine walls, Central Mexico has all of that in spades. Here to tell you all about its hidden gems is Climbing Guide, Simeon Heimowitz. After spending 15 years climbing and developing routes in El Potrero Chico’s limestone paradise in the north, Simeon decided to journey southwards and explore what Central Mexico had to offer. What he found were the exhilarating multi-pitch climbs of Peña de Bernal, the tallest monolith in the world; the intricate rhyolite cracks of Cascada de la Concepción, a secluded spot shielded by a massive waterfall; and the cobbled conglomerate of Las Peñas de Dexcani, whose staggering cliffs were formed by ancient eruptions. To Simeon it was clear as day—Central Mexico is a treasure trove of world-class climbing. Mexico is teeming with North America’s next great winter climbing destinations. If you’re looking for tons of new options, pre-polish-and-crowds, Central Mexico is your ticket this Rocktober and FA-vember. Join this one-hour session and hear from an expert guide who has developed routes all over the continent and written three guidebooks on rock climbing in Mexico. Simeon will answer any questions you may have after his presentation.

Very few feelings in this world compare to climbing your first rock. Pressing your body to its rough surface, feeling your muscles tense up, your heartbeat quicken, then seeing yourself rise solely through your own strength and willpower. It’s exhilarating, it’s liberating, but most of all—it’s so much fun! And if you think climbing is reserved only for the biggest and the strongest, you couldn’t be further from the truth, because climbing is for everyone. Here to welcome you into the world of rock, sweat and cheers is a fierce group of female rock guides who hold all-women weekend camps in the country’s top climbing locations. A group of female rock guides from The Mountain Guides; Aimee, Szu-ting, Izzy and Jess have it all covered—from multi-pitch meetups in Eldorado Canyon, through learning trad and crack climbing in Red Rock and Moab, to pushing for harder grades in the City of Rocks. So whether you’re just starting out or working on proper gear placement in lead scenarios, they’re here to show you the ropes. Tune in for this one-hour session and learn from some of the best rock guides in the business, ask questions in a welcoming and safe environment and, who knows, maybe even find your next climbing partner.

Sardinia as seen from the sea is all splendor. And for climbers, the remote paradise is a siren’s call. With nearly 6,000 sport routes and 1,000 multi-pitches, skipper and climber Lorenzo Pernigotti came up with the perfect idea—combine luxury sailing along the island’s coastline with top-of-the-line climbing in one unforgettable package. This week-long sports holiday kicks off with a cruise into the sunset at the Portisco Marina, and from then on it’s day after day packed with excitement and pleasure. Under the supervision of IFMGA guides acquainted with every hidden cove and world-class crag of Sardinia’s coastline, you’ll climb some of the best granite, basalt and dolomite in Europe. Then, after a day on the rocks, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the breathtaking nature around you. Cool off with a scuba dive, enjoy a cold drink with a fishing rod in hand, or soak up some sun on a sandy beach as the gentle bob of the Mediterranean murmurs in the background. This is a trip like no other. In this one-hour webinar, Lorenzo will tell us about his journey in search of the best rock climbing spots by the sea. He’ll attempt to paint a picture of Sardinia’s sublime beauty and illustrate what a week with his crew looks like from their floating base camp. Stick around after the presentation and Lorenzo will gladly answer whatever questions you might have.

Straddling the craggy border between Italy and France, Mont Blanc’s iconic peak has been the candescent dream of budding mountaineers the world over. Since it was first summited in 1786, many have accomplished the feat—but who could possibly boast of bagging it a whopping 50 times? Believe it or not, Mark Puleio has been there and done that, and this is the perfect chance to hear all about it. Join Mark, an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide, as he shares tales from Mont Blanc over his 30-year climbing career and offers invaluable advice on how to elevate your experience in and around Chamonix, France. Find out why so many aspiring alpinists still come to hone their craft here with Mountain Guides, on this 200 year anniversary of guiding. In this one-hour session, Mark will pay special attention to one of the most sought-after adventures in the area—climbing Mont Blanc via the Gouter route. If you’re itching to follow in the footsteps of history and become a part of Mont Blanc’s long-standing legend, consider this webinar the very first step of your trip. After his presentation, Mark will hold a Q&A session to answer any of your eager questions.

We have figured out the makings of a perfect adventure. The formula goes something like this — thousands of sport climbing routes on Europe’s best limestone, irresistible culture and food to match, a welcoming community, and a rejuvenating yoga session to wrap up each of the incredible seven days in Kalymnos, Greece. The area is full of hidden climbing treasures and AMGA Rock Guide Heidi Wirtz is here to share the ins and outs of a week-long climbing yoga retreat, set in what has to be paradise on Earth, that will change how you climb. If the photos aren’t enough to fuel your daydreams about climbing Europe’s best limestone, tune in to the webinar and get all the info you need for planning your own trip. After the presentation, you’ll get the chance to ask Heidi anything you want to know about climbing in Kalymnos.

When extreme conditions, icy surprises cooked up by avalanches or glacial terrain, and high altitude conspire against you, having a strong repertoire of alpine climbing skills to fall back on is a must. ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Bullock conquered the ultimate alpine playground, the Canadian Rockies, countless times. Tune in for this virtual tour of all-star climbing venues like Banff, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields, and find out first-hand how an alpine skills week will turn you into a confident alpinist. If you’ve ever wanted to go face to face with alpine giants like the Canadian Rockies and come out on top, consider this your one-stop-shop for the many facets of alpine climbing. After the presentation, you’ll get the chance to ask Jeff anything and everything about venturing out to alpine terrain.

Hosted by a group of female rock guides from The Mountain Guides, find out how you can fasttrack your climbing goals at an all-women’s weekend climbing camp this season. Offering both beginner and intermediate camps in incredible climbing venues across four different states — from multi-pitch meetups in Eldorado Canyon to learning trad in Red Rock, crack climbing in Moab to pushing for harder grades in the City of Rocks — these events offer immense value, with an opportunity to learn from some of the best female rock guides in the business while connecting with other women in your climbing community. So whether you’re transitioning from gym to outdoor climbing or working on proper gear placement in lead scenarios, tune in for the hour and find out what you’ll gain at an all-women weekend climbing camp and hear what makes these locations the perfect place venues to learn. Listen to expert advice from pro female guides, ask questions in a welcoming and safe environment, and who knows, maybe even find your next climbing partner.

It’s not hard to understand why Red Rock Canyon draws thousands of climbers from all over the world every year. Soaring walls stand like elegant paintings against the backdrop of the Las Vegas skyline, inviting climbers to experience the area’s incredible Aztec Sandstone. Whether you’re looking for “5.7 Heaven” or trying to redpoint your next project 1,000 feet off of the ground, Red Rock has what you are looking for, and AMGA Guide, Cody Bradford, is here to show you how to get it. Red Rock Canyon is one place where it pays to climb like a local. There’s a local etiquette you need to be aware of, and knowing the logistical details of the area will make trip planning a lot easier. Cody will cover topics like how and when to climb, signing up for late exit passes, which areas catch sun or shade, and how planning ahead for your big day out can help you spend your days on the rock rather than wandering through the desert in search of that perfect route. If you’ve ever wanted to climb on Red Rock’s famous sandstone, this is your chance to get all the info you need. After his presentation, Cody will stick around to answer all your burning questions on the area.