The news

A new rock climbing paradise in Spain, just a few hours away from both Montsant and Siurana. Margalef hosts over 500 conglomerate routes, many 5 star quality.

On 14 March Josune Bereziartu and Rikar Otegui made the first ascent of Frenesi (M6/7, 450m) on the north face of Peña Telera (2764 m).

Two routes in the Dolomites on the Gran Vernel buttress, Marmolada: Linea d'ombra 7a+ and Mastro Lindo 7a+.

On 15 February Thiago Veloso from Brazil repeated one of the hardest problems in Latin America, Wazabi V13 close to El Chalten, Patagonia.

On 12 March Dave Macleod from Scotland made a solo ascent of Darwin Dixit 8c at Margalef Spain, while on 16 March he made the first ascent of one of Scotland's hardest winter routes, Don't Die of Ignorance XI,11 on Ben Nevis.

On 2/03 Florian and Martin Riegler made the first free ascent of "Vint ani do” (8a+ 350m), Meisules de la Bièsces (2457m - Sella, Dolomites).

Chinese authorities have closed access to Everest and nearby Cho Oyu, suspending climbing permits until 10 May.

Nicolas Favresse invites all to reflect about the human impact of our vertical activity, and launches his appeal for sustainable climbing.

Simone Moro has established Camp 3 on Broad Peak (8047m) together with Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali. Summit push tomorrow.

Christian Core has freed his hardest problem ever, Gioia Fb8c at the Antro dei Druidi, Potala di Varazze (Italy).

On 27/02/08 Paolo Munari carried out the third ascent of Drumtime at Fonazaso, Italy.

Gerhard Schaar from Austria has established over 50 new routes at the Bangalore crags Badami and Ramanagaram, India.

The third and final stage of the Ice climbing World Cup took place in Switzerland's Saas Fee last weekend and was won by Angelika Rainer from Italy and Simon Anthamatten from Switzerland. The overall 2008 title went to Simon Anthamatten and Jenny Lavarda.

From 17-20/02/2008 Fabio Valseschini carried out the first solo winter ascent of the British route on the ENE Face of Piz Badile, while from 21-23/02/2008 Rossano Libera made the first solo winter ascent of the Cassin route up the NE Face.

The winners of the first Saint Vincent Award for mountain professionals. were announced in Valle d'Aosta last Thursday. The winners for 2008 are Valery Babanov, Christophe Profit, Hervé Barmasse, the Alpine Regiment Training Centre and Pemba Doma Sherpa. The Awards will be handed out on 7 March in Saint-Vincent, Valle...

Second repeat of “Illuminati” M11 WI6+ of the super multi-pitch mixed route in Vallunga (Val Gardena, Dolomites) at the hands of Erik Svab from Italy and Klemen Premrl from Slovenia.