Stories & Guides

Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, isn’t known for mixed climbing – but for Filippo Sala, it’s everything. It’s where he grew up, where he fell in love with the mountains, and where his career as a professional mountaineer began. Inspired by his grandfather, a lifelong alpinist, Filippo is now bringing a new style of climbing to his home terrain – not for glory, but to share the beauty of Ticino with others. After all, isn’t that why we do open new routes?

In 1969, a Japanese climbing team made history by opening the most direct route up the Eiger north face. It was one of the toughest climbs of its time. Among the team of six, was Michiko Imai, who became the first woman to summit the Eiger via this line. At a time when women in Switzerland still couldn’t vote, her role on that wall was quietly radical – like a real trailblazer.

One thing you’ll realize the second you spot separate areas for bouldering and sport climbing when entering the gym for the very first time: There is no such thing as just “climbing”. While some people are all about casually moving along the boulder wall, others prefer scaling dizzying heights while secured by ropes. But beyond the walls themselves, what actually separates bouldering from classic sport climbing? This post covers everything you need to know about technique, gear, training, and the right mindset – and why it's worth trying out both.

How hard is hard? Bouldering isn't just about strength – it's also about technique, problem-solving, and sometimes simply figuring out how to nail that one crux. But how do you actually know how difficult a boulder problem is? And why does a V3 in the gym feel completely different to the one outdoors on real rock? Here's your comprehensive guide to the most common bouldering difficulty grades – and how to read them.

How hard is “hard” – and what exactly does that mean? If you’re spending a lot of time climbing or bouldering, you’ll eventually stumble into what seems like an overwhelming maze of numbers, letters, and grading systems. Whether you're scaling sky-high walls in the great outdoors or at the gym, routes with the same grade often feel completely different. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the why, what grading systems there are, and what they actually tell us.

Fleece is a light, breathable and quick-drying material, mainly used as a midlayer for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing or skiing. It provides reliable thermal insulation while giving you total freedom of movement. But what is it exactly – and what should you know before buying your fleece jacket?

From wind and snow to brilliant sunshine, ski touring is the ultimate outdoor experience. To prevent overheating and freezing, the right clothing is key. And a carefully planned outfit will go a long way in making sure you’ll be able to navigate any weather conditions in comfort. In this guide, we’ll tell you what to watch out for when choosing your ski touring gear – and how to perfectly prepare for any weather.

Like any winter sport, ski touring is bound to push your physical fitness and mental strength to the limit. So before hitting the slopes, you’ll need a little more than just skiing know-how, experience – or the right ski touring gear. To master demanding ascents in style and limit the risk of injuries, targeted strength and endurance training are key. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly which exercises you need to focus on to be perfectly prepared for the season.

To make your hike a memorable experience from start to finish, proper nutrition is key. Your body needs enough energy to cover long distances, tackle steep climbs, and stay focused and strong all day long. But what foods really do the trick? In this post, we’ll tell you which snacks you need to include in your packing list for hikes – and how to fuel up properly before hitting the trail.

Want to plan a hike that fully lives up to your expectations? Whether you're eyeing a leisurely day hike or looking to tackle a challenging multi-day trek, the right preparation will turn every simple step into an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to properly plan your hike, how to pick the right route, and what things you absolutely need to bring along for the ride.

A multi-day hut trip is the perfect way to take a break from the daily grind. Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and cozy evenings at the hut – you’ll be hard pressed to find something better. To make the most of your special mountain getaway, the right preparation is key. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list with all the essentials you need for your next hut-to-hut adventure.