Following the release of the provisional calendar in mid-July, the UIAA and the World Ice Climbing (WIC) Board are pleased to confirm the final calendar for the 2026-2027 season and announce the following updates:
UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup – Saas-Fee, Switzerland
The WIC Board have been working closely with the new organising team in Saas-Fee and is delighted to confirm that the location will continue its three-decade-long run of hosting UIAA-sanctioned competitions. A World Cup will be hosted in the Swiss Alps from 21-23 January. Everyone connected with the event looks forward to working with the new set-up in Saas-Fee.
UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup – Calgary, Canada
Unfortunately due to issues with the location in Calgary, the organisers have requested the postponement of the World Cup planned for the 19-21 February 2027 until 2028. The WIC would like to apologise for this inconvenience, and they will continue to work with the local organisers to bring a new World Cup to Calgary.
UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships – Champagny-en-Vanoise, France
The Board have also been working with the organisers of the World Championships in France and there is a need to make a slight adjustment to the schedule to move the dates of the competition to 28-30 January 2027.
Revised Calendar
2027 World Championships
28-30 January, Champagny-en-Vanoise (France)
2027 World Youth Championships
25-28 February, Edmonton (Canada)
2027 World Cups
15-17 January, Cheongsong (South Korea)
21-23 January, Saas-Fee (Switzerland)
25-27 February, Edmonton (Canada)
2026 Continental Cups – Senior and Youth Categories
28 November, Zilina (Slovakia)
5 December, Brno (Czechia)
12 December, Utrecht (Netherlands)
2026 Training Camps/Courses
19-21 October/23-25 October, Brno (Czechia) (*)
(*) see further information below
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UIAA Route Setting Education Programme
The World Ice Climbing Board have been working over the past months to restructure the UIAA Route Setting Education Programme and create a clearer pathway for the training and development of competition route setters. The aim has been to move away from individual courses operating in isolation and instead create a progressive system that supports setters from their first introduction to route setting through to Continental Cup, World Cup and head routesetter level.
The new structure introduces four levels, with training, practical experience and assessment forming part of the progression. It also recognises existing experience, so established setters can enter the pathway at an appropriate point rather than having to start again from the beginning. Alongside creating a clearer development pathway, the programme is intended to improve consistency between competitions, raise standards around safety and working at height, and give both setters and national federations a better understanding of the skills and experience expected at each level.
The overall course framework has now been developed, along with the Level 1 Candidate Handbook and supporting pathway visuals. The UIAA and World Ice Climbing Board are now moving towards putting the first parts of the new structure into practice.
The documents in the links below give a much clearer overview of how the programme will work and what progression through it will look like.
UIAA Full Setting Education Flowchart
UIAA Setting Overview
UIAA Programme Framework
UIAA Level 1 Candidate Handbook
UIAA Ice Climbing Level 1 Route Setting Course
Regarding the first Level 1 Course in Brno, Czech Republic – 19-21 October – applications for this course have already closed. However, anyone who is interested in attending a UIAA route setting course is welcome to use the following contact point.
UIAA Ice Climbing Training Camp – Brno
Please find information regarding the upcoming UIAA Ice Climbing Training Camp in Brno, Czech Republic from 23-25 October. Anyone interested in attending, including member federations wishing to send athletes, can use the registration details in the form.
Continental Cup Registration
Any athletes who have not competed at a Continental Cup before and would like to do so for the 2026-2027 season must complete the following form to ensure registration in the system is completed.
UIAA reconfirms suspension of Russian officials and athletes for the 2026-27 season
Please see an update on the UIAA statement on the suspension of Russian athletes and officials.
2026-2027 Season UIAA Ice Climbing Athlete Information WhatsApp Group
Please scan the QR code below to join the UIAA Ice Climbing Athletes WhatsApp Group for the 2026-2027 season. Alongside emails, regular updates and information will be posted here throughout the season, so please join the group to stay up to date. Please note that this is an information only group.
Further Resources
Main photo: Saas-Fee confirmed as a UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup venue for 2027. Credit: UIAA / Kaspar Kellerhals
