The World Ice Climbing Board (WIC) led the delivery of a very successful 2024-25 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour which saw 1,400 athlete event entries across twelve events in as many countries and on two continents. After the season, the WIC processed its own findings from the current season and integrated athlete feedback. Amongst the priorities was a revision of rules and regulations, an evaluation of officials training procedures and close collaboration with athletes and a greater focus on youth development.
Creation of World Ice Climbing/Operating Unit
In October 2024, the UIAA Management Board voted the WIC into existence and elected the members of the board – full information can be seen here. The WIC will divide itself into groups of expertise: primarily – athletes, technical and development groups. The WIC board is made up of three independent members and two athlete representatives.
WIC Board Representatives
Members
JoAnne Carrilli-Stevenson – USA – Chair
Eimir MCSWIGGAN – UIAA Athlete Commission Member – Mountaineering Ireland, active Ice Climbing athlete
Willis Morris – UIAA Athlete Committee Member – British Mountaineering Council – active Ice Climbing Athlete
Alex Paun – Romania – Independant Member – Lead of Sports Committee
Etienne Grillot – France – Independant Member – Leader of the 2030 Olympic Committee
Office
At a UIAA Office level, daily managament of the UIAA Ice Climbing World tour is spearheaded by Rob Adie, Sports Event Coordinator and Andre Von Rotz, CEO. The office is also responsible for the communication of the sport and liaising with companies providing livestreaming and the live results service.
Judges
Judges are key personnel in charge of the respect of the sports rules and overseeing the final results. If the national body already has their skilled judges, the UIAA encourages working with them. Otherwise, the UIAA provides training courses to become recognised UIAA international judges. These people are skilled to judge at international events such as World Cups or World Championships. They can also judge on a lower rank of competition: national and regional. If there is no judge available in the country, the team manager can contact the UIAA, or directly contact an international judge, in order to provide a judge for the host country’s event.
Routesetters
Route-setters are key to any international competition or national selection. They are in charge of setting the routes where athletes will climb. Together with the judges, they are also in charge of the safety of climbers during their ascent.