The UIAA and FFCAM, la Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne, are organising a three-day workshop in July to shape the future direction of competition ice climbing.

During its recent spring meetings, the UIAA Ice Climbing Working Group (established in September 2022 as a temporary substitute for the dissolved UIAA Ice Climbing Commission) provided a report on its progress to date. This included the delivery of a very successful UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour which saw 820 athlete event entries across seven events in as many countries and on two continents. Athletes came from 22 UIAA member associations.

This group is currently processing its own findings from the current season as well as integrating athlete feedback. Amongst the priorities will be a revision of rules and regulations, an evaluation of future governance models, close collaboration with athletes and a greater focus on youth development.

During the spring meetings, the UIAA Management Committee agreed to the renaming of the ICWG as the Ice Climbing Governing Group (ICGG). This Group was also given an extension until 2024 to continue its work and to propose definitive recommendations for the future of the sport, to be discussed at subsequent MC meetings and voted on at a future UIAA General Assembly. The ICGG will divide itself into groups of expertise: primarily – athletes, technical and development groups. The ICGG will also expand its membership with the addition of at least two new members including at least one athlete representative.

The next major meeting is the UIAA Ice Climbing Stakeholder Summit held in Champagny-en-Vanoise, France from 8-10 July, 2023. It will bring together all of the sport’s stakeholders to discuss the future direction of the sport. Over the course of three days, activities will include athlete training sessions, discussions and specific workshops on topics like routesetting, judging, equipment, ice and development pathways. Champagny-en-Vanoise has been a popular hosting venue on the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour for a number of years. Please refer to the provisional programme for further specifics.

All stakeholders – including athletes, officials, event organisers, national federation representatives, partners and sponsors – are invited to attend. To register your attendance please complete the following registration form. Attendees must cover their own travel and accommodation costs – details are in the registration form.

For specific questions, or for more information, please contact UIAA Sports Events Coordinator, Rob Adie.

Main photo: UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour champion Louna Ladevant (France) will attend the summit, and host a number of masterclass sessions. Photo credit: Nils Paillard/alpy.io