Last week, just ahead of the IFSC Climbing World Cup bouldering round in Bern, the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) quietly opened the doors to a new national training facility—a purpose-built, athlete-only centre poised to shape the future of Swiss climbing.

Flashpoint Climbing Group has sold its Swindon facilities to local operator Rockstar Climbing, while simultaneously agreeing to acquire The Climbing Academy’s (TCA) two Bristol centres. The twin moves, though opposite in direction, speak to the same trend: consolidation in a maturing and more competitive market.

May saw the industry back in full swing, plus it was great to see a strong showing of brands at the inaugural Asian Climbing Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This month was, however, unfortunately marked by the closure of walls in the UK, Germany and France - we wish those affected staff all the best in finding new work.

The leading Italian company, La Sportiva®, presents its new retail concept at the brand-new store in Masouri, in the heart of Kalymnos

With the Easter break, and numerous brands heading over to the States for the annual CWA Summit things calmed down this month. Rest assured, there is always something happening for us to report on!

In late March 2025, staff at Climb Up Aubervilliers staged a walkout. Within days, employees at Climb Up Porte d’Italie and the Climbing District chain followed suit

Set in Stone at Hang brought stories to life—on screen and on the wall.

Routesetters shared their favourite outdoor boulders through short films, then recreated those climbs indoors for everyone to experience. From Zoe Wood’s trip to Jerry’s Roof to Mikey Cleverdon’s return to form post-stroke, it was a night of movement, meaning, and community.

March experienced incredible growth across the continent, grab a coffee and get stuck in to a range of new developments from 15 countries!