Submission Guidelines
We work with writers and photographers across the climbing community, and we’re always looking for new voices and perspectives to strengthen our coverage.
A few general guidelines for pitching Climbing:
- We’re open for submissions in a range of categories (see below).
- In your pitch, focus on the why. Why does this story need to be told right now? And why are you the best person to tell it?
- All submissions must be previously unpublished.
- All pitches should be submitted using this form.
First Ascents
Did you just get the FA of the Southwest Ridge of Unnamed Peak in Unknown Land? Did you just help develop an under-the-radar climbing area the community should know about? Or did you just climb an incredibly unique classic that you believe more climbers should be adding to their list? While we don’t take on a lot of trip reports, if you’ve made a significant FA or just came back from an epic with a story that needs to be told, we are open to hearing about it.
Safety and Accident Analysis
Did you witness something unbelievable or dangerous at your local gym or crag? Send a short description (100-250 words) and we’ll interview you, an other climbers involved, and technical experts (if needed) to find out what went wrong and share learnings all climbers can benefit from. If you’re an expert climber or guide, let us know if you’d like to do the analysis of the situation.
Features and investigations
We’re interested in investigating key issues facing the climbing community and telling longform stories that offer deep insight into climbers, bold ascents, or places. Topics can range from profiles of climbers, explorations of controversies, notable or unknown climbers, to controversial opinion pieces. If you’re writing about a climber who passed away or an accident, having a personal connection helps. Our feature stories generally run 1,500 to 4,000 words.
Controversy-focused feature example
News
Heard about a big send, access issue, political event, accident, or other occurrence the world should know about? Send a short, but thorough pitch summarizing the story, its importance, and why you’re the person to write it. If you know someone is about to try an ascent and want to write about it if they send, reach out in advance so we can coordinate breaking news coverage. It’s also helpful to let us know how quickly you could turn the story around.
Culture
Are you interested in reviewing a new film featuring climbing? Do you have an interview scheduled with a fascinating climber? Got a fun idea about an unexpected way climbing is showing up in the mainstream? Send your idea our way.
Skills
Got a tip to climb harder, safer, smarter, or with greater enjoyment? We don’t take on a lot of new skills content, but if you have a strong news hook, new information (e.g., from a recent study), or an unexpected idea, we’re here for it. You should either be the expert or plan to interview experts. Tell us why you’re the expert, or please include which sources you’ll be leveraging for the story.
Weekend Whippers
Have you taken a massive whipper and caught it on camera? Did you film someone else’s whip and they’re cool with you sharing it? Please submit your video with a description of the route, why you fell, and any lessons you learned.
Photo Essays
We don’t accept a high volume of photo essays–we’ll save those for the domain of ink and paper. But we do consider compelling photo essays from time to time. We cannot accept photos alone, so please be sure to share the theme of the essay and what the written component would be, from in-depth captions about what’s pictured, a behind-the-scenes story of how you got each shot, quotes from the subject, etc.
Got a Tip?
If you have an anonymous (or otherwise) tip we should know about, you can drop it here.
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