- 17
- Episodes
- 5
- Ratings
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2024
- First episode
About Mountain Voices
Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA - International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. Experts from the climbing and mountaineering world discuss issues that affect climbers and mountaineers. Season 1 will feature six episodes discussion topics from competition ice climbing to avalanches and from women in mountaineering to the 2024 Everest climbing season. Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Mountain voices brings together views and opinions from the world of climbing and mountaineering. They are not necessarily those of the UIAA. Visit theuiaa.org/mountainvoices for further information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
- Publisher
- UIAA
- Category
- sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 14 Feb 2024
- Latest episode
- 28 Aug 2026
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.
28 Aug 2026
Interview with Rita Christen
Growing up near Lake Constance, Swiss mountain guide Rita Christen was immersed in mountain life from an early age – cycling to school in her ski boots and joining mountain rescue teams on their final runs of the day to ensure the pistes were clear. A talented runner in her youth, she was encouraged to pursue athletics, but conventional sport held little appeal. The mountains were calling. Rita discovered climbing relatively late, at the age of 25, but soon committed herself to becoming a mountain guide. She became only the 12th woman in Switzerland to qualify, entering a profession in which just seven other women were working at the time. Her remarkable career has since combined many different worlds. She has worked as a mountain guide, lawyer and court clerk, mountain rescuer and yoga teacher, while raising two sons. She has also lectured on mountain law and contributed to numerous initiatives supporting youth and sport. In 2020, Rita broke new ground when she became the first female president of the Swiss Mountain Guides Association. In November 2026, she will make history again when she becomes the first female president of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). Rita reflects on the mountains that shaped her, her unconventional route into guiding and a career spent breaking new ground in the mountain community. -- Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA, International Climbing & Mountaineering Federation https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Jul 2026
Interview with Bouchra Baibanou
Mountain Voices Season 3. Interview Series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Jun 2026
Interview with Caro North
Swiss climber and IFMGA mountain guide Caro North has spent much of her life seeking out new challenges in some of the world’s most remote mountain regions. In this episode of Mountain Voices, she reflects on a journey that began on the slopes at the age of two, progressed to climbing at 11, and led to her first major expedition on Aconcagua when she was just 16 years old. Although she turned back only 100 metres below the summit, the experience sparked a lifelong passion for exploration and a deep connection with South America. Since then, Caro has built an impressive climbing résumé that spans the Himalaya, Iran, Armenia, Alaska, Antarctica and Greenland. Her achievements include establishing dozens of first ascents and developing 55 new routes in a remote area of Patagonia near Bariloche. Among the stories shared in this episode is a remarkable sailing expedition across the North Atlantic to reach unclimbed objectives in Greenland, as well as her recent participation in the first all-female ascent of the South African Route on the East Face of the Central Tower of Paine in Patagonia. The demanding climb took 13 days in difficult conditions and highlighted the resilience and teamwork required for success on big-wall objectives. Further Information: https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ Caro also discusses her work as a mountain guide, the lessons learned from years of expedition climbing, and the balance between life in Switzerland and El Chaltén, Patagonia. The conversation offers an inspiring insight into a climber whose career has been defined by curiosity, determination and a passion for discovering what lies beyond the horizon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 May 2026
Interview with Lara Neumeier
Lara Neumeier is one of Germany’s best trad and big wall climbers, describing big walls as ‘the ultimate adventure’. She was born in the Allgau mountains of Germany, near the Austrian border and first put on a climbing harness at the age of two. A love of rock climbing began early… In 2023, Lara and BABSI Zangerl made the first female ascent of the route Muir Blast and El Corazon on El Capitan, a 5.13 climb. The 35 pitches, which they free climbed, took them 6 days. Amazingly, this was her first big wall climb on El Cap. The following year she would return to El Cap, and free El Nino via Pineapple Express variation with Nemo Feurle. Closer to home she recently made the fourth repeat – the first female ascent – of the trad-route Psychogramm at Bürser Platte, in the Vorarlberg region of Austria which has a grade of 8b+. She now has a new project – repeating the famous Alpine trilogy of hardest climbs put up by Beat Kammerlander, Thomas Huber and Stefan Glowacz, back in the day. First was Silbergeier (8b+) on the Swiss side of the Rätikon, the next was End of Silence, a 14 pitch 8b+ in her native Berchtesgarden Alps. Only the third remains: Des Kaisers neue Kleider (The Emperor’s New Clothes). In this episode, Lara reflects on her achievements to date, her current targets and her desire to inspire others to climb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Apr 2026
Interview with Tom Livingstone
Season 3 of Mountain Voices is dedicated to interviews with a wide range of noted individuals – climbers, mountaineers and experts in specific mountain fields including safety, rescue and climate change. Kicking off the season is a British climber for whom Sir Chris Bonington once said: ‘Tom Livingstone, one of the finest climbers in the world, always using the purest techniques.’ As Tom’s own website biography details he has a penchant for trad, winter and alpine climbing - the bigger and badder, the better. He works as an outdoor instructor and a noted writer. Some of his favourite routes include Cracking Up (IX,9), The Fourth Dimension (E7 6c), Fun or Fear (ED), The Secret (IX, 9), Rare Lichen (E9 6c), Conan the Librarian (E6 6b), Divine Providence (ED), a winter ascent of the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses, The Great Game on Koyo Zom (ED+) and the North Ridge Variation on Latok I (ED+). Now in his mid-30s he remains ambitious to take on more. In this series guests go on a journey, looking back at what got them into climbing, onto the walls and into the mountains, the lessons learned along the way, the equipment they never go without, the people they’ve met, their strengths and weaknesses and what the future holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Jun 2025
Exclusive Interview with Kilian Jornet
Athlete Kilian Jornet discusses his record-setting climbs, the Kilian Jornet Foundation's environmental and youth initiatives, and the importance of ethics in mountaineering in this interview.
9 Jun 2025
Mountain hut culture of the Alps
IFMGA mountain guide Ben Tibbetts, UIAA board member Jean Miczka, and SAC hut specialist Marion Herren explore the unique mountain hut culture of the Alps, including the challenges of climate change, in this interview episode.
8 May 2025
Bolting: How Safe is Your Bolt?
This episode of Mountain Voices explores the safety and ethics of climbing bolts. In part 1 renowned Swiss climber and guide Stephan Siegrist and International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation CEO André von Rotz explore the bolting culture in Switzerland, notably the importance of preserving historic routes, and introduce the Swiss Rebolting Project. In part two, von Rotz is joined by UIAA Safety Commission members Fred Campos and Per Forsberg who delve into the science of bolt corrosion—particularly the hidden dangers of stress corrosion cracking in humid and coastal environments. In recent years, the UIAA has dedicated significant investment, some 200,000 euros and counting, primarily to research related to rock anchors and bolts. Initially, this centred around the subject of corrosion and stress corrosion cracking failure. A significant milestone was reached when the updated UIAA Rock Anchors Standard was released in 2020. While bolt failures are rare, the consequences can be severe, underscoring the importance of using corrosion-tested gear, like that certified under the UIAA’s 123 Standard. The panel discusses the ambition behind the “Bolts That Last a Century” initiative, which aims to preserve both safety and rock integrity for future generations. Discover more about the UIAA’s work in climber safety and rock anchors: https://www.theuiaa.org/safety/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/safety/) https://www.theuiaa.org/safety/rockanchors/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/safety/rockanchors/) Support the UIAA’s research into climber safety by making a donation: https://www.theuiaa.org/donate/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/donate/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Apr 2025
Climbing Yawash Sar & ethics in mountaineering
Episode 9 of Mountain Voices focuses on ethics in mountaineering inspired by the release of the UIAA Declaration on Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering earlier this year. Part 1 (00:00-35:57) Is dedicated to adventure. Alpine legends Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders, discuss their 2024 first ascent of Yawash Sar in the Karakorum. They first climbed together based in London in the late 70s where their enthusiasm for Scottish ice would go down in folklore – they once drove the 1,000km from London to Scotland and back 11 weekends in a row often pinching first ascents from the locals. In 1987 they made a landmark first ascent of the Golden Pillar of Spantik over six days. For many years their paths diverged, Mick focused on remote climbs in places like Tibet’s Nyaingentangla East – remarkable given he usually only had three weeks holiday as a government tax inspector, while Victor worked as a mountain guide, including on Mt Everest. But lately they’ve reprised their partnership, most recently in 2024 with the first ascent of Yawash Sar in the Karakorum. They’re in their late 60s mid 70s respectively, they’re still climbing, still making first ascents, and I believe, despite some impressively uncomfortable bivouacs, still friends…? Part 2 (36:49-46:54) Greg Moseley, UIAA Mountaineering Commission President, discusses what inspired the creation of the new UIAA Declaration, its importance and its guiding principles. Part 3 (47:50-57:05) Victor Saunders, also UIAA Mountaineering Commission Vice President, and author of a number of chapters in the UIAA Declaration discusses the role of ethics in mountaineering, ‘the rules of the game’. Discover more here: https://www.theuiaa.org/uiaa-declaration/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/uiaa-declaration/) -- Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA. Throughout each series, the UIAA explores different climbing and mountaineering topics. The series provide a platform for both experts from the UIAA and renowned figures from the mountain world to share their views and opinions. Each series is made of up of six episodes. Season 2 launched in March 2025. https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Mar 2025
Ice Climbing: Team France
Episode 8 of Mountain Voices focuses on competition ice climbing following the organisation of the 2024-2025 UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour. The sport is at a crucial juncture – the 2024-2025 season was the biggest in a number of year in terms of the number of events and participating athletes and national federations. In late 2024, the UIAA created World Ice Climbing, a dedicated Operating Unit focused on overseeing the development and organsiation of the sport. Furthermore, with the 2030 Olympic Winter Games being held in the French Alps, the prospect of ice climbing becoming an official Olympic sport is in the spotlight. Part 1 (00:00 - 29:50) An exclusive interview with the Ladevant brothers – Tristan and Louna, two of the most successful climbers on the World Tour. The discuss their journey into ice climbing, their sibling rivalry and the support they provide each other and their hopes for the future. Part 2 (29:51 - 38:20) Rob Adie, UIAA Competition Manager, and Etienne Grillot, World Ice Climbing Board, discuss the road map for ice climbing to follow in order for it to be considered as a future Olympic Winter Games competition sport. Part 3 (39:49- 49:01) Annabelle Bouchardon, former World Tour ice climber, explains how competition ice climbing can form a pathway into a career in mountaineering and how the skills learnt on the competition walls can translate to the high mountains. -- Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA. Throughout each series, the UIAA explores different climbing and mountaineering topics. The series provide a platform for both experts from the UIAA and renowned figures from the mountain world to share their views and opinions. Each series is made of up of six episodes. Season 2 launched in March 2025. https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Mar 2025
Glaciers: What Future?
Welcome to Series 2 of Mountain Voices, the podcast from the UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. Starting from 2025, March 21 is recognised as the World Day for Glaciers. As part of its work in mountain protection and in the field of climate change, the UIAA has committed to playing an active role throughout activities in 2025 and beyond. This podcast episode forms part of that commitment. In this episode we hear from a number of glacier experts: Part 1 (01:15 - 26:24) Will Gadd, renowned Canadian mixed and ice climber Mary Sanseverino, mountaineer, independent mountain studies researcher, Vice President of the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission Discussion on the importance of International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, the need to engage people with the subject on an emotional level, and a focus on repeat photography and the plight of glaciers in Canada, notably the Athabasca in the Canadian Rockies Part 2 (26:25 - 43:00) Filmmaker Craig Leeson discusses his film The Last Glaciers, the most comprehensive film ever produced about the relationship between climate change, mountain environments, and glaciers. Craig explores what he learned about glaciers during the near decade long process of making the film which captures the fragility of the natural world, the impact humans have on our life support systems, and the friendships, personal challenges, and tragedies experienced by the explorers. Discover more here: https://thelastglaciers.com/ (https://thelastglaciers.com/) Part 3 (43:01 - 53:10) Tom Harris, an experienced mountain guide, charts the specific story of the Fox Glacier, located on the wild west coast of New Zealand, and the impact of climate change on guiding as a profession. -- Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA. Throughout each series, the UIAA explores different climbing and mountaineering topics. The series provide a platform for both experts from the UIAA and renowned figures from the mountain world to share their views and opinions. Each series is made of up of six episodes. Season 2 launched in March 2025. https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Jun 2024
Climate Change and Climbing
The final episode in Season One of Mountain Voices focuses on climate change and specifically three fascinating case studies. François Masse (Superintendent/Lake Louise, Parks Canada) charts both the factors which led to the loss of Abbot Pass Hut, a national historic site in Canada, and the lessons learnt. Piolet d’Or recipient Graham Zimmerman provides the insight of a professional climber who has witnessed the impact of climate change firsthand and who today is a major advocate for mountain protection. Pedro Lacaz Amaral, CEO & Founder of the Gear Tips Recycling Program in Brazil, offers positive news from an environmental project which won the 2023 UIAA Mountain Protection Award for its initiative in creating a system to properly collect and recycle gas cartridges. Discover more: Abbot Pass Hut (mailto:https://www.theuiaa.org/climate-change-case-study-abbot-pass-hut/) Gear Tips Recycling Program (mailto:https://www.theuiaa.org/mpa-winner-2023/#:~:text=The%20organisation%20Gear%20Tips%20created,by%20the%20outdoor%20sports%20community.) Graham Zimmerman (mailto:https://www.grahamzimmerman.com/) About Mountain Voices Mountain Voices is a podcast from the UIAA. Throughout each series, the UIAA explores different climbing and mountaineering topics. The series provide a platform for both experts from the UIAA and renowned figures from the mountain world to share their views and opinions. Each series is made of up of six episodes. Season 1 launched in February 2024 with Season 2 to follow later in the year. https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/mountainvoices/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 May 2024
Let There Be Rock
In exclusive interviews, two legends from the world of rock climbing – Adam Ondra and Beth Rodden – share their passion for the sport. Adam Ondra, from the Czech Republic, is often described as the world’s best climber. His list of hard ascents is staggering – including some 130 routes graded 9a or above. It was way back in 2012 that he climbed the world’s first 9b+ in Flatanger, Norway. In 2016 at the age of 23 he repeated Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s Dawn Wall in just eight days – it took them 19. He’s a familiar face on the podium of the IFSC circuit and is currently preparing for Paris 2024 qualification. Beth Rodden is inextricably linked with some of the hardest climbs in Yosemite, having made a number of historic free ascents, including the first free ascent of Lurking Fear in 2001 and a free repeat of The Nose in 2005, set by her childhood hero, Lynn Hill. With Meltdown in 2008, she established the hardest first ascent of a single pitch ever done by a woman. Beth recently released her autobiography: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story. In it, she doesn’t hold back and details not just the climbing adventures, but the long-lasting trauma of a much-publicised kidnap ordeal in Kyrgyzstan, the breakdown of her relationship and climbing partnership with Tommy Caldwell, the inequality in female sponsorship and her battles with injury not to mention, herself. The UIAA thanks Mammut for their support in organising the interview with Adam Ondra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 May 2024
Women at Altitude
Episode 4 of Mountain Voices focuses on the subject of women at altitude. Inspiration came from the work of the UIAA Medical Commission who have played a leading role in the publication of a number of papers (https://www.theuiaa.org/women-at-altitude-essential-medical-advice-published/) dedicated to women and mountaineering. Topics covered across the papers include altitude sickness, frostbite, nutrition and papers on female-specific issues like menopause. Mountain Voices tackles the following questions: Are women more or less prone to cold and altitude related illnesses than men? Do women need to follow different advice? and do women make safer mountaineers? Contributions come from two of the authors of the UIAA Medical Commission papers, namely Dr Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, a Senior Physician at the University of Bern, Clinic for Pulmonary Medicine and Dr Alison Rosier, an Organisational Psychologist & Strategic Change Consultant. IFMGA guide Emilie Drinkwater, the ninth woman to qualify as a full mountain guide in the United States, and a leader of several expeditions all over the world, offers the perspective of climbing with both all female and all male groups. Further details on the UIAA Medical Commission papers can be found here (https://www.theuiaa.org/women-at-altitude-essential-medical-advice-published/). The recently released women in mountaineering papers, the result of a number of years of dedicated research and work, have been published in the High Altitude Medicine & Biology (https://home.liebertpub.com/publications/high-altitude-medicine-and-biology/65) journal. They are available to view, free of charge, until November 2024. -- -- Mountain Voices is a podcast series from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
25 Mar 2024
Everest: It's Complicated
Ahead of the 2024 Everest Climbing Season, Mountain Voices shines a spotlight on the world's highest, most iconic and debated mountain. It is the 100th anniversary of Mallory and Irvine’s fated last attempt to climb Everest. They’ve come to define that heroic post first world war period of exploration in their experimental oxygen sets and (by our standards) primitive clothing. What would define the present age? The age of commercialisation? A trophy achievement for rich individuals with limited climbing experience, blindly sliding up a rope fixed by teams of Sherpas? Is climbing Everest actually an achievement? And what is the current situation for the sherpas who support every climb? Opinions come from three expert figures: Ed Douglas the author of numerous books on Everest and the Himalayan region including the biography of Tenzing Norgay, Chomolungma Sings the Blues: Travels Round Everest and Himalaya: A Human History. Victor Saunders is a UIAGM guide who’s led numerous ascents around the world. His 1st ascents include Panch Chuli V and Golden Pillar of Spantik. His most recent was Sersank in 2016. Victor's books have won prizes in Canada France and England. he’s a former president of the Alpine Club, and has made SIX ascents of Everest. Young Hoon Oh, is a Korean climber and anthropologist. He has made four attempts on Mt Everest, three of which were to do with his ethnographic research and he summited in 2012. He’s also lived among Nepali for two years and he’s a contributory author of Other Everests: One mountain, many worlds, a scholarly book published in 2023. -- Mountain Voices is a podcast series from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
29 Feb 2024
Avalanche: The Sound Nobody Wants To Hear
Episode 2 of Mountain Voices focuses on the subject of avalanches and is inspired by the UIAA Safety Commission’s recent work (https://www.theuiaa.org/electromagnetic-interference-in-avalanche-transceivers/) related to electromagnetic interference in avalanche transceivers. Experienced American IFMGA Mountain Guides Marc Beverly (a member of the UIAA Safety Commission) and Zeb Blais provide an insight into the findings of the recent UIAA research particularly the do’s and dont’s when a transceiver is in both search and send mode. The podcast also discuss what causes an avalanche, the impact of climate change on avalanches and how our everyday electronic devices from phones to head cameras to GPS watches may interfere with transceivers. Further reading: https://www.theuiaa.org/electromagnetic-interference-in-avalanche-transceivers/ (https://www.theuiaa.org/electromagnetic-interference-in-avalanche-transceivers/) Mountain Voices is a podcast series from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Mountain voices brings together views and opinions from the world of climbing and mountaineering. They are not necessarily those of the UIAA. theuiaa.org/mountainvoices (theuiaa.org/mountainvoices) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Feb 2024
What is Competition Ice Climbing?
Episode 1 of Mountain Voices transports you to the thrilling setting of the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour. The annual series pits athletes against challenging, technical routes and sends them up vertical walls of ice at lightning speeds. The venues are scenic but temperatures challenging. Climbers must master their tools and diverse competition walls. Gordon McArthur (Canada) and Eimir McSwiggan (Ireland) provide an insight into what it takes to be an elite competition ice climber, how to get involved and what keeps them coming back. Rob Adie, Competition Manager at the UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – explains the format of the sport, its recent evolution and ambition to be part of the competition programme at a future Olympic Winter Games. There’s tales of blood on the ice, when to execute a Figure 4 and how ice climbing differs from sport climbing. Mountain Voices is a podcast series from the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation Presented and produced by Tarquin Cooper Co-produced by Peter Bourne Edited by Tom Tushaw Mountain voices brings together views and opinions from the world of climbing and mountaineering. They are not necessarily those of the UIAA. theuiaa.org/mountainvoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Who has been a guest on Mountain Voices
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Kilian Jornet
- Ben Tibbetts
- Jean Miczka
- Marion Herren
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Spotify
- 4.8 / 5
- 5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 6
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 30
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- Guest appearances
- Does not typically book guests
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