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Reviews for Alpinist Average Rating = 4.07/5 Average Rating : 4.07 out of 5

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Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: cryder, 2004-08-28


As a climber, I appreciate this magazines place in the climbing universe. Do we really need yet another US-centric-hero-clad-ad-fest? As someone who climbs alpine style, I appreciate the international focus and brilliant attention to detail. I also appreciate the unflinching editorial viewpiont that is not afraid to be disliked. Jeremy Collins' cartoons also make for great comic relief. This mag is not for everyone, but it is for the alpinist.

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: e_wire, 2004-08-18


I read the above reviews and find some of them quite amusing. Some are complaining that it's too focussed on Euro climbers and it lacks the American... Sorry to say so, but right now, the biggest accomplishment worldwide are not from Americans alpinists. The hardest mountains and the hardest routes right now are being done by Euros. I'm not talking about sport or bouldering here, strictly about alpinism. In my mind, the magazine does a good job of reporting what's happening in the world of high altitude alpinism. Yes, this sport is costly and yes this sport is for an elite. This is why the magazine costs so much and why it only comes out 4 times a year! It's niche is high altitude alpinism, not scrambling, not rock climbing, not leisure climbing. In my mind, it fulfills its mandate. It can also inspire some of us to pursue the dream of, one day, becoming elite alpinists!

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: soccer_fan, 2004-06-24


Best climbing mag there is, period. Beautiful style, lack of annoying adds, inspiring articles about climbs far and away as well as come close to home; doesn't get much better than that.

Review 2 out of 5 stars

Review by: kalcario, 2004-06-02


aka "Overhanging Face Climbing is Immoral" Magazine.

I like how the history of a single peak and its routes are dissected in relation to changing climbing standards. I like how they take the time and effort to contact and interview climbers from all over the world and get the real story. But that's about all I can find positive to say. The editorial tone reeks of elitism and intolerance, really they need to learn from the example of the mainstream Euro climbing mags which cover all aspects of the sport without the arrogant condescension. Notice how practically none of the elite climbers in the mag are American, an irony which seems lost on the editors who promote ethical purity in climbing while lionizing the Euros and others who never adhered to such nonsense, couldn't care less about it, and have been 5 to 10 years ahead of us in standards for the past few decades as a result. "ooh, look at the pretty mountains" just doesn't do it for me, especially when coming from the Fox News of climbing journalism.

Review 3 out of 5 stars

Review by: xclimber, 2004-06-01


The photography is excellent. The articles are generally well written, but I think it's time to let Hardy Grimper take the long whistle and the big slap. Rockprodigy hit the piton on the head regarding the editorial staff and their attitude. Elitist? Extremely... They don't mind publishing unsubstantiated accusations either: refer to the article on Cochise's Stronghold, and my letter to the editor in the subsequent issue. Also note that in the photos the author is clipping those very bolts he so loudly laments.

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