2009 has been a year of hardship and strife. It would be foolish to ignore the fact that the “recession” (OK, full-blown depression) continues. Or that America seems split down the middle on Big Issues like health care, climate change, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. At Climbing, 2009 has spelled diminished resources and staff (only 1.5 editors, an intern, and an art director on the creative side), though more stress. Our story is the same as everywhere.

Still, climbers will climb, and it’s nice to see that — at least on the rocks and in the hills — the movement hasn’t been retrograde. In fact, it’s been a damn good year for climbing. Harder, younger, older, bolder, more visionary — the sport continues to advance in inspiring, unpredictable ways. So on the good-news front, we’re proud to present the 2009 Golden Piton Awards. Winners in each of the seven categories receive a customized “gold”-plated 1” angle, compliments of Black Diamond Equipment; plus, recognition at an awards ceremony, co-hosted by Marmot, at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show. We’ve detailed their accomplishments — as well as those of the climbers cited for Honorable Mentions — below. 

AND THE SEVEN 2009 WINNERS FOR Sport, Trad, Bouldering, Big Wall, Alpine, Humanitarian and Breakaway Success are .... continued on the next seven pages