Australian Hard Woman

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Climbing News – Your source for current news

In a single month, Monique Forestier has climbed the two hardest sport routes by an Australian woman. In July, Forestier established Mission to Mars (31/5.13d), an extension to an existing 5.13c in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney. A couple of weeks later, she redpointed Intergalactic Lactic Spastic (32/5.14a) at the same cliff. No other Australian woman has climbed a route harder than 30. The hardest route in Australia is graded 33 (5.14b).

Film: How Matt Cornell Free Soloed One of America’s Classic Hard Mixed Routes

"The Nutcracker" explores the mental challenges of solo climbing and the tactics Cornell used to help him send the route.