CLIMBING Magazine hires distinguished climber and author as Editor

July 23, 2003 – Carbondale, Colo. CLIMBING Magazine is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Achey as Editor. Achey has been a prominent figure in the American climbing scene since the late 1970s, with many audacious first ascents and first free ascents to his credit. Achey has an extensive journalistic and photographic background that includes posts at Climbing as both Photo Editor and Editor-at-Large, author of Guide to Climbing Photography and a revised edition of the classic Climb! A History of Colorado Climbing. He has worked as a school teacher, and for 10 years as an instructor and Course Director for Outward Bound. “Jeff’s highly regarded climbing experience, established voice within the community, and his proven leadership make him the ideal person to direct the content of Climbing,” says Publisher John Viehman. “Speaking for the entire staff at Climbing, we’re very excited about Jeff joining our team and anxious to follow his lead editorially. He’s a ‘big gun’ in the climbing world and has a passion for the sport that inspires everyone around him. Best of all, he’s an experienced leader with a clear vision of where he wants to go.”Achey’s long and varied climbing career adds unprecedented clout to Climbing’s editorial team. Associate Publisher Julie Oldham adds, “I really like how Jeff is in touch with so many aspects of the sport over such a long period of time and how he has evolved with the sport. Jeff is definitely not just an old trad. He sport-climbs, boulders, climbs indoors and owns leash-less ice tools. The scope and breadth of his perspective and passion for the sport give him the ability to surround Climbing’s advertisers with compelling and relevant content.” Achey comments: “This is an exhilarating time to be taking on this position. I’m thrilled to be working with all the spirited, talented people who are carrying this sport and this industry into new realms while still keeping it real.”Achey will assume his new position effective Monday, July 28, and can be reached in his Climbing office at 970-704-2602. About CLIMBING MagazineCLIMBING Magazine is the world’s leading publication on climbing and mountaineering, setting the standard through content and design innovation while maintaining close ties to the rich tradition of the sport. Climbing encourages, supports, and engages in activities that preserve the climbing environment and educate the climbing community about conservation and safety. Climbing’s paid circulation is 45,935. Climbing is the only publication in its category with circulation verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC). For more information on CLIMBING Magazine, contact Scott Leonard at sleonard@climbing.comAbout PRIMEDIAReaching more than 2 million enthusiasts, PRIMEDIA’s Action Sports Group (ASG) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Climbing, Canoe & Kayak, Surfer, Surfing, SG Surf, Snow, Skate Girl, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike and Powder, PRIMEDIA’s ASG also delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming. PRIMEDIA is the world’s largest targeted media company providing focused content across print, television, the Internet and live events for effective, integrated marketing solutions.