FEATURES

GALLERY World tour: Switzerland, Mexico, Arizona, California, North Carolina

SOFT KOR Not all of Layton Kor's masterpieces were desperate frightfests. Here, seven climbs mere mortals can enjoy.By Brendan Leonard

DIAMONDS IN THE DUST A spur-of-the-moment trip to Oman reveals great climbing and a fascinating, friendly culture.By Molly Loomis

BAJA UNREQUITEDIt was such a brilliant plan: unclimbed cliffs approached by inflatable kayak. What could go wrong?

SKILLS SPECIAL: STEEP ICE Tap the combined wisdom of seven ice experts and learn how to lead vertical ice with confidence.

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors Lynn Willis, Brendan Leonard, Lee Lang

Editorial Learning to love climbing's coldest game

Letters

Just OutSuper-light boots, an innovative belay device, and an inexpensive softshell

Hot FlashesBig-wall free climbing: the Eiger's Harlin Route and Africa's toughest wall

Off the WallMarried couple attemps Fifty Classics, Paul Ross completes 500th FA, and more

Ten Things...Sport climbing's weird early days

PlayersBrian Runnells: the "Climbing Narcissist"

Tech TipsThe serious dangers of dirty cordage

Classic ClimbsNorth Carolina Dopey Duck (5.9)

Mileage Head north for sea-cliff ice climbing on Quebec's gorgeous Gaspe Peninsula

Reviews Six can't-miss gift ideas for the holidays

Perspective Dean Fidelman, Mr. Stone Nudes, turns the camera on himself