Babsi Zangerl

Babsi Zangerl just became the first person to free climb a route on El Capitan on her first try, without a fall. Her ascent closes a 30-year chapter of attempts.

“It goes, boys!” Zangerl, 36, blasted up the 3,300-foot Free Rider (VI 5.13a) on her first attempt, without a single fall.

Plus: Brooke Raboutou flashes hard in Switzerland; Seb Bouin climbs a 5.15b; and Andre Branchizio gets the most heart-warming send of the month; and more!

She called it hard for the grade.

THE WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Everest is even more crowded than usual; there's a new member of the 5.15b/c club; will Russia and Ukraine both send climbers to Paris 2024? (Plus our favorite movies of the week)

Barbara "Babsi" Zangerl and Jacopo Larcher are one of climbing's most dominant trad-climbing couples. They have sent up to 5.14 together, alongside several free routes on El Capitan. Last year, they travelled to Annot, France, to explore one of the country's hardest trad lines: Le Voyage (E10/5.14 R), and to document their process.

Check out Jacopo Larcher's author page.

Check out The Editors's author page.

As the COVID-19 curve flattens in certain regions, restrictions are loosening and climbing areas are opening once again, though it’s not a free-for-all.

Check out The Editors's author page.