As a longtime climber and tech enthusiast, I‘ve watched with fascination as the intersection between climbing and technology has grown over the past decade. From the early days of printed guidebooks and hand-drawn topos, we now have access to a wealth of digital tools that are transforming the way we discover, document and share our climbing experiences.
Perhaps no app embodies this transformation more than Mountain Project. Launched in 2005 by two climbers who wanted a better way to find route information online, MP has grown into the world‘s largest climbing resource, with a staggering database of over 297,000 routes and 2.7 million registered users as of 2023.
Source: Mountain Project
But MP is more than just a guidebook replacement – it‘s a comprehensive platform that combines route finding, social networking, training tools, and community resources into a single app. In this article, we‘ll take a deep dive into what makes Mountain Project so special, and explore how it‘s redefining the way we approach climbing in the digital age.
The World‘s Most Comprehensive Route Database
At the core of Mountain Project‘s success is its massive user-generated database of climbing routes. From world-class sport crags to obscure boulders, if it‘s been climbed, there‘s a good chance it‘s documented on MP. The app‘s route pages contain detailed descriptions, photos, ratings, comments, and location data submitted by the community.
One of the key advantages of MP‘s crowdsourced model is the sheer volume and granularity of information available. For popular climbing areas, nearly every route has been thoroughly documented, with multiple photos, gear beta, and firsthand accounts from climbers. MP‘s rating system, which uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and V-scale for bouldering, provides a standardized way to assess difficulty and compare routes across regions.
MP‘s database is also constantly evolving thanks to its active user base. Climbers can submit new routes, update existing ones, and report issues like unsafe hardware or access closures. This real-time feedback loop ensures that the information on MP is always up-to-date and reliable.
"Our goal is to create the most comprehensive, accurate, and user-friendly resource for climbers around the world," says Nick Wilder, co-founder and lead developer of Mountain Project. "By harnessing the collective knowledge and passion of the climbing community, we‘ve been able to build something that no single guidebook author or publisher could match."
A Social Network for Climbers
Beyond its utility as a route-finding tool, Mountain Project has also become a thriving online community where climbers can connect, share knowledge, and find inspiration. Each user has a profile page where they can log ascents, post photos, write trip reports, and interact with other climbers through comments and messages.
MP‘s social features have been a game-changer for climbers looking to find partners, get beta, or just stay stoked on the sport. The app‘s "Partner Finder" tool allows users to search for climbing partners based on location, availability, and preferred styles. The "Forum" section is a hub for discussions on everything from gear reviews to training tips to crag access issues.
One of the most powerful aspects of MP‘s social network is the ability to follow other climbers and see their activity in real-time. As a user, you can curate your feed to include posts from friends, pros, or locals who are exploring new areas. This exposure to different perspectives and experiences can be incredibly inspiring and informative.
"Community is at the heart of everything we do," says Wilder. "Whether you‘re a new climber looking for a mentor or a seasoned vet searching for your next project, Mountain Project provides a platform to connect with like-minded people who share your passion for the sport."
Training Tools and Data Tracking
In addition to its core route-finding and social features, Mountain Project also offers a suite of tools for tracking your progress and improving your performance. The "Tick List" feature allows you to create a personalized list of routes you want to climb, and track your progress over time. You can sort your tick list by grade, location, or style, and share it with friends for motivation and accountability.
For data nerds, MP‘s "Redpoint Tracker" provides detailed statistics on your climbing history, including your hardest sends, onsight grades, and project breakdowns by type. You can visualize your progress over time with interactive charts and heatmaps, and compare your stats to other climbers in your area or grade range.
Source: Mountain Project
MP also offers a variety of training resources, from fingerboard workouts to nutrition tips to injury prevention advice. The "Training" section includes articles and videos from professional climbers and coaches, as well as a forum for users to share their own experiences and ask questions.
As wearable technology and smart devices become more prevalent in climbing, Wilder sees opportunities to integrate MP with other platforms to provide even more granular data and personalized feedback.
"We‘re always looking for ways to leverage new technologies to help climbers improve and stay safe," he says. "From analyzing your movement patterns with computer vision to generating route recommendations based on your strengths and goals, there‘s a lot of exciting possibilities on the horizon."
Access, Etiquette, and Environmental Stewardship
As climbing continues to grow in popularity, one of the biggest challenges facing the community is how to sustainably manage access to our outdoor playgrounds. Many popular crags are facing issues like overcrowding, parking shortages, and environmental degradation due to increased traffic.
Mountain Project has taken an active role in promoting responsible climbing practices and supporting access initiatives around the country. The app‘s "Crag Info" pages provide detailed information on access issues, local ethics, and environmental concerns for each climbing area. MP also partners with organizations like the Access Fund and local climbing coalitions to raise awareness and funds for conservation projects.
"We believe that climbers have a responsibility to be stewards of the places we love to climb," says Wilder. "By educating users on Leave No Trace principles, supporting local access efforts, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability, we can help ensure that these areas remain open and pristine for generations to come."
The Future of Climbing Apps
As climbing continues to evolve and grow, so too will the digital tools we use to engage with the sport. Wilder sees a future where climbing apps are even more seamlessly integrated into the outdoor experience, from augmented reality route previews to real-time safety notifications.
"The potential for technology to enhance the climbing experience is huge," he says. "But at the end of the day, these tools are only as valuable as the community that uses them. Our goal is to create a platform that empowers climbers to connect, learn, and push their limits in a safe and sustainable way."
Other startups are also innovating in the climbing tech space. Vertical-Life, a European app with over 1 million users, uses AI algorithms to generate personalized training plans and 3D maps of climbing areas. Gripped, a new social media app for climbers, aims to create a more curated and intimate community experience.
As the market for climbing apps becomes more crowded and competitive, Wilder believes that Mountain Project‘s commitment to its core values of community, accuracy, and stewardship will continue to set it apart.
"We‘re not just building an app, we‘re building a movement," he says. "By staying true to our roots and listening to our users, we‘ll keep evolving and finding new ways to support the climbing community for years to come."
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a simple website for sharing route info, Mountain Project has grown into a comprehensive platform that is redefining the way we approach climbing in the digital age. With its unparalleled database, vibrant community, and commitment to innovation and stewardship, MP has become an essential tool for climbers of all levels.
Whether you‘re a seasoned crusher looking for your next mega-proj or a newcomer seeking beta and partners, Mountain Project has something to offer. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it‘s exciting to imagine how technology will shape the future of climbing – and how climbers will shape the future of technology.
So the next time you‘re scrolling through MP to find your weekend warrior plans, take a moment to appreciate the incredible resource we have at our fingertips – and the dedicated community of climbers and developers who make it all possible.
With tools like Mountain Project in our pockets and the collective wisdom of the climbing community at our backs, there‘s no limit to what we can achieve on the rock and beyond.
Sources
- Mountain Project. "About Us." https://www.mountainproject.com/about
- Interview with Nick Wilder, co-founder and lead developer of Mountain Project. Conducted March 15, 2023.
- Access Fund. "Mountain Project Partnership." https://www.accessfund.org/meet-the-access-fund/our-partners/mountain-project-partnership
- Vertical-Life. "About Vertical-Life." https://vertical-life.info/en/about
- Gripped. "The Climbing Social Media App." https://gripped.app/
