Czech Chalk Ban To Be Lifted

The use of chalk on the sandstone towers of the Czech Republic could soon be allowed. These towers stand thousands strong all over Bohemia in Czechoslovakia and the Elbe Valley in Germany. They can be up to 100m high and are surrounded by dense forests. The soft rock of the towers has long been famous for monster run outs between ancient bolts, knotted slings for protection (metal gear damages the rock) and for chalk being banned.

This week the Czech Mountaineering Union voted on whether chalk use should be permitted. 2034 voted for, 586 against and 169 remained neutral. This is an important decision by the Czech Mountaineering Union which has long been known for its stringent ethics and traditions. The Ministry of Environment will still have to agree to this change in the rules if climbing with chalk is to actually be allowed. However with the endorsement of the Czech Mountaineering Union this looks increasingly likely.

Often perceived as an obstacle by visiting climbers, the lifting of the chalk ban would increase the number of visitors to these famous areas. It should be noted however that if the chalk ban is lifted there is still one more (small) obstacle to climbing here. UIAA members only are supposed to be allowed to climb on the towers. If you are not a member of the UIAA at the moment you can join the Czech Mountaineering Union to circumvent this final obstacle.

For more information on this story visit

planetmountain.com

czechclimbing.com

Czech Mountaineering Union Visting Climbers Page

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