Update: Addressing Offensive Climbing Route Names on Mountain Project

For historical context, see Nick’s post from August 2020 (mountainproject.com/forum/t…) and the MP Moderator’s post from April 2021 (mountainproject.com/forum/t…).

Informed by the American Alpine Club’s Climb United initiative and their Principles and Guidelines for Publishing Climbing Route Names in late 2021, onX and Mountain Project (MP) have worked to establish a process for addressing flagged route names on MP that aligns with our mission to awaken the adventurer in everyone. After lots of feedback, numerous iterations, and testing we are ready to begin processing the backlog of flagged names and then continue reviewing newly-flagged names as they arise. The primary goal is to find resolution for all flagged and redacted names using community input and available context with consistency and thoughtfulness.

As a user, the process won’t seem all that different with the same ability to flag route names as before using the Improve This Page link on web route pages. Over the next few weeks, a small number of route names will be redacted because they include words that we’ve determined will not be published on MP. A Community Review Group made up of representatives from organizations within the climbing community like the American Alpine Institute, Ladies Climbing Coalition, and Mountain Mentors will assist with reviewing flagged route names so we can determine whether a flagged name remains or is redacted with an invitation for replacement or revision (if you are part of a climbing organization and are interested in participating, please email support@mountainproject.com). FAs and route developers will be invited to submit new or revised route names for any route names that are redacted. The process for reviewing flagged names is described in more detail on the landing page as well as an FAQ to provide more information, which will be updated over time.  

As a publisher, our goal is to move toward a more welcoming and inclusive climbing community in a way that respects FAs and route developers who inspire us all with bold ascents and creative expression. We are grateful for the individuals beyond MP and onX who have worked toward this goal and continue to make it their mission, as well as the feedback we’ve received that has shaped this process. We hope to provide as much information as possible to encourage a shared understanding of decisions made and continue to invite thoughts, questions, and input. We will continue to learn as we go in order to achieve the best possible process.

For questions, concerns, or feedback, please email support@mountainproject.com.