ClimbAID

25/03/2026

Last month at (the Alpine Museum in Bern), in the museum’s new format “Activism/Alpinism”, ClimbAID’s founder and director Beat Baggenstos shared a simple conviction: activism often starts with the spaces we create.

At its core, that’s what we do at ClimbAID: we build inclusive, safe spaces — where people meet on equal footing, climb together, and feel belonging.

Because “safe” isn’t a label on a door, and it isn’t just a mood. It’s a consciously defined framework — something we create and actively maintain. Clear rules, respect, inclusion, and equity are what make connection possible — allowing us to be ourselves and to dare to grow.

And bouldering reminds us what that can feel like:
we try, we fall, we get back up — carried by the community.

It’s something all of us can practice in everyday life:
create and protect safe spaces — in your relationships, in your communities, and in the mountains.

Thank you to ALPS for the invitation and the space — and to everyone who participated for your presence, questions, and openness. Special thanks to Isabella Helmschrott for the thoughtful moderation.

10/02/2026

Klettern als Zufluchtsort

Sichere Räume für junge Menschen, die von Krieg, Armut und Flucht betroffen sind – dafür steht ClimbAID. Das Projekt in der Schweiz wächst, im Libanon steht es an einem Wendepunkt. Gründer Beat Baggenstos über Zweifel und Weitermachen.

Mi, 18.02.2026, 19–20.30 Uhr

Anmeldung: alps.museum/veranstaltungen/climbaid-klettern-als-zufluchtsort

31/12/2025

29/12/2025

ClimbAID Across Borders – A New Beginning in Syria 🇸🇾

What became impossible in Lebanon — culminating in the painful dismantling of The ARC — is finding a new beginning in Syria. And this beginning is being shaped by people who have returned home with the desire to rebuild.

The three Tasabehji siblings — Moaz, Yasseen and Zahira — recently returned from Canada and will soon open Jabalna (“our mountain”), Syria’s first bouldering gym. Together with Hiba, who was a core member of our team in Lebanon until two years ago, and Jacob, who returned from Germany, they are laying the foundations for a new ClimbAID project.

Here, we will launch our climbing therapy programme YOUCLIMB — investing in local knowledge, strengthening community skills and contributing to the rebuilding of Syria through climbing.

Hiba: “When I touched rock again in Syria, it felt like breathing after holding my breath for two years — since leaving Lebanon and the community I loved. Climbing isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to discover who I really am. Giving more people this chance means everything to me.”

Jacob: “It means everything to me to climb Syrian rocks. This is the land where I want to put down roots again.”

A chapter that once closed in Lebanon is opening again in Syria — carried by people who are choosing to return, reconnect and rebuild.

28/12/2025

ClimbAID Across Borders – A New Beginning in Syria 🇸🇾

What became impossible in Lebanon — culminating in the painful dismantling of The ARC — is finding a new beginning in Syria. And this beginning is being shaped by people who have returned home with the desire to rebuild.

The three Tasabehji siblings — Moaz, Yasseen and Zahira — recently returned from Canada and will soon open Jabalna (“our mountain”), Syria’s first bouldering gym. Together with Hiba, who was a core member of our team in Lebanon until two years ago, and Jacob, who returned from Germany, they are laying the foundations for a new ClimbAID project.

Here, we will launch our climbing therapy programme — investing in local knowledge, strengthening community skills and contributing to the rebuilding of Syria through climbing.

Hiba: “When I touched rock again in Syria, it felt like breathing after holding my breath for two years — since leaving Lebanon and the community I loved. Climbing isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to discover who I really am. Giving more people this chance means everything to me.”

Jacob: “It means everything to me to climb Syrian rocks. This is the land where I want to put down roots again.”

A chapter that once closed in Lebanon is opening again in Syria — carried by people who are choosing to return, reconnect and rebuild.

26/12/2025

💌 ClimbAID Across Borders – From Syria to the Swiss Alps

This year, ClimbAID crossed borders in every sense—geographically, socially, and as a growing community. 🌍💛

From new beginnings at , Syria’s first bouldering gym, to expanding MaxiFamily chapters in Schwyz, Martigny and Freiburg (DE), our community continues to grow.

Thanks to 200 volunteers, we now run 800+ sessions each year across 19 towns, reaching more than 1,100 people.

👉 Full newsletter in EN/DE/FR via link in bio — stories, photos, and this year’s highlights and next year's plans.

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission with time, heart and donations. Your contribution truly makes a difference.

💙 If you want to support our work in 2026, we deeply appreciate your donation.

Your ClimbAID Team

29/10/2025

🌄 MaxiFamily Boulder Weekend 2025 – Why weekends like this matter

Recently, we shared the highlights of our Bouldering Weekend in Chironico:
47 participants from 7 ClimbAID families, climbing, cooking, laughing, dancing together.

But behind the joy, there’s something deeper that connects us.

Rafi from MaxiQuadrel (Felsberg / ):
“For me, climbing is much more than a sport – it’s a way to overcome cultural boundaries, become part of Swiss society, and build meaningful friendships.”

In a world that feels increasingly polarised and divided, weekends like this offer more than just a break from everyday life.

They remind us what’s possible when people from different backgrounds come together with curiosity, respect, and open hearts.

We share joy, challenge, and connection – and create spaces that feel inclusive, human, and peaceful.

Don’t fall for the voices that spread division and hate.
Reach out, connect, and feel the difference.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these moments possible – in Switzerland and beyond. ❤️

12/09/2025

Another Chapter in Luul’s Climbing Story ✨

Many of you already know Luul Yemane () from the article in ’s Die Alpen / Les Alpes. For those who don’t: check it out at climbaid.org/media 📖

Since then, his journey has taken new turns. Luul finished his apprenticeship 🎓 and started working at 🧗 — a ClimbAID partner from the very beginning.

This summer he reached new heights: the finals of the Zurich Climbing Championships 🏆, where he finished 4th in the athletes category.

What a year: turning passion into profession 💼 and climbing harder than ever 🔥

“I never thought competitions were for me. But when you dare to leave your comfort zone, new doors open. m grateful to everyone who stood behind me and believed in me.” – Luul

Together with 6a plus, we’re proud to be part of Luul’s journey. Through climbing he’s found a family 👨‍👩‍👦, a passion ❤️, and new opportunities 🌍 — and his story is far from over.

04/09/2025

Bouldering & Buildering – Granite and Graffiti

Walls are meant for climbing – and for bringing people together.
(Baar) explored the boulders of Blattiswald, while (Zürich) took on the CityBoulder in Bülach.

📸 Swipe to see moments from Blattiswald & Bülach.

20/08/2025

📸 MaxiFamily Boulder Weekend 2025 – Photo Highlights
May 10–11, Kandertal (Blausee & Mitholz)

Hands on granite.
Crash pad caravans winding through the woods.
Bare feet on soil.
Shared meals – new friendships.

This is what a ClimbAID weekend in the Kander Valley looks like.

18/08/2025

🌄 MaxiFamily Boulder Weekend 2025 🧗‍♀️🧗‍♂️
May 10–11, Kandertal (Blausee)

With more and more people joining ClimbAID’s MaxiFamily groups across Switzerland, one bouldering weekend a year is no longer enough.
So this spring, we launched a second edition – bringing together participants from Romandie, Bern, and Basel for their own weekend in the Bernese Alps.

It was also a first for our MaxiGrimper group from Lausanne – and for many, the first time ever climbing on real rock.

Ali from Thun described the weekend as:

“Living in the moment, surrounded by nature, among people with different stories, cultures, and languages.
With like-minded hearts and a shared spirit of discovery.
The true magic of this experience lay not only in the physical challenge, but in becoming one with nature – in touching the cold stones, in the silence of the forest…
The warm and cooperative atmosphere within the group created a deep sense of belonging and friendship – as if a large, unwritten family had formed in the middle of the forest.”

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this weekend possible – the volunteers, drivers, cooks, coaches, and of course the 35+ participants who brought this shared adventure to life. 💛

📸 Swipe for highlights from the trip!