You climb, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re into mountaineering or ice climbing! Yet, there’s always that friend who asks: “Oh, you climb... so when are you going to tackle a legendary summit?” But... let’s be honest, climbing on plastic in a gym is a world away from the storms of Patagonia.
But have you ever wondered how many times you’d have to climb a route in the gym to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the giant of the Andes? We have! To reach its 6,961 meters, you’d need to complete roughly 465 routes. That is exactly the goal of this edition of Up the Wall: The Andean Staircase.
Crossing salt deserts and dizzying glaciers is no easy feat. So, just like any South American expedition, you’ll need a solid team. An ascent like this doesn’t happen in a day: you have one month to accumulate maximum vertical gain with your team, overcome our 10 altitude stages, and try to touch the roof of the Americas.
Create your team and take on the mountain with your partners.
Ideally, a team is made up of 4 climbers, but if you prefer to take on the challenge as a duo or trio, that works perfectly too. What matters is the team spirit and motivation. Each climber progresses at their own pace, but the adventure is always a collective one.
So, who are you ready to bring along on your rope team?
BUTTON COMING SOON
*for more information, check out the FAQ below.
UP THE WALL starts on April 13, you can register your team now and until April 26. Note that your climbs will only be counted after your registration and the start of the event.
If fate plays tricks on your team (injury, illness, or even disappearance), you have until end of the first week to adjust your team. The results of the new member(s) are transferable, but only during the first week (up to and including April 19).
If you come accros a solo climber or a duo motivated to join your team (after the first week) here's the deal: You can add a new member - but, beware, all results previously accumulated by the new member(s) will be reset to zero.
If you want to merge 2 teams, the sentence will be the same - only one team's points will be kept.
No problem. If there are 3 of you and one teammate is missing, just sign up and come back later to add the last climber. Just make sure to use the same team name. Our team can complete the update. If there’s no update after a few days, write to us at [email protected].
If you’re looking for teammates or want to join a team, head over to the Facebook group Allez Up Community. It’s the best place to find partners — just like for your regular climbing sessions.
Only climbs completed by a team member will be counted
You can be belayed by anyone, even outside your team
No flash format, rests and takes are allowed. Falling is permitted as long as you complete the route
The grade of the route does not matter. One meter of 5.7 equals one meter of 5.14
10 GOALS
Crossing the Andes and climbing Aconcagua doesn’t happen all at once. You need time to acclimatize to the high-altitude plateaus, face the Patagonian winds, and most importantly, save energy for the final push. To give every rope team a chance to reach the Roof of the Americas, the journey is divided into ten key stages, from the departure at Cerro Walwalün to the summit at 6,961 m. And because an expedition requires resources, we’ve planned resupply kits to give climbers a boost, along with several prizes to win throughout the ascent.
WEEKLY CHALLENGES
This year again, we’re not planning to make it easy for you. Each week, a new challenge will be introduced to test your endurance! Every Monday, we’ll announce the challenge for the coming week. Challenge periods will run from Monday to Sunday, inclusive. Whether individual or team-based, these challenges will allow you to collect valuable meters and win exclusive prizes. All details will be revealed on Allez Up’s social media.
Only one thing was missing to complete your gear, fortunately, it wasn’t too hard to find!
Stop by the first level, then come to reception to pick up your Allez UP chalk cube.
*1 per climber — while supplies last.
Did someone say cliffs in the middle of the Amazon? Yes, you are at Cerro Autonna (1,220 m) and you could use a little energy boost!
Come to reception to pick up your energizing kit: 1 GUTSY kombucha + 1 key.
*Per person. Snacks are not interchangeable. While supplies last.
Welcome to Patagonia! Cerro Inocentes (2,109 m) is the starting point of the “real” adventure.
Come collect the first 3 ascent stamps.
*1 pack per climber. Limited quantities — first come, first served.
You’ve just arrived at Villarrica Volcano (2,847 m)! Hold on tight, between the rock and potential eruptions… you’ll need a good coffee.
Come to reception to pick up 1 Allez UP day pass + 1 free coffee.
*Per person. Snacks are not interchangeable. While supplies last.
Fitz Roy (3,405 m) is the legendary wall of Patagonia! But nothing is ever perfect… so keep an eye on the weather.
Come to reception to pick up a $20 voucher for BKIND.
*Per person. While supplies last.
Stage No. 6, Monte San Valentin (4,058 m), you don’t end up here by chance. Take in the moment and keep moving forward with intention.
Don’t forget to take a break, a breath, and collect the stamps 4–5–6 of your ascent.
*1 pack per climber. Limited quantities — first come, first served.
You’re starting to gain altitude with the ascent of Guagua Pichincha (4,784 m). You may begin to feel the pressure in your breathing — it’s important to take your time and climb at your own pace.
Come meet us at the front desk to pick up your kit: 1 NAAK snack and 1 free Allez UP smoothie card.
*Per person. Snacks are not interchangeable. While supplies last.
You arrive at the base of Misti Volcano (5,822 m), a high-altitude ascent where every step is earned.
Once you reach the top, come collect the stickers 7 & 8 at the front desk.
*1 pack per climber. Limited quantities — first come, first served.
Nevado Illimani (6,439 m), we hope you’re well prepared, because this mountain shows no mercy! Make sure you are by taking advantage of a Physical Assessment with a qualified coach + sticker #9.
*1 assessment per team — conditions apply.
CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve just reached Aconcagua (6,961 m) — all your efforts have brought you to the Roof of the Americas! Take in the view, enjoy it, but don’t stay too long because you still need to descend.
Once you reach the bottom, you and your team can enjoy a UP THE WALL 2026 T-Shirt + sticker #10.
*1 t-shirt per climber. Limited quantities — first come, first served.