As war grinds on, Ukrainian climbers build a new outdoor culture inspired by Yosemite
As war grinds on Ukrainian climbers – In the heart of Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region, nestled between rolling hills and a tranquil river, a unique gathering unfolded last week. The Stoned Climbers festival, Ukraine’s largest outdoor event fusing rock climbing with live music, drew hundreds of enthusiasts to a festival ground perched on a steep granite cliff. Days were spent scaling the rock face, splashing in a nearby reservoir, or paddling on the water. As night fell, the atmosphere shifted to a vibrant celebration of music, with bands and DJs creating a soundtrack that echoed through the forest.
A Festival Amidst Conflict
Though the event itself is a celebration of freedom and adventure, its backdrop is the ongoing war. The festival’s attendees, many of whom had been separated by conflict for months, found solace in the natural setting. Air raid alerts, received on phones throughout the weekend, served as a constant reminder of the war’s proximity. Yet, the event remained a beacon of normalcy, with soldiers on leave mingling with the crowd and organizers redirecting festival profits to support Ukraine’s Azov Brigade. Unlike the previous year, when Russian drones and missiles loomed over the area, this time the sky was clear, offering a moment of respite.
Roots in a Global Inspiration
The Stoned Climbers festival traces its origins to a group of 15 climbers who, after spending over a year exploring the cliffs near Kyiv, became enamored with the countercultural spirit of Yosemite. The U.S. national park, widely seen as a cradle of modern rock climbing, embodies a lifestyle centered on simplicity, endurance, and connection to the natural world. These Ukrainian climbers sought to replicate that ethos, transforming a local passion into a nationwide movement.
“We realized climbing could be much more than just a sport,” said festival co-founder Dmytro Isaienko, 39. “It’s about a specific way of life — in nature, camping, on the rocks.”
Isaienko and his peers envisioned a space where climbing wasn’t confined to elite athletes but accessible to all. Their inaugural event in 2023 attracted around 150 participants, but this year’s edition saw a significant leap, drawing over 500 attendees, many of whom were newcomers or beginners. The festival has become a platform for people to disconnect from the war’s daily toll and reconnect with the joy of exploration.
Building Community Through the Rocks
Beneath the festival’s stage, a different kind of rhythm played out. Instructors guided first-time climbers through the essentials: securing harnesses, applying chalk, and locating the next hold on the rugged granite wall. The cheers of spectators and the applause of those who reached the summit of the 25-meter cliff — often for the first time — underscored the transformative power of the activity. For some, the climb was a personal triumph; for others, it was a way to bond with fellow participants.
Among the fresh faces was 21-year-old Liliia Karpach, who traveled from Ukraine’s western Lviv region for her debut at the festival. “I decided to come because it had been a very long time since I’d climbed on real rocks,” she shared. “I also wanted to meet the community in person and get to know new people.”
Karpach highlighted the mental and physical challenges of climbing, noting that it demands both focus and resilience. “It’s not just about strength,” she added. “It’s about pushing through fear and learning to trust yourself.” Her perspective reflects a growing recognition among attendees that climbing offers more than physical exercise — it’s a form of therapy in a time of uncertainty.
Supporting Resilience in Wartime
Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a dual purpose, according to Isaienko. “Creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and connect has become vital for mental health,” he explained. “In a prolonged conflict, these moments of joy and collaboration help sustain morale.”
The festival’s emphasis on inclusivity has also helped bridge gaps in the climbing community. Instructors like Andrii Lamei, 24, focus on nurturing confidence in beginners, ensuring that even those with no prior experience feel empowered. “Climbing helps you work with stress,” Lamei noted. “It teaches you to manage difficult situations in everyday life.”
For Lamei, the festival is more than a recreational event. It’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that traditions can still take root in the face of adversity. “I dream of climbing in Yosemite or Norway’s mountains, but I can’t leave the country during the war,” he said. “This is how I’m forced to enjoy what I have here.”
A New Era of Outdoor Culture
Despite the war’s disruptions, Ukrainians have found ways to adapt and thrive. The Stoned Climbers festival exemplifies this spirit, offering a glimpse into a culture that values resilience, camaraderie, and the unifying power of nature. As the event grows, it’s becoming a touchstone for a generation seeking both escape and purpose.
Isaienko emphasized that the festival is for everyone, regardless of experience. “This is a place where people who’ve never touched a climbing wall can feel at home,” he said. “It’s about sharing the thrill of discovery and building a sense of belonging.”
The success of the festival has sparked conversations about the potential for Ukraine to develop its own outdoor traditions, inspired by the global climbing movement. While the country continues to face challenges, initiatives like Stoned Climbers demonstrate that creativity and community can flourish even in the shadow of war. For now, the cliffs of Zhytomyr remain a sanctuary where people from across Ukraine come together, not just to scale rocks, but to reclaim a piece of normalcy and hope in an otherwise turbulent time.
