Text Box: whowhatwhenwherewhy The Altai Project began with a love for climbing and a desire to help a people in a remote, difficult and beautiful corner of the globe. Much of the Mongolian countryside has yet to recover economically from the collapse of communism. Adventure tourism is one of the few economic resources available to the region. Responsible travel is one of the keys to the economic recovery of remote regions of Mongolia such as the Altai. Our aim is to see the local community—not just big tour companies—benefit from adventure tourism. EXPLORATION Figuring out what’s out there—searching for crags and new lines up glaciated peaks, testing the accuracy of ancient Soviet maps . . . Climbing the unclimbed! TRAINING Helping local Kazak guides become confidant and competent at what they do. We are training guides in crevasse rescue, anchor and rope management and other such skills necessary for safe and smooth climbing. GITTIN’ THE WORD OUT Establishing contact with other climbing organizations, posting information in hotels and hostels in Ulaanbaatar, encouraging independent travelers to visit the Altai region. Even those with no climbing experience or equipment can come out and enjoy the beautiful and challenging climbs the area has to offer. BUILDING WALLS TO BUILD BRIDGES As part of a plan to create awareness about climbing and generate interest among the local Kazak population, we began construction of a modest climbing wall near the main bazaar in Olgii. As the wall fills with holds the plan is to hold competitions for high school students.