Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Summit online?
No, sorry. The only way to read Summit is to subscribe to the print edition. We only print enough copies for subscribers, plus a few extras – when they’re gone, they’re gone.
So why print only?
There is a glut of climbing content on the web. Some of it is good, most of it is forgettable. Trying to stand out amid the existing digital coverage—the majority of which is beholden to the Instagram-driven news cycle about the hardest new send or uncut footage—is not what we’re about or a fight we’re trying to win. Timeless stories take time to craft.
What kinds of stuff will I find inside?
Long stories and powerful imagery showcasing the people, places, and perspectives that get at the heart of our sport. That means deeply-reported journalism, including on-scene reportage and first-person athlete-authored pieces. Nuanced profiles, humorous epics, first ascent tales, harrowing survival stories. And mind-blowing photos: In the age of Instagram and AI, each photo chosen for our pages must be exceptional.
What won’t I get in Summit?
Our philosophy is that if the web can do something better, we should let it. Among the things you won’t find in Summit Journal are:
- Listicles. Full stop.
- Sponsored content. While there will be advertisements from brand partners we support and trust, we will never let them buy space in our print pages to publish marketing material masquerading as authentic editorial.
- Gear reviews. We like gear as much as the next climber, but our editorial space is too precious to waste on reviews. If we like something so much that we just can’t shut up about it, we’ll review it in an email. (Speaking of which, you can subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.)
It seems expensive.
Firstly, you’re right, that’s not actually a question. And yes, Summit Journal is pricey. But you’re paying for quality: this journal is a beaut, inside and out. It’s far larger than your average magazine, and printed on heavy stock paper. All of that ups the price tag.
A magazine isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on if the writing and photography inside it aren't any good; but we’re so confident in the quality of the content that we want the physical product to match. We want each issue to be a keepsake.
Even still, printing costs aren’t the biggest line-item in our budget. That’s the talent. We aim to pay our contributors the rates they deserve. They’re the best in the game.
Finally, Summit is a subscriber-revenue-driven operation. Your support allows us to break free from a publishing model in which advertising dollars influence editorial decisions. We never want to do anything to squander your trust; because at the end of the day, that’s all we have.
Where do you ship to?
The U.S., Canada, most of Europe, and an ever-expanding list of countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Shipping rates vary by country. If shipping to your country isn't currently supported, email us and we'll see what we can do. Email us with questions about bulk orders: info@summitjournal.com
Can I cancel my subscription?
A short-run printing operation like Summit only works when we know how many subscribers we have. That helps us figure out how many copies of each issue to print—a model that allows us to operate without breaking the bank. As such, we can only allow refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours after buying or renewing a subscription.
Subscriptions renew each year. You can opt out of automatic renewal through your account dashboard—just click the person icon in the upper right corner of this page or click here.
What about returns?
We will happily issue exchanges or refunds for issues of Summit that arrive damaged, but otherwise cannot offer returns.
Notwithstanding the above, if the issue is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. Your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
Are the founders still involved?
Helen Kilness died in 2018, at 96 years old, and Jean Crenshaw died in 2019, at 95 years old. They remain the spiritual heart of Summit and are on the masthead as Founding Editors. Paula Crenshaw, Jean’s niece, is an advisor and provided invaluable advice and support along the road to bringing Summit back. David Swanson, the owner and publisher in the 1990s, also remains an advisor and friend of Summit Journal.
How do I update my mailing address or billing information?
You can update your mailing address, billing method, or billing address at any time by logging into your account here.
How do I pitch stories or photos to Summit?
Send pitches and queries to submissions@summitjournal.com.
Can I stock Summit in my gear shop/bookstore/climbing gym?
Absolutely. That's the only thing we do other than subscriptions. Shoot us an email at info@summitjournal.com to learn more.