Eric Horst

Lancaster, PA

When/where were you born?

Lancaster PA

Started climbing when/where?

PA crags & Gunks 1977

Favorite climbing area?

Well, that would be the New River Gorge, since I established over 250 routes there! Some of the best rock in the US...unfortunately, some of the worst weather, too. Oh well, I have a killer home wall to stay strong when it's raining or snowing!

What was your scariest climbing moment?

Numerous lightning encounters in the mountains...

Who are your heroes/role models?

John Gill

Do you have any knicknames

"E"

Do you have any pre-climb rituals?

Deep breathing, relaxation/focusing drill, think good thoughts, double check my knot and belayer!

What do you do when you're not climbing?

Write books, family activities, train for climbing!

What are your climbing goals?

I recently turned 43, so I want to stay in top shape and keep climbing hard and having fun like when I was 25! My two sons are now climbing, so I enjoy sharing the climbing experience with them. Also, I love meeting and working with new climbers. I'm told my books are now in the hands of climbers in 50 countries, so I'm pleased my work is helping climbers around the planet

Why do you choose La Sportiva?

I've been with Sportiva since about 1990, and I continue to think the shoes and people are top-shelf. I enjoy being an embassador here in the East...and, no doubt, people see a lot of La Sportiva in my books and web site articles.

What sets La Sportiva apart?

Quality & performance.

Parting thoughts?

My new book, Conditioning for Climbers, will be released in early 2008. Also, an expanded and updated second edition of Training for Climbing is in the works for release in late 2008!