Climb	Type	Suggested Grade	Date of Ascent	Notes
Maginot Line	Sport Route	8c/5.14b	1992
Azincourt	Sport Route	8c/5.14b	1992
Bad Attitude	Sport Route	8b+/5.14a	1987
Le Minimum	Sport Route	8b+/5.14a	1989
La Rage de Vivre	Sport Route	8b+/5.14a
White Magic	Sport Route	8b+/5.14a
Bamboo Shot	Sport Route	8b+/5.14a	1987	FA
No War More Love	Sport Route	8b/5.13d
Los bourrinados	Sport Route	8b/5.13d
Hot air inlet	Sport Route	8b/5.13d
Spells	Sport Route	8b/5.13d
The Mission	Sport Route	8a+/5.13c	1986
Space Camp	Sport Route	8a+/5.13c	1991	Onsight
Eau de Cologne	Sport Route	8a+/5.13c	1991	Onsight
Pipeline	Sport Route	8a+/5.13c	1989
Quarter of a Century	Sport Route	8a/5.13b	1989
Invitation to Travel	Sport Route	7c+/5.13a

Learning The Ropes & Competition

Didier Raboutou’s impressive climbing career has spanned several decades. He made his debut in the international climbing scene in 1985, participating in the inaugural International Climbing Competition in Sportroccia ’85, and continued to represent the French National Team with great distinction throughout the late 80s and early 90s. 

Didier’s passion and talent for climbing earned him multiple podium finishes in prestigious competitions such as the Masters and World Cups, and he even clinched a remarkable victory in the Arco Rock Master.

During this time, Didier also made significant contributions to the sport by conquering some of the most challenging outdoor routes in France. He made first ascents up to grade 8b+ (5.14a) in prominent French climbing areas like Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Russan, Buoux, Cimai, Fontgarnide, Saint-Pé-d’Ardet, Volx, and many others. His feats on the rock inspired a new generation of climbers to push their boundaries and achieve greater heights.

ABC Climbing

Even though Didier retired from competitive climbing in 1992, he remains actively involved in the sport. He is a French Certified Climbing Guide and has built several climbing gyms, including the French National Team’s training center in Saint-Antonin. His most notable gym is the ABC facility in Boulder, Colorado. A gym dedicated to making young climbing stars which he owns with his wife, Robyn. This is where the couple trained their own children, Brooke and Shawn, as well as coached countless other proteges including Daniel Woods, Colin Duffy, and Emily Harrington.

Noteworthy Ascents

Didier’s climbing career is marked by several noteworthy ascents that have firmly cemented his place as a legend of the sport. In 1986, he made waves in the climbing world by sending La Mission, an 8b (5.13d) route in Bouox. This impressive feat was followed by his ascent of Sortilege, another 8b route in Cimai, the same year.

Didier’s climbing prowess continued to shine in 1987 when he conquered the highly technical Coup de Bambou, an 8b+ (5.14a) route in Cimai that had eluded many climbers before him. But it was his ascent of Magie Blanche, an 8c (5.14b) route in Mauries in 1989, that truly showcased his talent and solidified his reputation as one of the world’s best climbers. In 1988 he became the 3rd person in the world to onsight an 8a (5.13b).

Didier’s ability to consistently push the limits of what was possible in climbing made him a true pioneer of the sport. His groundbreaking ascents set the stage for future generations of climbers to follow in his footsteps and achieve even greater heights. Even today, decades after his first ascents, Didier still enjoys going on climbing trips with his family.