_{40 Years of Filidor – A History on the Rock}

Filidor has always been more than just a publishing house. It was—and still is—a labor of love.
 

Today, Sandro von Känel carries on this work. He grew up with the climbing guides and learned early on just how much passion, time, and care go into each guidebook. Filidor has since become part of his own life journey—and often part of his family’s daily routine as well. His family regularly heads out to the crags together. In this way, the connection to the rock lives on not only in the books but also, quite naturally, from generation to generation.
 

We are celebrating our 40th anniversary with a special publication: a completely revised new edition of Plaisir Ost will be released in early May 2026. To mark the occasion, the guidebook will feature a special anniversary cover. The painting of Val Forno was created by artist and climber Rhiannon Klee, making this edition a special collector’s item.
 

Four decades of Filidor represents countless hours spent on the rock, climbing and data gathering of countless new areas and climbs, as well as exploring Switzerland’s ever growing climbing landscape together. None of this would be possible, however, without the many people who shape and advance the sport of climbing: the route developers who create new routes through vision, hard work, and perseverance; the local experts who share their knowledge; and the countless climbers who experience these routes time and again.
 

We owe a huge thank you to all of you.
 

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years—and who continues to hit the rocks with a Filidor climbing guide in their backpack.
 

Here’s to many more pitches.
 

Team Filidor