Climbing and mountaineering Books

Book SynopsisClimbing and mountaineering attracts millions of people around the world each year, but produces a unique set of challenges. The threat of danger is ever present, and professional medical help is often far away. Vertical Medicine Resources is a renowned climbing company providing medical training and consultation. In Vertical Aid, they have produced the most complete guide available for managing both emergencies and chronic injuries sustained during climbs. Researched and developed by professional healthcare providers and alpinists, the book includes helpful illustrations of common procedures and best practices, making it a practical and indispensable companion on any climbing, trekking, or alpine trip. It is replete with real-world-tested strategies, evidence-based medicine, and proven techniques. The diverse author team combines an EMS and emergency physician, a nurse, a physician assistant, and a nurse-trainer, who together have a profound depth of climbing, educational, and medical experience. With its unique combination of authoritative medical information and specific attention to the climbing environment, Vertical Aid is poised to become an authoritative resource for every climber, on every climb.Trade Review"By far the most updated medical information related to mountain travel." -- Rescue Climber Mountain Guides

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Book SynopsisEdmund Hillary – A Biography is the story of the New Zealand beekeeper who climbed Mount Everest. A man who against expedition orders drove his tractor to the South Pole; a man honoured around the world for his pioneering climbs yet who collapsed on more than one occasion on a mountain, and a man who gave so much to Nepal yet lost his family to its mountains. The author, Michael Gill, was a close friend of Hillary’s for nearly 50 years, accompanying him on many expeditions and becoming heavily involved in Hillary’s aid work building schools and hospitals in the Himalaya. During the writing of this book, Gill was granted access to a large archive of private papers and photos that were deposited in the Auckland museum after Hillary’s death in 2008. Building on this unpublished material, as well as his extensive personal experience, Michael Gill profiles a man whose life was shaped by both triumph and tragedy. Gill describes the uncertainties of the first 33 years of Hillary’s life, during which time he served in the New Zealand air force during the Second World War, as well as the background to the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, when Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit – a feat that brought the pair instant worldwide fame. He reveals the loving relationship Hillary had with his wife Louise, in part through their touching letters to each other. Her importance to him during their 22 years of marriage only underlines the horror of her death, along with that of their youngest daughter, Belinda, in a plane crash in 1975. Hillary eventually pulled out of his subsequent depression to continue his life’s work in the Himalaya. Affectionate, but scrupulously fair, in Edmund Hillary – A Biography Michael Gill has gone further than anyone before to reveal the humanity of this remarkable man.Trade Review‘A fascinating piece of work.’ – Mick Conefrey, Alpine Journal * Alpine Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 A pioneering heritage 2 Percy goes to Gallipoli 3 Growing up in Tuakau and Auckland 4 ‘The most uncertain and miserable years of my life’ 5 Escape into the Air Force 6 Harry Ayres teaches Ed the craft of mountaineering 7 The New Zealand Garhwal expedition and the Shipton cable 8 Everest Reconnaissance 1951 9 Everest from Tibet, 1921 and 1922 10 Mallory and Irvine, 1924 11 The 1930s, a decade of disillusion 12 Lessons on Cho Oyu, 1952 13 The Swiss get close, 1952 14 Organising Everest, 1953 15 ‘We were on top of Everest!’ 16 ‘The most sensible action I’ve ever taken’ 17 ‘A somewhat disastrous journey’ into the Barun Valley 18 Employment opportunity in the Antarctic 19 Scott Base 20 ‘Hellbent for the Pole’ 21 Beekeeper in search of a better-paying occupation 22 The Silver Hut expedition 23 Makalu unravels 24 Three new careers 25 Repaying a debt 26 The best decade of Ed’s life 27 A plane crash ends two lives and blights another 28 Killing time making films 29 Ocean to Sky, the last big expedition 30 Reconciliation 31 The last two decades Epilogue Acknowledgements Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA book that will take you through the best Scottish winter journeys from the comfort of your favourite chair. There'll be detailed descriptions, accompanied by some fine photographs, of all the well-known winter classics such as the traverse of An Teallach, Ledge Route on the Ben Nevis, the Aonach Eagach Ridge and the Black Spout on Lochnagar. Some of the not so well-known schizzles included are Morrisons Gully on Beinn Eighe, Academy Ridge on Sgorr Ruadh, Summit Gully on Stob Coire nam Beith and the magnificent Deep South Gully on Beinn Alligin.

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Book SynopsisFully revised and updated 2nd edition including an entirely new chapter on avalanches If you want to leave the confines of the piste, and explore the mountains and valleys beyond, then this is the book for you. Everything you need to make the transition from piste skiing to ski touring is here, from downhill off-piste and uphill skills to avalanche awareness. All aspects are covered in detail, with clear descriptions and stunning photos. The first section of the book covers the knowledge and techniques required to travel beyond the marked trail. The second part contains a selection of Bruce's favourite tours, in guidebook style, to help you plan your own backcountry adventure.

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Book SynopsisLong overdue anthology highlights women in Yosemite climbing history. - Climbing Magazine Contributors include Lynn Hill, Steph Davis, Liz Robbins, Beth Rodden, Kate Rutherford, Katie Brown and more Introduction by Mari Gingery Author is deeply connected with the Valley community through her work with Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) Though long overlooked, women have always been at the center of Yosemite--climbing, crafting equipment, and establishing new routes. In Valley of Giants, editor and climber Lauren DeLaunay Miller pulls together journal excerpts, original essays, interviews, archival materials, and memorable firsts that span the past century of climbing in the Valley. This first-ever collection of both famed and untold stories from women at the heart of Yosemite climbing gathers almost 40 contributors, from Bea Vogel who forged her own pitons to Molly Higgins who participated in the first all-female ascent of the Nose on El Capitan to Liz Robbins who established routes in Yosemite Valley during the Golden Age. Astonishing Stonemasters like Lynn Hill, as well as many other notable climbers, including Steph Davis, Kate Rutherford, Beth Rodden, Chelsea Griffie, Libby Sauter, and more share their recollections of the exhilaration they felt up on the wall and the determination it took to get there. As Mari Gingery, one of the first women to climb the Shield on El Cap, writes in the foreword, the stories feature a medley of intrepid female characters who offer fresh perspectives. Organized into five distinct eras in Yosemite climbing history, this groundbreaking anthology captures a range of stories from heartbreaking losses to soaring joys, trip reports of significant ascents to moments that convey the larger essence of the Valley--and what it means to call this iconic place home.Trade Review[Lauren DeLaunay Miller's] work will expand the horizons of even those who consider themselves well-versed in Yosemite climbing history.... More than just a litany of women's accomplishments, though, "Valley of Giants" expresses the wisdom its contributors achieved.--Matt Johanson "Sacramento Bee" An engaging read, and within the sport and the framing of climbing literature and histories, an important one.--Camille E. Meder "Women's Studies" Valley of Giants is an important thread in Yosemite climbing history. Each period is a patch and each climber is connected to one of these, forming a colourful quilt that will keep the hearts of all climbers warm as you stoke the fire of your next climbing adventure.--Dave Barnes "Common Climber" Editor Lauren DeLaunay Miller worked hard to earn the trust of legends, and the payoff is a delightful mix of anecdotes, introspection, and new context for past climbs.... Climbers will reap the most enjoyment from the book, but adventure is woven through every page.-- "Adventure Journal" Miller is an artful curator of Valley-focused female climbing stories.... [This book is] a map of inspiration that refutes the notion that men are better suited to the vertical world of Yosemite.--Nick Miley "California Climber" A new collection from Mountaineers Books tells the stories of women on Yosemite's big walls.-- "The Daily" The book makes a strong case that women have played important roles in the history of Yosemite climbing--even if, as women in the book point out, they haven't always gotten credit for it.--Jim Benning "AAA Westways" This book is chock-full of intrepid characters who offer a perspective that's often groundbreaking, sometimes heartbreaking, and always fresh.-- "Sierra Magazine" Lauren DeLaunay Miller's 'Valley of Giants' book collects a wide range of stories from pivotal women in Yosemite climbing history -- with fresh perspectives from Lynn Hill, Liz Robbins, Beth Rodden, and more. Let's be frank: Women climbers have crushed it in Yosemite just as much as the guys.--Sam Anderson "GearJunkie" Long overdue anthology highlights women in Yosemite climbing history-- "Climbing" Lauren DeLaunay Miller's work brings women's stories to their rightful place, front and centre of the literary canon of Yosemite Valley.--Dave Smart "Gripped" While the book of course features stories by well-known valley climbers such as Lynn Hill and Steph Davis, DeLauney Miller has gone to painstaking lengths to include older, more obscure - but equally important stories - as well. The result is a rich and inspiring history of female climbing and adventure in Yosemite Valley.--Evan Phillips "The Firn Line"

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Book SynopsisDetails over 900 of some of the finest winter climbs in Scotland, with the emphasis on the popular lower and mid-grade classics. This book takes account of the change of climbing habits and weather conditions in the Scottish mountains. It presents descriptions, supplemented by colour cliff photo-diagrams and maps.

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Book SynopsisThe ability to climb cracks is at the core of a climber’s craft. Crack Climbing by Pete Whittaker provides a single point of reference for all crack climbing techniques, regardless of the grade you climb. Pete is widely regarded as one of the best crack climbers in the world, having made dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats, including the first ascent of Century Crack (5.14b) in Canyonlands, Utah. In this book, Pete has drawn on years of experience to demonstrate the many different techniques and to give you an understanding of when, why and how to use them. Develop these skills with confidence and your climbing standard will improve. The book is split into easily accessible sections on techniques for different widths of cracks, including finger cracks, hand and fist cracks, offwidth cracks and chimneys. Pete looks at the basics, including the hand jam – the essential technique in any crack climber’s repertoire – right through to advanced techniques such as the sidewinder and the trout tickler. Step-by-step practical information and how-tos are supplemented with tips and tricks from Pete alongside illustrations by Alex Poyzer and photographs. Additional chapters cover how to tape up, as well as essential gear and equipment. Pete has also interviewed some of the world’s top crack climbers so that you can learn from the best. Gain insights from Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, Barbara Zangerl, Peter Croft and more.Master the craft and advance your climbing. It’s time to jam!Table of ContentsPrefaceA NoteBefore We Begin: Key Terms1 Introduction: the Five Rules of Crack ClimbingMeet the master: Beth Rodden2 Finger CracksMeet the master: Lynn HillMeet the master: Jerry Moffatt3 Hand CracksMeet the master: Barbara Zangerl4 Fist CracksMeet the master: Peter Croft5 Offwidth CracksMeet the master: Randy LeavittMeet the master: Mason EarleMeet the master: Alex Honnold6 Squeeze ChimneysMeet the master: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll7 ChimneysMeet the master: Hazel Findlay8 StemsMeet the master: Nico Favresse9 Roof Cracks Meet the master: Tom Randall10 Placing GearMeet the master: Ron Fawcett11 Equipment and ProtectionMeet the master: Jean-Pierre ‘Peewee’ Ouellet12 Taping Meet the master: Will StanhopeAcknowledgementsIndex

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Book SynopsisEssential guidebook of walks and climbs in the Pyrenees, one of Europe's finest mountain ranges. The guide includes 170 day walks, multi-day walks, climbing routes and mountaineering ascents, and covers all valleys and peaks on both sides of the border with France and Spain, with through routes and peaks to bag. The guidebook divides the range into 21 sections, including Andorra, the Ordesa National Park, the Carlit Massif, Gavarnie and the Cirque du Lescun to name a few. Each area includes practical information on travel, accommodation and mountain refuges, as well sketch mapping. Between short, half-hour walks, to 12-day treks and 25 summits, this guidebook will help any walker, climber or trekker experience the best of the Pyrenees. There are exquisite valleys and passes to wander and summits of 3000m and more within the reach of most hill walkers. The landscape is full of diversity and contrast, with Alpine-style peaks, small glaciers, deep gorges and more than 1000 mountain lakes.Table of ContentsOverview map Map key Preface to the seventh edition Introduction The mountains National parks Vegetation Wildlife Getting there Weather Equipment Refuges, gîtes and camping Maps Emergency services Using the guide Information at a glance 1 Cirque de Lescun Route 1 Lescun - Refuge de Lab#xe9;rouat Route 2 Lescun - Pic d'Anie Route 3 Lescun (Parking Nabia) - Lac de Lhurs Route 4 Lescun - Cabane de P#xe9;dain Route 5 Cabane de P#xe9;dain - Cabane d'Ansab#xe8;re Route 6 Lescun - Cabane d'Ansab#xe8;re Route 7 Cabane d'Ansab#xe8;re - Pic d'Ansab#xe8;re Route 8 Lescun (Pont Lamary) - Lac d'Ansab#xe8;re - Ibón de Acherito Route 9 Cabane d'Ansab#xe8;re - Col de Burcq - Refuge d'Arlet Route 10 Cirque de Lescun and the Frontier Ridge Route 11 Lescun to Refuge d'Ayous via Etsaut 2 Pic du Midi d'Ossau Route 12 Lac de Bious-Artigues - Refuge d'Ayous Route 13 Lac de Bious-Artigues - Col de Suzon - Refuge de Pombie Route 14 Lac de Bious-Artigues - Col de Peyreget - Refuge de Pombie Route 15 Ossau Valley (Caillou de Soques) - Refuge de Pombie Route 16 Col du Pourtalet (An#xe9;ou Pastures) - Refuge de Pombie Route 17 Refuge de Pombie - Pic du Midi d'Ossau Route 18 Ayous Lakes Circuit Route 19 Tour of Pic du Midi d'Ossau Route 20 Extended Tour of Pic du Midi 3 Balaïtous Route 21 Ossau Valley (Caillou de Soques) - Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit (via Passage d'Orteig) Route 22 Ossau Valley (Caillou de Soques) - Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit (via Lac d'Artouste) Route 23 Lac d'Artouste - Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit Route 24 Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit - Pic Palas Route 25 Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit - Col du Palas - Port du Lavedan - Refuge de Larribet Route 26 Plan d'Aste - Lac de Suyen - Refuge de Larribet Route 27 Plan d'Aste - Refuge Ledormeur Route 28 Plan d'Aste - Refuge de Migou#xe9;lou Route 29 Lac d'Artouste - Col d'Artouste - Refuge de Migou#xe9;lou Route 30 Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit - Col d'Arr#xe9;moulit - Refugio de Respomuso Route 31 Sallent de Gallego (Puente de la Fajas) - Refugio de Respomuso Route 32 Tour of the Balaïtous Region Route 33 Lac du Tech (Vall#xe9;e d'Arrens) - Lac de Pouey-Laün Route 34 Refuge d'Arr#xe9;moulit - Balaïtous Route 35 Refuge de Larribet - Balaïtous 4 The Gourette Massif Route 36 Gourette - Lac d'Anglas Route 37 Gourette - Lac d'Uzious - Lac du Lavedan Route 38 Gourette - Lac du Tech - Arrens-Marsous - Gourette 5 Vall#xe9;e d'Estaing Route 39 Circuit of Lac d'Estaing Route 40 Lac d'Estaing - Lac du Plaa de Prat Route 41 Lac d'Estaing - Col d'Ilh#xe9;ou - Refuge d'Ilh#xe9;ou Route 42 Lac d'Estaing - Lac du Barbat 6 Vall#xe9;e du Marcadau Route 43 Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne - Chalet-Refuge du Clot Route 44 Chalet-Refuge du Clot - Refuge Wallon Route 45 Pont d'Espagne - Refuge Wallon Route 46 Refuge Wallon - Grande Fache Route 47 Refuge Wallon - Port du Marcadau Route 48 Refuge Wallon - Pic de Cambal#xe8;s Route 49 Refuge Wallon - Col de Cambal#xe8;s Route 50 Marcadau Lakes Circuit Route 51 Refuge Wallon - Col d'Arratille Route 52 A Tour of the Arratille Valley Route 53 Refuge Wallon to Gavarnie 7 Vignemale Route 54 Pont d'Espagne - Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube Route 55 Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube - Refuge de Bayssellance Route 56 Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube - Petit Vignemale Route 57 Hourquette d'Ossoue - Pointe Chausenque Route 58 Gavarnie (Barrage d'Ossoue) - Refuge de Baysellance Route 59 Refuge de Bayssellance - Vignemale Route 60 Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube - Col des Oulettes - Torla Route 61 Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube - Refuge d'Estom 8 Vall#xe9;e de Lutour Route 62 Cauterets - La Fruiti#xe8;re Route 63 La Fruiti#xe8;re - Refuge d'Estom Route 64 Refuge d'Estom - Lac Glac#xe9; Route 65 La Fruiti#xe8;re - Refuge Russell 9 Gavarnie Route 66 Gavarnie - Plateau de Bellevue - Gavarnie Route 67 Gavarnie - Hôtellerie du Cirque - Gavarnie Route 68 Gavarnie - Refuge des Espuguettes Route 69 Gavarnie - Refuge des Espuguettes - Pim#xe9;n#xe9; Route 70 Gavarnie (Col de Tentes) - Pic de Tentes - Pic de la Pahule Route 71 Gavarnie - Refuge de la Br#xe8;che Route 72 Col de Tentes - Port de Boucharo - Refuge de la Br#xe8;che Route 73 Gavarnie - Refuge de la Br#xe8;che Route 74 Refuge de la Br#xe8;che - Pic du Marbor#xe9; Route 75 Refuge de la Br#xe8;che - Tour du Marbor#xe9; Route 76 Refuge de la Br#xe8;che - Casque du Marbor#xe9; Route 77 Refuge de la Br#xe8;che - Pic du Taillon Route 78 Refuge de la Br#xe8;che - Refugio de Góriz 10 Ordesa National Park Route 79 Torla - Pradera de Ordesa Route 80 Pradera de Ordesa - Refugio de Góriz Route 81 Pradera de Ordesa - Circo de Soaso - Faja de Pelay - Ordesa Route 82 Pradera de Ordesa - Faja los Canarellos - Ordesa Route 83 Refugio de Góriz - Collado de Arrablo - Añisclo Canyon - Puente de San Úrbez Route 84 The Spanish Canyons Tour Route 85 Refugio de Góriz - Monte Perdido Route 86 Valle de Pineta - Monte Perdido Route 87 Valle de Pineta - Llanos de La Larri 11 Estaub#xe9;, Troumouse and Barroude Route 88 Barrage des Gloriettes - Cabane d'Estaub#xe9; Route 89 H#xe9;as - Lacs des Aires - Le Cot Route 90 H#xe9;as - Hourquette d'H#xe9;as - Hourquette de Chermentas - Cirque de Barroude Route 91 Cirque de Barroude - Pic de Port-Vieux - Port Vieux - Cirque de Barroude 12 R#xe9;serve Naturelle de N#xe9;ouvielle Route 92 Bar#xe8;ges - Refuge de la Gl#xe8;re Route 93 Bar#xe8;ges (Pont de la Gaubie) - Lac dets Coubous Route 94 Bar#xe8;ges (Pont de la Gaubie) - Cabane d'Aygues-Cluses Route 95 Bar#xe8;ges (Pont de la Gaubie) - Col de Madam#xe8;te - Pic de Madam#xe8;te - Lac dets Coubous - Pont de la Gaubie Route 96 Bar#xe8;ges (Pont de la Gaubie) - Col de Madam#xe8;te - Chalet-Hôtel de l'Oule Route 97 Bar#xe8;ges (Pont de la Gaubie) - Hourquette N#xe8;re - Refuge de Bastan Route 98 Chalet-Hôtel de l'Oule - Refuge de Bastan Route 99 Artigues (Col du Tourmalet road) - Refuge de Campana de Cloutou Route 100 Vall#xe9;e de Couplan - Chalet-Hôtel de l'Oule Route 101 A Walking Circuit of Lac de l'Oule Route 102 A Circuit of Lac d'Aumar Route 103 A N#xe9;ouvielle Lakes Circuit 13 Lac d'Oô and the Cirque d'Espingo Route 104 Granges d'Astau - Lac d'Oô - Refuge d'Espingo Route 105 Refuge d'Espingo - Refuge du Portillon Route 106 Refuge d'Espingo - Port d'Oô - Refugio de Estós 14 The Posets Massif Route 107 Eriste - Refugio Ángel Orús Route 108 Benasque - Refugio de Estós Route 109 Refugio de Estós - Pico de Posets Route 110 Refugio de Estós - Pico de Posets via SE Ar#xea;te Route 111 Puente Nuevo de San Chaime - Ibónes d'Escarpinosa Route 112 Refugio de Estós - Puerto de Gistain - Refugio de Viadós Route 113 Refugio de Viadós - Collado de Eriste - Refugio Ángel Orús Route 114 Tour of the Posets Massif 15 Vall#xe9;es de la Pique and du Lis Route 115 Vall#xe9;e du Lis - Refuge du Maupas Route 116 Refuge du Maupas - Lac C#xe9;linda Route 117 Vall#xe9;e du Lis - Lac Vert - Lac des Grau#xe8;s - Vall#xe9;e du Lis Route 118 Hospice de France - Refuge de V#xe9;nasque - Port de V#xe9;nasque Route 119 Hospice de France - Pas de la Montjoie - Pas de l'Escalette - Puerto de la Picada - Port de V#xe9;nasque - Hospice de France 16 The Maladeta Massif Route 120 Hospital de Benasque - Ibón de Gorgutes Route 121 Hospital de Benasque - Forau dels Aigualluts Route 122 Hospital de Benasque - Refugio de la Renclusa Route 123 Refugio de la Renclusa - Pico de Aneto Route 124 Refugio de Coronas - Pico de Aneto Route 125 Refugio de la Renclusa - Pico de la Maladeta Route 126 Refugio de la Renclusa - Pico de la Maladeta Route 127 Refugio de la Renclusa - Pico de Alba Route 128 Refugio de la Renclusa - Pico Forcanada Route 129 Hospital de Benasque - Refugi Sant Nicolau 17 Aigüestortes West - The Besiberri Massif Route 130 Refugi Sant Nicolau - Port de Rius - Collado de Lac de Mar - Refugi de la Restanca Route 131 Refugi Conangles (1555m) - Estany Gran de Besiberri (c2000m) - Refugi de Besiberri (2221m) Route 132 Vall de Sant Nicolau (1383m) - Aigüestortes (1820m) - Refugi d'Estany Llong (1985m) Route 132 Refugi d'Estany Llong (1985m) - Estany Redó (2114m) - Refugi d'Estany Llong Route 134 Refugi d'Estany Llong (1985m) - Portarró d'Espot (2429m) Route 135 Estany de Cavallers - Refugi Ventosa i Calvell Route 136 Refugi Ventosa i Calvell - Besiberri Nord Route 137 Tour of the Agulles de Travessani Route 138 Refugi Ventosa i Calvell - Montardo d'Aran Route 139 Refugi Ventosa i Calvell - Coll de Crestada - Refugi de la Restanca Route 140 Salardú/Banhs de Tredòs - Refugi de Colom#xe8;rs 18 Aigüestortes East - Encantados Route 141 Espot - Refugi JM Blanc Route 142 Espot (Prat de Peiro) - Refugi E. Mallafr#xe9; Route 143 A Circular Tour of Estany Sant Maurici Route 144 Refugi E. Mallafr#xe9; - Gran Encantat Route 145 Estany de Sant Maurici - Refugi d'Amitges Route 146 Refugi d'Amitges - Agulle d'Amitges Route 147 Capdella/Embalse de Sallente - Refugi Colomina 19 Haute Vall#xe9;e du Garbet Route 148 Aulus-les-Bains - Cascade du Fouillet - Aulus-les-Bains Route 149 Aulus-les-Bains - Étang de Guzet - Cascade d'Ars - Aulus Route 150 Aulus-les-Bains (Le Garbettou) - Plateau de Garbettou - Étang du Garbet Route 151 Aulus-les-Bains (Coumebi#xe8;re) - Port de Saleix - Refuge de Bassi#xe8;s 20 Andorra Route 152 Grau Roig - Estanys dels Pessons Route 153 Soldeu - Estanys del Siscaró - Pont de la Baladosa - Soldeu Route 154 Soldeu (Pont de la Baladosa) - Collada de Juclar Route 155 Soldeu (Pont d'Incles) - Pont de Bonavida - Port d'Incles - Étangs de Fontargente Route 156 Soldeu - Canillo Route 157 Ransol - Refugi dels Coms de Jan Route 158 Arcalís - Estanys de Tristaina Route 159 Arinsal - Refugi de Coma Pedrosa Route 160 Refugi de Coma Pedrosa - Pic de Coma Pedrosa Route 161 Les Escaldes - Refugi de l'Illa Route 162 A Circuit of Andorra's Frontier Peaks 21 The Carlit Massif Route 163 Orlu (Pont de Bisp) - Refuge d'En Beys Route 164 Refuge d'En Beys - Port#xe9;-Puymorens Route 165 l'Hospitalet-pr#xe8;s-l'Andorre - Refuge des B#xe9;sines Route 166 Walking Tour of the Vall#xe9;e de Lanous Route 167 Port#xe9;-Puymorens - Pic Carlit Route 168 Chalet-Refuge des Bouillouses - Pic Carlit Route 169 The Carlit Lakes Tour Route 170 Tour du Carlit Appendix A Useful addresses Appendix B Bibliography Appendix C Glossary Appendix D Route index

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Book Synopsis2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition Category Finalist in Mountain Literature 2019 Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature Finalist "If you climbed during that era, you'll turn each page eagerly to find out what happens next (even though you know). If you didn't, you'll likely do the same.... In many ways, Hangdog Days reads as the great American climbing novel. Smoot accepts Todd [Skinner]'s call to join him, and brings us along." -Gripped Fast-paced history-cum-memoir about rock climbing in the wild-and-wooly '80s Highlights ground-breaking achievements from the era Hangdog Days vividly chronicles the era when rock climbing exploded in popularity, attracting a new generation of talented climbers eager to reach new heights via harder routes and faster ascents. This contentious, often entertaining period gave rise to sport climbing, climbing gyms, and competitive climbing--indelibly transforming the sport. Jeff Smoot was one of those brash young climbers, and here he traces the development of traditional climbing "rules," enforced first through peer pressure, then later through intimidation and sabotage. In the late '70s, several climbers began introducing new tactics including "hangdogging," hanging on gear to practice moves, that the old guard considered cheating. As more climbers broke ranks with traditional style, the new gymnastic approach pushed the limits of climbing from 5.12 to 5.13. When French climber Jean-Baptiste Tribout ascended To Bolt or Not to Be, 5.14a, at Smith Rock in 1986, he cracked a barrier many people had considered impenetrable. In his lively, fast-paced history enriched with insightful firsthand experience, Smoot focuses on the climbing achievements of three of the era's superstars: John Bachar, Todd Skinner, and Alan Watts, while not neglecting the likes of Ray Jardine, Lynn Hill, Mark Hudon, Tony Yaniro, and Peter Croft. He deftly brings to life the characters and events of this raucous, revolutionary time in rock climbing, exploring, as he says, "what happened and why it mattered, not only to me but to the people involved and those who have followed."Trade Review"Hangdog Days" by Washington-based climber Jeff Smoot details rock climbing's often hilarious growing pains of the 1970s and 1980s. The parallels between then and now struck me, even as our sport has changed tremendously. Now it's the same conflict, different issues; the same challenge, higher bar; the same stakes, different rules.--Chris Weidner "The Daily Camera" An engaging account of the changes that took place in American rock climbing in the '70s and '80s told with great verve, through the stories of some fascinating characters from died-in-the-wool bottom-up traditionalists to top-down rap-bolters.-- "2019 Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature shortlist" As a direct result of the people and climbing Smoot describes, we have sport climbing, gyms, comps, bouldering as we know it, and so many other things that were once unthinkable and that now form the bedrock of all serious climbing efforts. As such, I highly recommend this sensitive and fascinating account to anyone interested in how we got here.--David Smart, Gripped founding editor "Ontario Climbing" If you climbed during that era, you'll turn each page eagerly to find out what happens next (even though you know). If you didn't, you'll likely do the same.... In many ways, Hangdog Days reads as the great American climbing novel. Smoot accepts Todd [Skinner]'s call to join him, and brings us along.--Tom Valis "Gripped" Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, thoroughly engaging in organization and presentation, Hangdog Days: Conflict, Change, and the Race for 5.14 is an extraordinary and unique sports history that is unreservedly recommended.--Micah Andrew "Midwest Book Review" In his book Hangdog Days, Jeff Smoot chronicles the controversial method of "hangdogging" a climbing route and the debate that raged during the 1980s in climbing circles about this method.... Part history and part memoir, Smoot's book uses his personal experiences as a climber and freelance rock-climbing magazine writer as the vehicle to narrate the sport's rocky transition from the purview of a few grizzled climbers to a phenomenon that attracted younger and more eager climbers wanting to climb harder routes once thought impossible to scale. Smoot's story incorporates the biggest names of the era--everyone from John Bachar to Todd Skinner to Lynn Hill. Each one adds to the debate about the ethics of hangdogging a route.--Eric Patterson "Foreword Reviews" It's awesome. Highly recommend it.--Chris Kalous "The Enormocast" Smoot does an incredible job of making the reader question their own climbing ethics and wonder what the future holds for our crags. If you're into reading on the history of specific climbs or nerding out about Yosemite/Joshua Tree/Smith Rock, this one's for you.-- "monopkt." Smoot effortlessly weaves his own experiences through a wildly colorful historical record filled with fistfights, sabotaged routes, and even death threats.... Hangdog Days is at its heart a tribute to Skinner and the groundbreaking (and yes, sometimes controversial) ways he helped redefine the sport itself.--Shawnte Salabert "Adventure Journal" Smoot tracks the evolution of climbing, from the early hard free climbs of Yosemite to indoor climbing gyms, and introduces readers to climbing luminaries like John Bachar, Alan Watts, Lynn Hill, and Hugh Herr (a double amputee), and he delves into his relationship with a charismatic free climber, Todd Skinner, to whom the book is dedicated...this crisply written memoir provides solid information on a crucial historical period in a sport of increasing popularity.--Brenda Barrera "Booklist" This rollicking book is a welcome trip back to the 1980s, the decade of greatest change--and conflict--in America, when resting on the rope and rap bolting were taboo.... With engaging writing and research, Smoot's book is a pleasure, even as it details the uglier incidents (bolt wars, Yosemite rope-shitting, Index crack-greasing!) in American climbing. Without the 1980s, our sport would not be where it is today, a lesson Hangdog Days artfully conveys.-- "Climbing" Hangdog Days recalls the colorful personalities and ethical struggles that spurred a revolution in rock climbing. This fun trip back in time will motivate you to climb harder.--Paul Piana, climber and writer Full of Homeric characters, epic struggles, heroes and heartbreaks, all played out on an international stage--fans of adventure narratives can't do much better than Hangdog Days.--John Long, writer and climber In Hangdog Days, Jeff Smoot offers an enlightening behind-the-scenes perspective on this fantastic era and its memorable characters. I was climbing in the areas he describes where and while these scenes were playing out. He captures them vividly.--Hans Florine, climber and writer Powerful, moving, compelling, outrageous, fascinating--Hangdog Days captures eighties climbing perfectly. If you're a climber and you can read, this book's for you.--Cam Burns, writer and editor Well-researched and fun with flashes of neon--Smoot's Hangdog Days captures all the wild color of climbing in the late '70s through the '80s.--Lynn Hill, climber

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Book SynopsisHaving suddenly lost her husband, Alex Lowe, in a tragic mountaineering accident, Jennifer Lowe struggled to hold her family together and deal with her grief. At the same time Alex's best friend, famed climber Conrad Anker, was dealing with the terrible loss as well as feelings of survivor's guilt. Jenni and Conrad gradually, and unexpectedly, found solace in one another. "Forget Me Not" spans continents and tells the story of three people whose lives intertwine to a degree they could never have imagined. Jennifer Lowe-Anker is an artist whose often whimsical paintings are rendered in vivid colour and rich texture inspired by her Montana upbringing. This is the paperback edition. Winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, it features an 8-page black & white photo section.

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Book SynopsisSixth edition of this classic trekking guide to the Everest region of Nepal's Himalaya. Ranging from lush terraced fields to the highest mountain on earth, the scenery is breathtaking. There are trekking possibilities to suit all budgets - from independent trekkers on a shoestring staying in simple lodges with Sherpa families to travellers on guided treks with every luxury provided. This practical guide includes detailed route maps covering not only the classic treks but also the wild routes: *Everest expedition route *Rolwaling *Trekking from Lukla *Salpa-Arun *The Gokyo trek *High passes *Trekking peaks - including Mera and Island Peak Getting to Nepal l Kathmandu - trek preparations and what to see Where to stay and eat l Health and safety Employing a guide or porter in NepalTrade ReviewThe pick of the guides to the area -- Adventure Travel Magazine (UK); "Highly recommended." - Wisconsin Bookwatch, USA, August 2018; 'A wealth of information', Backpack, Backpackers Club, Winter, 2018;

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Book SynopsisThe 66 via ferrata routes in this guidebook are grouped by area - Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambery, the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briancon - and run the full gamut of challenge, from very easy, protected routes suitable for children, through to extremely exposed and technical routes for experienced ferratists only. Routes are illustrated by topo diagrams on colour photographs, and simple sketch maps. Those used to the older Italian routes will find these French routes quite different, closer to scrambling or rock climbing and often seeking out the most vertigo-inducing terrain. But most routes should be within the reach of any strong hillwalker and protection is high and well maintained. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the number of via ferrata routes set up in the iconic mountains of the French Alps. With routes set on or near many classics including the massifs of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Queyras, this guide shows the best of what is now available.Table of ContentsMountain safety Map key Route listing Overview map Introduction When to go Getting to the Alps Getting around Language Costs Accommodation Maps Route grading Equipment Moving safely Climbing with children Dangers Accidents and mountain rescue Insurance Using this guide Routes and bases Geneva and the Northern Alps Chamb#xe9;ry Tarentaise Maurienne Grenoble Briançon Appendix A Routes listed in order of difficulty Appendix B Glossary of via ferrata terminology Appendix C Useful French words and phrases Appendix D Useful contacts

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Book SynopsisThe last climb of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, towards the summit of Mount Everest on 8 June 1924, has been shrouded in mystery for a century. Were they the first humans to stand at the highest point in the world? The discovery of Mallory's body in 1999 did nothing to resolve the mystery. Until now, accounts of their climb have been driven by speculation and preconceived narrative. In this book, which marks the 100th anniversary of the fateful climb, Dr Robert Edwards brings the fresh and original perspective of a mathematician to the story of Mallory and Irvine. Dr Edwards has assembled the contemporary accounts of the early British expeditions, written by the climbers and their leaders, and has identified their anomalies and inconsistencies. He has studied the letters of George Mallory, and has held in his hand the diaries of Andrew Irvine. He has viewed, in person, some of the surviving artifacts: the ice axe found in 1933, and Mallory's boots, recovered in 1999. He has cor

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Book SynopsisOne Man's Legacy chronicles the brief but brilliant life of Dr Tom Patey: bard, musician, and one of Scotland's foremost climbers and mountaineers. His story is one of pioneering ascents and boundless enthusiasm, and his spontaneity, carefree approach and ability to burn the candle at both ends remain legendary, several decades after his untimely death. Meticulously researched over several years, this definitive biography covers every aspect of Patey's life in rich detail. Youthful endeavours with the Scouts and early forays on the Aberdeen sea cliffs were the foundation for Patey's university years, where he established - often solo - many classic summer and winter lines in the Cairngorms, cementing his reputation as a tough, fearless mountaineer with exceptional endurance. A stalwart of 1950s bothy culture, his natural gifts as a musician and raconteur garnered him friends far and wide, and enabled him to transcend social and cultural boundaries with ease. Later, as a Royal Marine and then a highly respected GP, he maintained an insatiable appetite for exploring new terrain both in his native Scotland and further afield, in the Alps, Norway and the Karakoram. By drawing on Patey's essays and verses, published collectively in the celebrated One Man's Mountains, the narrative is imbued with dry wit and gentle satire, and brought to life by unseen images from renowned photographer John Cleare and the Patey family archive. Supported by a foreword from Mick Fowler and first-hand insights from some of the leading climbers of the last century, including Sir Chris Bonington, Joe Brown and Paul Nunn, One Man's Legacy celebrates a complex, larger-than-life character who rightly deserves his place in mountaineering history.

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Book SynopsisMountaintops have long been seen as sacred places, home to gods and dreams. In one climbing year Peter Boardman visited three very different sacred mountains.He began in the New Year, on the South Face of the Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea. This shark’s fin of steep limestone walls and sweeping glaciers is the highest point between the Andes and the Himalaya, and one of the most inaccessible, rising above thick jungle inhabited by warring Stone Age tribes.During the spring Boardman was on more familiar, if hardly more reassuring, ground, making a four-man, oxygen-free attempt on the world’s third highest peak, Kangchenjunga. Hurricane-force winds beat back their first two bids on the unclimbed North Ridge, but they eventually stood within feet of the summit – leaving the final few yards untrodden in deference to the inhabiting deity.In October, he was back in the Himalaya and climbing the mountain most sacred to the Sherpas: the twin-summited Gauri Sankar. Renowned for its technical difficulty and spectacular profile, it is aptly dubbed the Eiger of the Himalaya and Boardman’s first ascent of the South Summit took a committing and gruelling twenty-three days.Three sacred mountains, three very different expeditions, all superbly captured by Boardman in Sacred Summits, his second book, first published shortly after his death in 1982. Combining the excitement of extreme climbing with acute observation of life in the mountains, this is an amusing, dramatic, poignant and thought-provoking book, amply fulfilling the promise of Boardman’s first title, The Shining Mountain, for which he won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1979.Trade Review'A poignant record of [Boardman's] great skill and determination as a mountaineer.' - J.H. Emlyn Jones, Alpine JournalTable of ContentsForeword by Chris Bonington ‘A Great Partnership’Part One Snow Mountains Of New GuineaChapter One Sacred SummitsChapter Two Troubled ParadiseChapter Three AmakaneChapter Four CarstenszChapter Five DugunduguChapter Six An Impossible DreamChapter Seven Back From The Stone AgePart Two KangchenjungaChapter Eight SpringChapter Nine SéracsChapter Ten The WallChapter Eleven Ordeal By StormChapter Twelve Before DawnChapter Thirteen Softly To The Untrodden SummitChapter Fourteen Down WindChapter Fifteen SummerPart Three Gauri SankarChapter Sixteen First TimeChapter Seventeen Knight MovesChapter Eighteen BorderlineChapter Nineteen Cliffs Of FallChapter Twenty Final ChoiceChapter Twenty One TseringmaChapter Twenty Two Autumn … To Earth With LoveChapter Twenty Three WinterAcknowledgements

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Book SynopsisEverything you [n]ever wanted to know about big wall and aid climbing - from light and fast speed ascents to full-on vertical camping - along with the most up-to-date tips, tricks and techniques to teach you the Better Way to climb big walls. The "climbing porn" photos are superb, and the text is both creative and entertaining. The passion, thrill and suffering shared in the stories by the best aid climbers on the planet will make your hands sweat in terror, and the brilliant action photographs ensure this book will end up in haul bags and on coffee tables the wor Fabio Elli, one of the authors, is a chemical engineer who lives in the north of Italy near Como - he was introduced to climbing and the mountains by his dad when he was 14, and since then he's never stopped. He's an alpinism and ice climbing enthusiast, he also enjoys biking and photography. In 2010, he felt the pull of his aiders, and he has been active since then, often solo. He has climbed many of the most demanding classics in the Mont Blanc massif, and also on the Moose's Tooth in Alaska plus most of the 'classics' on El Capitan. Peter Zarbrok, the other author of the guide, began as a caver who started climbing in 1979. Also a chemical engineer, he is a self-unemployed financial advisor prefering the 'dirtbag' lifestyle. He is active in the exploration and survey of the Mammoth Cave System in Kentucky and also in Oaxaca, Mexico.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive and comprehensive 'how to climb' textbook (55,000 copies sold), now in its revised and updated third edition. It covers un-roped bouldering and movement skills as well as every aspect of indoor, single and multi-pitch rock climbing

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Book SynopsisIn Mont Blanc Lines, photographer and alpinist Alex Buisse has travelled the Mont Blanc massif to capture images of all the major mountain faces and to trace the classic climbing and skiing lines. As well as Mont Blanc itself, also featured are other Alpine icons, including the north faces of the Grandes Jorasses and the Droites, the Aiguille du Midi, and the Grand Capucin.Whether on the ground in crampons or on skis, or in the air by ultralight or paraglider, he has captured the majesty of the range so that he can tell the story of these classic lines and present them to us in the most stunning way possible.Mont Blanc Lines features images taken during over a decade of mountaineering while Alex worked as a professional photographer based in Chamonix. Alex Buisse’s story of these iconic mountain faces is mixed with the stories of climbers who have experienced great moments there. As a bonus feature, also included are the legendary faces of the Matterhorn and the Eiger North Face in Switzerland.Table of ContentsIntroductionMont Blanc – North FaceMont Blanc – East FaceMont Blanc – South FaceMont Blanc – South-West FaceGrandes Jorasses – North FaceDroites – North FaceAiguille Verte – North FaceAiguille Verte – South FaceDrus – North FaceDrus – South FaceAiguille du Midi – North FaceAiguille du Midi – South FaceAiguilles de Chamonix – North FacesAiguilles de Chamonix – North-West FacesAiguilles de Chamonix – South FacesMont Blanc du TaculGrand CapucinDent du GéantAiguille d’ArgentièreAiguille du ChardonnetAiguille du TourDômes de Miage – North FaceThe MatterhornThe Eiger – North Face

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Book SynopsisChamonix is the most famous climbing area in Europe. Nowhere else has as much quality rock, spectacular peaks and varied mountaineering history. For most climbers a trip to Chamonix is an integral part of their climbing and mountaineering career. This new edition of the incredibly successful 2016 Rockfax book covers everything you need - perfect granite rock routes, magnificent long ridges, intimidating north faces and some valley sport climbing for the 'rest days'. All the information has been checked and improved with many new crags and action photos. The crucial text information has been updated and amended to fit with the current glacier conditions maps and with excellent detailed descriptions

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Book SynopsisDesigned for quick use by climbers on site, this book shows how to properly place and configure natural anchors, passive chocks, mechanical chocks, fixed gear, knots, belay anchors, toprope anchors and rappel anchors. This field guide is up to date with the essential knowledge every climber can depend on.

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Book SynopsisGuidebook blending inspiration and information about 180 walks and scrambles in the High Tatras mountains of Poland and Slovakia. Varied routes among the strikingly beautiful craggy peaks of the High, Western and White Tatras range from easy to strenuous, best walked between July and October. The walks are between 1 and 30km (both circular and linear) and link the main resorts with peaks, lakes and mountain chalets. In Poland there is one base of Zakopane, whereas in Slovakia there are several villages linked by a tramway. Highlights include an ascent of Krivian and ridge walks in the Western Tatras Detailed accommodation information and suggested kit list Information about local services, facilities and attractions Polish-Slovak glossary Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket Table of ContentsPreface 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TATRAS Background Early history Vegetation and wildlife Weather National parks Languages Place names Border controls 2 PREPARATION FOR WALKING When to go Obtaining information Travel and insurance Accommodation Fitness Clothing and equipment Maps Paths and waymarking Refreshments and toilets Mountain chalets or refuges Mountain guides Mountain safety and emergency services Winter walking Cross-border walking Mountain photography How to use this guide Grading of walks 3 THE SLOVAK HIGH AND WHITE TATRAS Later history Walking Tatransk#xe1; Bora Route suggestions Waymarked network With a guide Path descriptions Cesta Slobody Red routes Tatransk#xe1; Magistr#xe1;la Blue routes Green routes Yellow routes Selected timings Highest summits Travel Diversions Shopping and local services Other useful information Gazetteer 4 THE POLISH TATRAS Later history Walking Route suggestions Path descriptions Red routes Blue routes Green routes Yellow routes Black routes Selected timings Highest summits Travel Diversions Shopping and local services Other useful information Gazetteer Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Suggested kit list Appendix E The Tatras mountain code and Visitors' Charter Appendix F Help!

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Book SynopsisSuitable for walkers and mountaineers, from novice to expert, this title covers various aspects of mountain navigation; summer, winter and overseas, using traditional map and compass as well as devices such as GPS and digital software applications. It features chapters on the Fundamentals, Navigation Techniques, Winter Navigation, and more.

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Book SynopsisClimber and author Steve Roper spent most of 10 years living in the Yosemite Valley with its intriguing inhabitants. Camp 4 is his take on the era's top climbers and the influences behind their achievements. With more than 50 fascinating historical photographs, Camp 4 is the definitive history of Yosemite climbing during this period.

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Book SynopsisVoytek Kurtyka is one of the greatest alpinists of all time. Born in 1947, he was one of the leading lights of the Polish golden age of mountaineering that redefined Himalayan climbing in the 1970s and 1980s.His visionary approach to climbing resulted in many renowned ascents, such as the complete Broad Peak traverse, the ‘night-naked’ speed climbs of Cho Oyu and Shishapangma and, above all, the alpine-style first ascent of the west face of Gasherbrum IV. Dubbed the ‘climb of the century’, his route on GIV with the Austrian Robert Schauer is – as of 2017 – unrepeated. His most frequent climbing partners were alpine legends of their time: Polish Himalayan giant Jerzy Kukuczka, Swiss mountain guide Erhard Loretan and British alpinist Alex MacIntyre.After repeated requests to accept the Piolets d’Or lifetime achievement award (the Oscars of the climbing world), Kurtyka finally accepted the honour in the spring of 2016. A fiercely private individual, he has declined countless invitations for interviews, lectures and festival appearances, but he has agreed to collaborate with internationally renowned and award-winning author Bernadette McDonald on this long-awaited biography.Art of Freedom is a profound and moving profile of one of the international climbing world’s most respected, complex and reclusive mountaineers.Trade ReviewThis biography of the enigmatic Voytek Kurtyka is intimate and poised, revealing much that we did not know about Kurtyka, but never dispelling the mystery that surrounds him. -- John PorterVoytek Kurtyka is an artist and his art is alpinism. -- Barry BlanchardTable of ContentsIntroduction; One Rock Animal; Two Alpinist in Training; Three Hindu Kush - Unleashed; Four Troll Wall; Five Bandaka - The Mordor Beauty; Six Hungry for Hunger; Seven Dancing in the Moment; Eight Enfant Terrible; Nine Line against the Sky; Ten The Shining Wall; Eleven Fork in the Road; Twelve Trango Tower; Thirteen Night Naked; Fourteen Dance of the Underclings; Fifteen Chinese Maharaja; Sixteen Metaphysical Think Tank; Epilogue The Crux; Appendix Chronology of Selected Climbs; Acknowledgements; Notes; Sources; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe forest of Fontainebleau is one of the major bouldering spots of the world. Thousands of sandstone boulders lie scattered over an area of 1,200 square kilometres of forest – wonderfully-shaped boulders of superb quality rock in a wilderness of pine, beech and oak trees. The climbing style is addictive, a subtle mixture of body positioning, footwork and power that is as demanding mentally as it is physically. There are problems at every grade imaginable, from the easiest of circuits to world class testpieces.Written by local climbers Jo and Francoise Montchausse and Jacky Godoffe, Fontainebleau Bouldering "Off-Piste" reveals the locations of over 3,000 of the best problems graded at Font 6a and above, and highlights 250 problems of outstanding quality. Some problems found on circuits, others are set apart and easily missed. This guide ensures that doesn't happen. Covering 92 different areas across the forest, the guide lists the harder problems in the main locations, and also on many lesser-known groups of boulders around the forest. There are 120 detailed maps - both general location maps and boulder layouts, colour photographs for every area and hints, tips and anecdotes throughout.This new edition also features a comprehensive alphabetical index to all the problems in the guide with those of the highest quality highlighted in bold type. More than enough for even the most dedicated enthusiast to go at. Fontainebleau Bouldering "Off-Piste" works particularly well when paired with the popular circuit guide Fontainebleau Climbs, written by the same authors.Trade Review'This new guide is big step forward in the sometimes-baffling climbing areas in the Forest and it's clear that this has been a huge undertaking for the authors, finally unleashing their secrets to the world. It does the job of taking you 'off piste' from the circuits admirably and makes your head hurt when you start to try and take in the vast amount of blocs and boulder problems that have now been documented. However the final part of the guide's job will make your head hurt even more and, if you love exploring and opening problems of your own as much as I do, it makes you wonder how many there are still left out there to be claimed in the bouldering wonderland. All in all it's a great production from the much-respected players in the Forest and therefore it's a must-buy for all Font bouldering devotee' (Simon Jacques, UKClimbing.com). 'The second selected guidebook by the highly experienced Montchausse/Godoffe team to this famous French climbing area - Off Piste is a good companion to the Fontainebleau - Montchausse guide and the combination of these two guides would work well if you wish to try a mixture of both Off and On Piste problems.' (RockandRun.com). 'Well worth the money - an excellent guide.' (Matt Heason, Sheffield Adventure Film Festival).Table of ContentsFrom circuit games, to bouldering off-pisteHow to use this guideCrash Mats and the art of spottingAround FontainebleauAround Milly-la-ForêtAround NemoursAroun MalesherbesAround La Ferté-AlaisPractical informationIndex

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Book SynopsisFreedom Climbers is the multi award-winning book by Bernadette McDonald, now available in the UK and Ireland thanks to Vertebrate Publishing. Freedom Climbers tells the story of the extraordinary Polish adventurers who emerged from under the blanket of oppression following the Second World War to become the world's leading Himalayan climbers. Although they lived in a war-ravaged landscape, with seemingly no hope of creating a meaningful life, these curious, motivated and skilled mountaineers built their own free-market economy under the very noses of their Communist bosses and climbed their way to liberation. At a time when Polish citizens were locked behind the Iron Curtain, these intrepid explorers found a way to travel the world in search of extreme adventure - to Alaska, South America and Europe, but mostly to the highest and most inspiring mountains of the world. To this end, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Nepal became their second homes as they evolved into the toughest Himalayan climbers the world has ever known. In her most engaging book to date, renowned and award-winning author Bernadette McDonald weaves a passionate and literary tale of adventure, politics, suffering, death and - ultimately - inspiration.Trade ReviewOne of the most important mountaineering books to be written for many years. – Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain LiteratureClimbers everywhere have much to l learn from this bold, tragic, ultimately magnificent story. – Grand Prize Winner, Banff Mountain Book FestivalA brilliantly crafted tale of mountain and political adventure that reveals a golden era in Himalayan climbing that was as glorious as it was tragic. – Sir Chris BoningtonThis important volume documents a defining chapter of Himalayan climbing history. – Reinhold MessnerPainstakingly researched and well crafted, this remarkable book acknowledges the significance of Polish mountaineers during the golden age of Himalayan exploration. Fascinating. – Andy Cave, author of Learning to BreatheMcDonald deserves special praise for bringing to light the stories of these remarkable men and women, and doing so in a manner that does honour to their memory. – Wade Davis, author of Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of EverestA gripping read, bound to become a classic of mountain literature. – Maria Coffey, author of Explorers of the InfiniteTakes the reader from deep within Communist-controlled Poland and into the lonely, dramatic landscapes of the world's most formidable mountain ranges. – Jim Curran, author of High Achiever: The Life and Climbs of Chris BoningtonFreedom Climbers is a very enlightening and captivating look at the Polish climbing superstars. – Ed Viesturs, author of No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks

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Book SynopsisMountaineering in the Mont Blanc Range showcases the most beautiful lower grade snow, ice and mixed climbs (F to AD+) in the seemingly inexhaustible Mont Blanc Range. The routes described in this book should be within the capabilities of almost all mountaineers.Reflecting all recent changed topographical conditions due to the steady glacial retreat created by climate change, authors Jean-Louis Laroche and Florence Lelong have selected 36 climbs from across the range, which are easily accessible from well appointed mountain huts, useful telepheriques and mountain railways.The routes described are an ideal introduction to the climbing in this magnificent area. They are on snow or mixed ground and, distributed among the main glacier basins, they will enable you to visit a representative selection of summits along the full length of the range. Among them are some of the finest classics, including: the North Face of the Tete Blanche; the Whymper Route on the Aiguille d'Argentiere; the Cosmiques Ridge of the Aiguille du Midi; the Normal Route, Contamine-Grisolle, and Chere Couloir on the Mont Blanc du Tacul; and of course a choice of routes on Mont Blanc itself.Each route features a detailed and comprehensive route description, a sketch map and a route summary detailing the start point, difficulty, timings, height gain, best time of year and the gear required. Beautifully illustrated with photos that show both the lie of the land and also the haunting beauty of the fabulous peaks of the Mont Blanc Range, this guide clearly indicates alpinism's continued popularity to climbers of all ages.Table of ContentsIntroduction1 Aiguille du Tour: Traverse and Table Couloir2 Tête Blanche (North Face) and Petite Fourche3 Aiguille du Chardonnet: Forbes Arête and Migot Spur4 Aiguille d’Argentière: Normal Route, Whymper Route, Y Couloir and Flèche Rousse5 Petite Verte: Normal Route, North-West Face and Chevalier Couloir6 Les Droites: Normal Route7 Les Courtes: Traverse8 Pointe Isabella: Normal Route9 Aiguille de l’Éboulement: South-West Couloir and Traverse10 Aiguille de Rochefort: Rochefort Ridge11 La Tour Ronde: Normal Route, North Face/Crampon Fûte and Gervasutti Couloir12 Aiguille du Plan: Midi-Plan Traverse13 Aiguille du Midi: Cosmiques Ridge14 Mont Blanc du Tacul: Normal Route Contamine-Grisolle, and Chèré Couloir15 Mont Blanc: Goûter Route, Tacul-Maudit Traverse and North Ridge of the Dôme16 Mont Blanc: Aiguilles Grises17 Aiguille de Bionnassay: South Ridge and Traverse18 Dômes de Miage: Traverse19 Aiguille Nord de Tré-la-Tête, Lex Blanche, Dôme de Neige: Traverse20 Aiguille de la Lex Blanche: North-West Face21 Mont Tondu: Normal RoutePractical information, hut access

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Book SynopsisMountaineering in the Swiss Alps presents a selection of classic routes in the main Swiss climbing areas that have forged Switzerland's reputation as a mountaineering paradise. Featured are over thirty climbs, ranging from relatively easy normal routes to more challenging itineraries. All are within the capabilities of most mountaineers and provide an excellent introduction to the wide variety of climbing that Switzerland has to offer.Every route, whether it is a pure rock climb, a mixed ridge, a big north face or a long traverse, was chosen for the beauty of the surroundings and the quality of the climbing. Some are on world famous peaks that every mountaineer aspires to climb, such as the Matterhorn (Mont Cervin), the Breithorn and the Monch; others are on lesser-known summits and will delight those who like getting away from the beaten track. Written by mountaineer and author Stephane Maire, each route features technical notes, a route description and topo, and photos illustrating the climb's unique character.Table of ContentsIntroduction & practical informationGlossary: English–French–German–Italian 1 Grand Muveran: Saille Ridge2 Gastlosen: South-west–North-east Traverse of the Marchzähne3 Petit Combin: North Face4 Aiguilles Rouges d’Arolla: North–South Traverse5 Matterhorn: Lion Ridge and Hörnli Ridge6 Besso & Blanc de Moming: South-west Ridge and Traverse7 Ober Gabelhorn: North Face8 Zinalrothorn: Rothorngrat and North Ridge9 Breithorn: East–West Traverse10 Liskamm: West–East Traverse11 Lenzspitze & Nadelhorn: North-east Face and Traverse12 Jegigrat: South-east Spur of the Grand Gendarme and North-east–South-west Traverse13 Weissmies: North Ridge14 Blüemlisalphorn & Morgenhorn: North Face and Traverse of the Ridge15 Bietschhorn: East Spur16 Stockhorn: South Ridge17 Mönch: Nollen18 Schreckhorn: South Pillar19 Klein & Gross Simelistock: North–South Traverse20 Gross Diamantstock: East Ridge21 Gross Bielenhorn: South-east Ridge22 Schijenstock: South Ridge23 Salbitschijen: South Ridge24 Poncione di Cassina Baggio: South Ridge25 Pizzo del Prévat: North-east Ridge and North-east Pillar26 Piz Cavardiras: South Ridge27 Piz Balzet: South Ridge28 Punta da l’Albigna: Meuli Route29 Piz Kesch: North-east Ridge of the Keschnadel and Keschgrat30 Piz Bernina: Biancograt

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Book SynopsisTHE GRIPPING, TERRIFYING STORY OF A BRUTAL STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL ON THE UPPER SLOPES OF THE HIMALAYAN K2, THE WORLD''S MOST HOSTILE TERRAIN. ''Unputdownable. A portrait of extreme courage, folly and loss, leavened by a small dose of survival'' Financial Times________________K2, August 1st, 2008. Thirty climbers are attempting the summit of the most savage mountain on Earth. They make it. But before they start their descent an ice shelf collapses, sweeping away their ropes. It is dark. Their lines are gone. They are low on oxygen. And it is getting very, very cold. How many will make it down alive?________________ ''A gripping hour-by-hour dissection of events in the Western Himalayas over three deadly days. A fitting shelfmate to the modern classic Into Thin Air. A cracking read'' Sunday Times''The best mountain-disaster memoir since Into Thin ATrade ReviewRiveting and powerful; an extraordinary story of an extraordinary tragedy. Reading No Way Down is the closest you can come to being on the summit of K2 on that fateful day -- Sir Ranulph FiennesA gripping hour-by-hour dissection of events in the Western Himalaya over three deadly days... a fitting shelfmate to the modern classic Into Thin Air -- Brian Schofield * Sunday Times *Stories of heroism, sadness and extraordinary endurance against all the odds are woven into a thrilling drama -- Christopher Hudson * Daily Mail *Unputdownable... a portrait of extreme courage, folly and loss, leavened by a small dose of survival' * Financial Times *Artfully and assiduously pieces together an account of a fractious day in brutal real time. Fatality by fatality... devastating * New York Times *A tour de force of a book...a triumph of storytelling * Associated Press *Probably the best mountain-disaster memoir since Into Thin Air * Mail on Sunday *One of the best books I've ever read. But take it to the beach at your peril - it's impossible to put down. Sunburn is guaranteed * Outdoor Science *

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Book SynopsisCairngorms: A Secret History is a series of journeys exploring barely known human and natural stories of the Cairngorm Mountains. It looks at a unique British landscape, its last great wilderness, with new eyes. History combines with travelogue in a vivid account of this elemental scenery. There have been rare human incursions into the Cairngorm plateau, and Patrick Baker tracks them down. He traces elusive wildlife and relives ghostly sightings on the summit of Ben Macdui. From the search for a long-forgotten climbing shelter and the locating of ancient gem mines, to the discovery of skeletal aircraft remains and the hunt for a mysterious nineteenth-century aristocratic settlement, he seeks out the unlikeliest and most interesting of features in places far off the beaten track. The cultural and human impact of this stunning landscape and reflections on the history of mountaineering are the threads which bind this compelling narrative together.Trade Review'Describing a series of walks, Baker illuminates the bleak landscape, revealing the many stories linked to its ruined bothies, ancient gem mines and even haunted summits' * FT Weekend *'Packed with great stories and vivid descriptions' * Scotland Outdoor *'Exploring the Cairngorms has been a lifetime fascination for Patrick Baker and in this book he generously shares the results' * Scotland Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFor generations of adventurers, from Mallory to Hilary, Norgay to Krakauer, Mount Everest and the world's greatest peaks have provided the ultimate testing ground. But as the public's fascination with mountaineering reaches an all time high, the question remains - why climb?In High Exposure, legendary rock climber, mountaineer and film-maker David Breashears answers with a captivating and intimate look at his life, during which he has scaled many of the world's highest peaks, including two successful ascents of Everest.Trade ReviewBreashears has led a remarkable life and his professionalism, integrity and bravery emerge throughout this account. * * Literary Review * *An enthralling account . . . This book is remarkable on a number of levels. For the long winter nights this is an inspiring account and a worthy addition to any bookshelf. * * Great Outdoors Magazine * *A series of fascinating decisions and judgements . . . a finely honed book. * * Yorkshire Post * *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2012 Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature 'I was aware that I was cold - beyond cold. I was a lump of meat left for too long in a freezer, a body trapped beneath the ice, sinking down into the dark. I was freezing to death.' In this brilliant sequel to his award-winning debut Psychovertical, mountaineering stand-up Andy Kirkpatrick has achieved his life's ambition to become one of the world's leading climbers. Pushing himself to new extremes, he embarks on his toughest climbs yet - on big walls in the Alps and Patagonia - in the depths of winter. Kirkpatrick has more success, but the savagery and danger of these encounters comes at huge personal cost. Questioning his commitment to his chosen craft, Kirkpatrick is torn between family life and the dangerous path he has chosen. Written with his trademark wit and honesty, Cold Wars is a gripping account of modern adventure.Trade Review"The book is often as varied as it is textured, and with every break I looked forward to returning ... a book that is both hilarious and haunting." (Alison Osius, Rock & Ice Magazine). "This is Andy Kirkpatrick at his best." (Tom Richardson, Climb Magazine). "The rarest of things, a mountaineering book that really matters." (John Horscroft, Climber Magazine). "Kirkpatrick's wry sarcasm, his deft character sketches of his climbing partners, and the often ridiculous situations of the game of big-wall climbing lead to many laugh-out-loud moments. The portrayal of Kirkpatrick's developing insight into his motivation and his growing realisation of the importance of life outside climbing make this a climbing autobiography on a par with Steve House's Beyond the Mountain, only with more jokes about poo and Johnny Depp." (John Chivall, TGO Magazine). "Cold Wars is a funny, poignant read and I enjoyed it very much." (Alastair Humphreys, www.alastairhumphreys.com). "Brilliantly written, painfully thoughtful and yet still an incredibly easy and gripping read. Human and brilliant at the same time." (Jon Doran, OUTDOORSmagic.com). "A good second book from one of the the UK's best climbing showmen which will hopefully open the door for a third, as this man surely has more mountain stories to tell." (Jack Geldard, UKClimbing.com). "It's laugh-out-loud funny at times, and amazingly honest at others. Read it - but then you would have done anyway." (Rosie Fuller, Adventure Travel Magazine). "The book weaves an impressive line between man and mountaineer ... and manages to break out of an over-worked genre by dint of the author's honesty and vulnerability." (John Appleby, Footless Crow). "A superbly written insight into the life of a world class performer torn by internal battles, never satisfied because to stand still is to go backwards and infuriatingly not recognising that he doesn't need to be be measured against anyone." Dave Mycroft, MyOutdoors.co.uk). "A book that is moving, powerful and hugely entertaining, often within a single chapter, Cold Wars joins Psychovertical as one of the new classics of mountaineering literature." (Nicola Underdown, rockclimbinguk.co.uk). "Cold Wars is a superb book. For those like me who don't climb, it is a fantastic insight into a specialised world with pithy comment on the difficulties faced by those who inhabit it. For those who climb big walls in winter, you may well be in it. Regardless of who you are, go and read it." (British Army Rumour Service)."A book which celebrates all that is best in mountaineering literature and the Boardman Tasker Award in particular." (Bernard Newman, Boardman Tasker Prize 2012). "The book is often as varied as it is textured, and with every break I looked forward to returning ... a book that is both hilarious and haunting." (Alison Osius, Rock & Ice Magazine). "This is Andy Kirkpatrick at his best." (Tom Richardson, Climb Magazine). "The rarest of things, a mountaineering book that really matters." (John Horscroft, Climber Magazine). "Kirkpatrick's wry sarcasm, his deft character sketches of his climbing partners, and the often ridiculous situations of the game of big-wall climbing lead to many laugh-out-loud moments. The portrayal of Kirkpatrick's developing insight into his motivation and his growing realisation of the importance of life outside climbing make this a climbing autobiography on a par with Steve House's Beyond the Mountain, only with more jokes about poo and Johnny Depp." (John Chivall, TGO Magazine). "Brilliantly written, painfully thoughtful and yet still an incredibly easy and gripping read. Human and brilliant at the same time." (Jon Doran, OUTDOORSmagic.com). "A good second book from one of the the UK's best climbing showmen which will hopefully open the door for a third, as this man surely has more mountain stories to tell." (Jack Geldard, UKClimbing.com). "It's laugh-out-loud funny at times, and amazingly honest at others. Read it - but then you would have done anyway." (Rosie Fuller, Adventure Travel Magazine). "Cold Wars is a funny, poignant read and I enjoyed it very much." (Alastair Humphreys, www.alastairhumphreys.com). "A hugely entertaining and moving book, which will appeal to mountaineers and non-mountaineers alike, and no doubt will become one of the modern classics." (Ken Applegate, Scottish Mountaineer). "The book weaves an impressive line between man and mountaineer ... and manages to break out of an over-worked genre by dint of the author's honesty and vulnerability." (John Appleby, To Hatch A Crow). "A superbly written insight into the life of a world class performer torn by internal battles, never satisfied because to stand still is to go backwards and infuriatingly not recognising that he doesn't need to be be measured against anyone." (Dave Mycroft, MyOutdoors.co.uk). "A book that is moving, powerful and hugely entertaining, often within a single chapter, Cold Wars joins Psychovertical as one of the new classics of mountaineering literature." (Nicola Underdown, rockclimbinguk.co.uk). "Cold Wars is a superb book. For those like me who don't climb, it is a fantastic insight into a specialised world with pithy comment on the difficulties faced by those who inhabit it. For those who climb big walls in winter, you may well be in it. Regardless of who you are, go and read it." (British Army Rumour Service).Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Prologue Yosemite One Dru Two Lafaille Three Black Dog Four Fitz Roy Five Mermoz Six Park Seven Fear Eight Xmas Nine Troll Ten Hard Eleven Troll II Twelve Breathing Thirteen Lesueur Fourteen Sheep Fifteen Diamond Sixteen Post Seventeen Charlie Eighteen Grounded Nineteen Magic Climbing 101 Glossary

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Book SynopsisJoe Simpson is the author of several best-selling books, of which the first,Touching the Void, won both the NCR award and the Boardman Tasker Award. His later books are This Game of Ghosts - the sequel to Touching the Void - Storms of Silence, Dark Shadows Falling, The Beckoning Silence and two novels, The Water People and The Sound of Gravity.Trade ReviewA brilliant, vivd, gripping, heart-stopping account of their terrifying adventure... Superbly written * Sunday Express *One of the absolute classics of mountaineering...a document of psychological, even philosophical witness of the rarest compulsion -- George Steiner * Sunday Times *On every level it is an outstanding literary achievement * Independent *A quite extraordinary and moving book...Touching the Void touches the Great Questions in an understated yet utterly compelling way * Guardian *A truly astonishing account of suffering and fortitude...the narrative acquires an irresistible force, carrying all before it * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisLofoten is a magical area; towering granite peaks rise above deep blue fjords, with tiny wooden fishing villages squeezed between the mountains and the oceans. The extensive climbing is on magnificent granite cliffs and the vast majority of it is traditionally protected.

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Book SynopsisThis new edition with an expanded list of over 90 trad and sport crags describes almost 1300 routes offering the best of sport and trad climbing, reflecting recent development in this beautiful area.

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Book SynopsisKenton Cool is the finest alpine climber of this generation. His accomplishments are staggering. He has summited Everest twelve times. He is the first person in history to climb the three Everest peaks, the so-called Triple Crown, in one climb, a feat previously thought impossible. He was nominated for the prestigious piolet d''Or in 2004 for climbing a previously unclimbed route on Annapurna III. In 2012 he fulfilled the Olympic Games pledge of placing a 1924 gold medal on the Everest summit. He is the only Briton to have skied down two 8000-metre mountains, and in 2009 he guided Sir Ranulph Fiennes to the summit of Everest, helping to raise over 3 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care.His accomplishments are all the more extraordinary considering an incident in the summer of 1996 which tore Kenton''s world apart. Whilst climbing in Wales, he broke a handhold on a route aptly called ''Major Headstress'' and fell to the ground with such force that he shattered both his heel bones. Initially told he would never walk unaided again, Kenton spent four weeks in hospital, had three operations, three and a half months in a wheelchair and months of rehab. Today he is still in pain and after a long day in the mountains it''s not uncommon to see him struggling to walk or moving around on his hands and knees. Yet he still climbs.''Why do you do it?'' people ask him. This book tells why.Trade ReviewOne of Britain's finest mountaineers, One Man’s Everest is Kenton Cool at his best: honest and true, enthusiastic and exuberant. He brings these marvellous mountaineering stories to life as he does in his captivating lectures. -- Doug ScottEleven times on the Everest summit. Kenton Cool is without doubt the most formidable mountaineer of his generation. -- Sir Ranulph FiennesI have seen a compassionate and gentle side to Kenton that others with equal drive and commitment don’t have. His record in the world’s mighty mountains is remarkable. I hope he is admired as much for the man he is, as his achievements. -- His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, First Crown Prince of BhutanI’ve watched Kenton’s development over the last decade into one of the world’s pre-eminent climbers. The time he has spent at 8000m is almost unparalleled, and his ability to succeed in the Death Zone where others fail stands testament to his ability as a mountaineer as well as his personal drive and ambition. -- Sir Chris BoningtonOne Man’s Everest is told with great honesty. It is a tale of immense enthusiasm and remarkable determination. The writing makes you feel as if you are eating your way through a stick of Blackpool rock – every page has Kenton Cool written right through it. * Climber Magazine *

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