BMC Launches Alpine Essentials DVD

Alpine Essentials DVD - British Mountaineering Council

Latest from the BMC is a new DVD showing the essential skills and techniques necessary for Alpine mountaineering.

Like the excellent Winter Essentials DVD - reviewed here - it's been jointly produced with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and produced by climbing film specialists Slackjaw Productions and uses the same basic structure.

That means a main 36-minute documentary-type section supplemented by a selection of technical chapters, each covering an essential Alpine skill. The main section of the DVD follows a pair of British climbers in their attempt on a popular peak in the Swiss Alps.

It's not the most scintillating of films and the dialogue between the climbers is more wooden than Epping Forest, but then it's intended to be more instructional than inspirational, so you get tips on preparation, hut etiquette - don't forget those earplugs if you want to sleep - climbing technique and so on - there's plenty of sound advice along the way.

The second section consists of separate technical sections covering the essential skills needed for safe mountaineering - moving together for example and crevasse travel - plus a section on Via Ferrata. Again they're slightly dry but very sound and extremely clear.

That makes them an excellent introduction to Alpine skills or a great refresher if you just need to sharpen your skills. All in, there are around two-and-a-half hours of these technical chapters, which is great. You also get advice on kit and what to wear.

OK, so it's not scintillating entertainment, but it's a well-produced DVD packed full of useful advice, though obviously it's not a substitute for skilled instruction. The Via Ferrata section should be required viewing for anyone heading off to the Dolomites or similar as well.

Price is £15.99 - £10.99 for BMC members - and you can buy it either online from the BMC at www.thebmc.co.uk or from outdoor shops.