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.
