The UN International Year of the Mountain is now well under way. For those of you who've managed to avoid all mention of it, the idea of the year is to raise awareness of the importance of the mountain environment amongst the outdoor community
and the global population at large. The organisers hope to highlight important issues such as
sustainable development, integration and breaking barriers, and
strengthening international relations.
Below is a list of the international events.
A Kyrgyzstan Extravaganza! (1-25 August)
The Kyrgyz Alpine Club (with the support of Kyrgyz Government) will be
holding a huge Mountain Festival in area of Lenin Peak (7134m) in the Pamirs
this summer. The area to be visited has been described as "The most
beautiful mountains in all the world" by several leading climbers, and is
fast becoming a world-class alpine destination since the dissolution of the
old Soviet Union.
This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to experience a wide variety of outdoor activities hassle-free, as all logistics and permits will be organised for you. The programme is set to include:
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Climbing Lenin Peak
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Individual races ascending and around Lenin Peak
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Descents by mountain skis/ snowboards
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Parapente flights
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Trekking along slips of Zaalaiskii Range
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Rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding etc.
What's included?
Places at the festival are first come, first served, and available to BMC individual and affiliated members and will cost a staggeringly low US$399 (for 25 days in the Pamirs? Steal of the century!). This includes
peak/national park fees.
What's not?
Transfer to Bishkek, Krygyzstan and some food costs.
How to apply...
Application forms available from:
Kyrgyz Republic Mountaineering Club
Vladimir Komissarov - +996-312-651221 or
kac@netmail.kg
and Ayana Khamisova - +996-312-651404 or itmc@elcat.kg
Deadline...
1 June 2002
(Further details available from BMC)
Fair Heads in Ireland? (6-9 June)
NB: DEADLINE PASSED.
The first Irish International Climbing Meet to be organised by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland will take place at Fairhead in Country Antrim. This is one of the key MCI events celebrating the United Nations International Year of the Mountains in 2002. For those unfamiliar with the
location, Fairhead has long been recognised as one of the finest crags in
Ireland, combining a superb location overlooking Rathlin Island and The Mull
of Kintyre. However the climbing there is of the unrelenting kind, and
applicants should be capable of leading routes of E1 or above to enjoy its
charms safely! The meet will run along the same lines as the BMC
International events, with local hosts showing the visitors around and
includes a formal dinner in Ballycastle on the 8th.
What's included?
There are 15 places available to BMC members and affiliates and the
Mountaineering Council of Ireland will provide all accommodation and food
during the event, as well as transport from local airports and to and from
the crag.
What's not included?
Transfer to Ireland. Guinness
How to apply...
Contact BMC for an application form and return to the office.
Deadline...
1 March 2002
Bulgarian Hotrock Offer! (21-26 May)
The Bulgarian Alpine Clubs is organising an
international rock-climbing meeting in the limestone area outside Vratza,
Bulgaria.
The Vratza climbing area is situated 120 km North of Sofia, and has top
quality trad and sport routes from one to ten pitches long at all grades.
The rock is perfect limestone with a mixture of trad and bolts, and there
are plenty of opportunities to establish new routes. During the meeting
presentations and discussions will be held on training organizing (from
competitions to expeditions) and mountain protection to which attendees are
encouraged to contribute! There will also be a sightseeing programme
including eco-treks, caving and canyoning (tbc)
What's included?
Unclear! Further details have been requested; it may only be possible to
send one representative from the UK.
What's not included?
Err
How to Apply...
Contact the BMC office with an activity CV detailing your level of ability,
climbing history and any other experience you may be able to offer the meet.
Deadline...
15 April 2002
Swedish International Women's Climbing Meet
NB: DEADLINE PASSED.
The Swedish Climbing Federation is inviting nominations for two BMC
representatives to take part in The 1st International Women's Climbing Meet
in Gothenburg, Sweden 16-19th of May 2002. A group of female climbers inside
the Federation from various parts of Sweden and Norway is arranging this
meet with the intention of highlighting issues related to women and climbing
during IYM 2002.
During the meet there will be a weekend of world-class climbing on Swedish
granite during the day, and lectures and discussions in the evenings,
focussing on aspects such as 'climbing and writing' and 'guiding and/or
instructing'. There will also be time assigned for discussions of (for
example) women in climbing, the profile of female climbers in the media etc.
In addition, the programme includes slide shows by local and invited climbers
with the overall aim to inspire and give the opportunity to exchange ideas
and experiences!
What's included?
The meet will take place in Gothenburg and all accommodation as well as
transport from local airport and to crags will be provided.
What's not included?
Getting to Sweden.
How to Apply...
BMC members can contact Stuart (details below) for an application form to be
returned to the office. Double quick though, because we have to nominate you
by:
Deadline...
1 March 2002
UN IYM Internet LINKS
