The Mountaineers
For eight years, we've hosted the BeWild Speaker Series to bring you stories of passion and adventure. We're excited to kick the 2021 season off with historian, founder of the Banff Centre for Mountain Culture, and author of the new Mountaineers Books title Winter 8000, Bernadette McDonald.
The world of high altitude climbing is challenging in any season. In winter, the cold, wind, and isolation take it to another, almost incomprehensible level. And yet, there are those who are passionate about climbing 8000-metre peaks in the coldest season.
These individuals savor the cold, train for the conditions, and are motivated by the loneliness of the Himalayan peaks in winter. Men and women from Poland, Italy, Korea, the U.S., and around the world have become known as the Ice Warriors. Resembling space travelers with their protective clothing and specialized equipment, their stories are epic, heroic, and sometimes tragic as they endure fierce winter storms, hurricane-force winds, and sweeping avalanches.
Join The Mountaineers and Bernadette McDonald on January 14 at 7pm as she introduces these "Ice Warriors" and their adventures on the highest mountains on earth, in the coldest season.
After the presentation, a special Q&A will be hosted with Bernadette and award-winning alpinist Steve Swenson.
EVENT INFO & TICKETS
- $12 Individual | $24 Household (2+ Attendees)
- All events will be held virtually over Zoom
- The presentation starts at 7pm
We recognize that this is a historically challenging time and some members are facing financial difficulties due to the impacts of COVID-19. If the cost of a ticket is prohibiting your attendance, please know we have implemented a ticket-by-donation option and encourage you to give what you are comfortable with. We would love it if you could join us.
About Bernadette McDonald
Bernadette McDonald is the founder of The Banff Centre for Mountain Culture and has authored eleven books on mountain culture and mountaineering. Her work has been published in sixteen countries and has been recognized through the American Alpine Club Award, the Banff Grand Prize, the Boardman Tasker, the National Outdoor Book Award, and the Kekoo Naoroji Award. She is an honorary member of the Himalayan Club and the Polish Mountaineering Association, and has been appointed a Fellow of the Explorers Club. When not writing, Bernadette climbs, hikes, skis, paddles, and grows grapes.
