Extreme Alpinism

There are hundreds of "how to" guidebooks on mountaineering and climbingavailable. And I've read a lot of them. There is only one, however, thatI keep going back to, both for new inspiration and for refreshing thememory bank: this is it. It isn't written for the non-climber (althoughthe stunning photographs can be enjoyed by all), but if you're ahill-walker, a rock climber, a scrambler or an alpinist, you'll findsomething of use here. It's something of cliche, but this is one of thefew books in my collection where I find something new each time I dip intoit. It covers training, motivation, equipment and technique, interspersedwith anecdotes from Twight's own climbing experiences. I cannot recommendthis highly enough to anyone who goes out into the hills.

Motivation and Facts Galore (15/15 people found this helpful)

Twight's pithy notes about all aspects of how to succeed on the mountainside are invaluable for anyone who has climbed but wants to go further. The anecdotes from his own experience and failures - including those days when he too (a mountain guru) has climbed like an imbecile - help the reader come to terms with any previous failures and learn from them.

In particular the advice on what gear to pack (and what NOT to pack) must bring back formative memories to all climbers who have fallen into the trap of packing everything "Just in case". It is this type of relevant and helpful advice on all topics including psychology, nutrition, planning and which partner to choose that enables the reader to plan better and succeed more often. Twight's own advice on dealing with fear on the mountainside is particularly insightful.

This book is a real must for climbers who want to cover height and distance anywhere from Scotland to the Himalayas. The photography alone will have you booking your next flight to the hills!

A superb book for alpine climbers who want to go higher. (12/12 people found this helpful)

This is a superb book. Its not a "how to" manual for beginners but a book for those who already have alpine experience but who aspire to climb some of the greater and more difficult routes. It covers psychology, gear selection, training and, very importantly, nutrition and hydration on the mountain. Some of Twights comments on current gear fads are very interesting and his views rest on technical factors as well as experience on the mountain. The psychological insights are particularly valuable.

The photographs are superb and give a real feeling of what its like to be in the mountains.

This book crystallised some of my own emerging views on the subject and was extremely helpful.

Mark Twight, James Martin

Reader Reviews:

Essential Reading (8/8 people found this helpful)

Motivation and Facts Galore (15/15 people found this helpful)

A superb book for alpine climbers who want to go higher. (12/12 people found this helpful)

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