BANFF @Altitude

E04: Lynn Hill with Greg Child | BANFF @Altitude Podcast

BANFF @Altitude

Show Notes

In this episode, we explore the climbing world of Lynn Hill, a true icon of the sport. Lynn is known for smashing records in the '80s and '90s and was a key player in the Yosemite climbing scene. She was the first person to free climb “The Nose” on El Capitan in Yosemite as well as the first woman to redpoint 5.12d, 5.13a and 5.14a. Her career is nothing short of extraordinary! We welcomed Lynn Hill to the Banff stage in 2016, and we are excited that she will be returning for our 50th anniversary this year. This episode is in conversation with renowned writer and climber Greg Child.

More from BANFF @Altitude

Oct 5, 2026

Join Joanna Croston, Director of Mountain Culture, as she presents her celebrated book Mountaineering Women. Recorded live in 2025, this special episode features Joanna reading excerpts from her book and sharing how she wrote it alongside her full-time career. It also includes a powerhouse Q&A featuring climbing legends Hazel Findlay, Lynn Hill, Lydia Bradey, Sarah Hueniken, Brette Harrington, and Sharon Wood.

Sep 28, 2026

Former Banff Mountain Film Festival Director and multi-award-winning author Bernadette McDonald returns to share the powerful history behind her book Alpine Warriors. In this episode, McDonald dives into the gripping story of Slovenia’s world-class climbers, detailing their rise from post-WWII hardship through national independence. It’s an essential listen for anyone who loves history, stories of human resilience, and, of course, mountain culture.

Sep 21, 2026

Junko Tabei made history as the first woman to summit Everest and complete the Seven Summits, yet her story remained overlooked in the English-speaking world for decades. To mark the 50th anniversary of her historic ascent, host Dina Mufti sits down with author Helen Rolfe and translator Yumiko Hiraki to discuss their book Honouring High Places. This episode offers a rich mix of mountaineering lore, Japanese culture, writing insights, and a deeper look at Tabei’s remarkable life.

Sep 14, 2026

Recorded live at the 2015 festival, renowned author David Stevenson delivers a raw presentation reading from his book Warnings Against Myself: Meditations on a Life in Climbing. Stevenson opens up about the emotional geography of a life spent in high places, tackling intimate questions about his personal relationships and the deep impact of lost companions in the mountains.

Sep 7, 2026

Moderated by award-winning journalist Collette Derworiz, Women on Ice brings together top women scientists to reflect on their careers in extreme environments. Over the course of an hour, the panelists dive into the unique challenges they’ve overcome, the power of mentorship, and how storytelling and science intersect to inspire the next generation. Settle in for another great conversation from the 2025 Fire & Ice Symposium!

See all episodes →