Show Notes
From pioneering terrifying alpine first ascents in the 1980s and '90s to founding Gym Jones and training Hollywood actors, Mark Twight’s career has been remarkable. In this powerful presentation, Twight takes listeners beyond the public persona to reveal the intense, complex, and often dark story behind his success. (Listener discretion is advised: this episode contains discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation.)
More from BANFF @Altitude
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!