Available online
Description
Peter Habeler and Reinhold Messner form perhaps the most famous mountaineering pair of modern times. They climbed the North Wall of the Eiger in just over half the previous fastest time and conquer...ed numerous Alpine and Himalayan peaks with minimal reliance on technical aids and at unheard of speed. And in May 1978 set out on the ultimate challenge - to climb Everest itself without oxygen. In this programme, Peter Habeler talks about this particular climb, about his life and about his relationship with Messner. The interview is illustrated by extracts from the film record of the Everest climb ("Everest Unmasked") made by Harlech Television.
Peter Habeler and Reinhold Messner form perhaps the most famous mountaineering pair of modern times. They climbed the North Wall of the Eiger in just over half the previous fastest time and conquer...ed numerous Alpine and Himalayan peaks with minimal reliance on technical aids and at unheard of speed. And in May 1978 set out on the ultimate challenge - to climb Everest itself without oxygen. In this programme, Peter Habeler talks about this particular climb, about his life and about his relationship with Messner. The interview is illustrated by extracts from the film record of the Everest climb ("Everest Unmasked") made by Harlech Television.
| Module code and title: | U201, Risk |
|---|---|
| Item code: | U201; 04 |
| First transmission date: | 22-04-1980 |
| Published: | 1980 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Kenneth Patton |
| Contributors: | Jack Dowie; Peter Habeler; Reinhold Messner |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Mount Everest; Mountaineering; Risk |
| Footage description: | Peter Habeler, mountaineer, describes how he and Reinhold Messner scaled the north face of the Eiger. He argues that climbing Everest without oxygen was regarded as the ultimate mountaineering feat. There follows a sequence from 'Everest Unmasked' in which Messner explains why he climbs. Over shots of Mallory's Everest expedition, Habeler argues that no really strong climbers or Sherpas had tried for Everest without oxygen. Shots of the Khumbu ice fall. Habeler talks about the risks of climbing. Over more sequences from 'Everest Unmasked' Habeler describes the plan for the ascent and how they hoped to cope with the altitude problems. He describes how he learnt to climb and the advantages of climbing quickly. Over shots of a climber climbing up a sheer ice wall he describes the beauty of climbing and his philosophy of making it as free as possible. Habeler describes how he had to give up after his first attempt on the mountain, because of food poisoning. Reinhold Messner describes the approach to the mountain peak and his assessment of Habeler as a climber. Habeler talks about the conflict he faced about the use of oxygen on the climb. Shots of the camp and men climbing. Habeler describes his worries about possible brain damage from the climb and his belief in Messner as a climber. Shots of Habeler and Messner reaching the top of Everest. Habeler describes his fears and unease upon reaching the summit. As Messner wanted to stay there he returns on his own. He describes how he was caught in an avalanche. Shots of Messner returning to camp from the summit and both of them being congratulated after the climb. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/73216 |
| Production number: | FOUD012A |
| Videofinder number: | 1313 |
| Available to public: | no |
