The value of these teachings is immeasurable. Especially to young ambitious dudes who want to tear up the world. I learned 20 years ago from Mark’s book but to have these lessons available at a click is unbelievable. I’m pushing 50 now and have climbed half my life but I still find these videos invaluable as I am now entering a phase of life where I’m sharing my passion for the mountains with others less experienced. Thank you Steve and Mark for being so generous and sharing your knowledge. You have given back a lot to your sport and I hope that makes you proud.
Great video series! I can't believe more people haven't watched it yet! Thanks for sharing your lessons with us! By the way, what ski bindings are you using with your La Sportiva boots?
Please share with your community. I hope to get many many more views. This is free because the mission is simply too important to put a paywall around it.
Not a criticism, a legitimate question from a fairly fresh mountaineering instructor looking to give his students the best possible instruction after watching this series: at 6:05 the climber has both ice tools laid flat against the rock while stepping up, would it have been safer to have the picks engaged in a rock feature, or hard snow above? Was this a moment that could be an illustration of Episode 2, Pay Attention? And I echo the thanks given for this series and the sentiment behind it. Extremely valuable information from an absolute titan in the field.
As a climber who has made mistakes, nobody climbs like it’s a moving photo of perfection. Call out of step, call in. Stand on a rope, notice and then move your foot. I don’t think anywhere in the video Steve says to aim for 100% perfection 100% of the time. Maybe I’ve just been climbing long enough to know that we all make mistakes. I think Fail Well covers learning from errors, de brief etc.
This certainly does seem to be quite a topic. I'd like to contribute a thought to this: a big part of the reason that some of us go into the mountains is for the sense of commitment and self-reliance, and placing ourselves in a position where regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, the buck stops with us. Personally - and this is highly personal - I find that the various come-and-get-me devices detract hugely from an aspect of climbing that I cherish. I feel that I'd rather go without these gadgets and accept the consequences of my failings. I certainly don't want to imply that I believe that this is a better or purer approach, and I'm certainly not climbing routes that are as bold as some of Steve House's. But I would to throw this in the mix as an option. I have smashed myself up in the mountains too - my failing - and had a gruesome time getting out, and this has not changed my personal view on what matters to me and perhaps a small minority of climbers. Excellent video, and plenty of food for thought - many thanks to those who put it together!
@@bryantuffnell3387 These videos are about stacking the odds in your favor for surviving in these dangerous environments, the emergency communication devices add more margin when you come across unexpected situations. Sitting in the snow with a partner or coming across another person or team in trouble and saying "I can''t get you out of here, I can't get anyone here to help" and reaching the conclusion your just going to stay with them as they pass is a pretty tough scenario. Due to conditions/location even with these devices rescue would be at least 6 hours away and normally much longer. But at least there's some hope which can mean a lot during dire situations in the mountains.
@@MrClaytonskaggs No disagreement from me, Clayton. But I remain one of those few climbers for whom the isolation and sense of absolute self-reliance are important aspects of the benefits that time in the mountains provide. For a small number of us, communications devices and the consequent passing of the responsibility of our safety to others destroys too much of what we seek when we go climbing. It's a highly personal decision, but remains a valid one. Others choose not use oxygen, or not to start a climb of the Eggers north face from the railway window, because it reduces the satisfaction they get from their experiences - this is a similar choice. Of course there are potential consequences, but there are plenty of consequences regardless. No one would suggest a rescue should be a valid, planned alternative to adequate preparation and planning. As an ultimate backstop, it might or might not work. The question as some of us see it is: am I prepared to take complete, ultimate responsibility for my actions and any consequences of my failings or luck? If the answer is no, then of course you should take communication devices.
Great video but very annoying texts that continue to pop-up all over. People with hearing problems will use full subtitles anyway, and the rest does not need random words written on the screen. We can hear him saying them....
