EIGER · Wall of Death

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  • Опубліковано 21 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @nenblom
    @nenblom 2 роки тому +2637

    Who else is totally hooked on these mountaineering documentaries?

  • @whatabout55149
    @whatabout55149 Місяць тому +29

    Who else is watching in 2024? I'm completely hooked on all mountain documentarys, there are so powerful and let you think about... Am I going to climb this mercy less EINER? I know I wouldn't even though I love climbing since I live in Germany, the south, so I have the mountains right in front of my house. 🙏

    • @sizey8105
      @sizey8105 17 днів тому +1

      Alright John I thought you’d passes. Good to see your still here. Take care my friend x

    • @klsb75
      @klsb75 7 днів тому

      Me too!

    • @litneyloxan
      @litneyloxan 6 днів тому

      on my annual mountaineering kick, watching from below sea level 😂

  • @tamaracaldaroni9710
    @tamaracaldaroni9710 3 роки тому +927

    Dam i love these mountain climbers docs, I can’t climb, don’t want to climb but I’m absolutely fascinated with the courage and determination these brilliant climbers have. Much respect, well done, oh and please keep these amazing docs coming! Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

    • @gregparrott
      @gregparrott 3 роки тому +6

      Years ago, I read the book 'Touching the Void', an EXTREMELY harrowing, near fatal story. A video recounting & re-enactment on the mountain is narrated by both of the climbers exists....
      ua-cam.com/video/Ddeq-vRCZ8k/v-deo.html

    • @aglup2630
      @aglup2630 3 роки тому +10

      So am I. The determination to pursue the impossible is so inspiring. The struggle to survive …

    • @boknows598
      @boknows598 3 роки тому +2

      How is it in Australia right now? Im hearing very troubling reports @tamara caldaroni

    • @ironman4life89
      @ironman4life89 3 роки тому +8

      Agreed. I'll climb indoors with a height limit of 15 feet while respecting these mountains from UA-cam haha

    • @STR82DVD
      @STR82DVD 3 роки тому +7

      Agreed. I'm not a ghoul interested in climbers plummeting to their deaths. Nope, rather I want to know WHY they do what they do and how they overcome the odds and incredible suffering to succeed or alternately, fail.

  • @smudgey1kenobey
    @smudgey1kenobey 2 роки тому +272

    I was taking a botany class at the University of Rhode Island in the 1970s when somebody told me my professor’s husband had been a climber. So I read the book Straight Up that same summer. It was a very different experience learning about this mountain when Marilyn Harlin, John’s widow, was at the blackboard, and I’d just seen her photo at John’s funeral in the alps. I certainly learned how much a biography exposes the family left behind. She was raising their children without him. I’m not passing judgement here. I’m watching this excellent video to gain a larger perspective. But I will say that a climbers responsibility is not only to his climbing partners.

    • @saltpeter7429
      @saltpeter7429 2 роки тому +28

      Great point. I think about this as well. Read a few books about Willie Unsoeld, "Fatal Mountaineer" being the one I have in hand. It's a real study in value's, prioritization and achievement and family. No easy quick summation, good books keep me chewing on them years later.

    • @janetyamashige9573
      @janetyamashige9573 2 роки тому +22

      @Maureen McConnell Completely agree. I believe your statement about responsibility applies to just about anyone who undertakes the higher risk sports/hobbies.

    • @joeljohnston8517
      @joeljohnston8517 Рік тому

      She probably married him knowing exactly what kind of man he was. People used to understand high risk and high reward. Bravery was beautiful. Today weak people stand on the shoulders of giants and criticize them.

    • @anthonymorales842
      @anthonymorales842 11 місяців тому +2

      Go Rhody an URI alum here I knew Marilyn as well

    • @georgeorwell4534
      @georgeorwell4534 9 місяців тому +15

      " But I will say that a climbers responsibility is not only to his climbing partners." -- I agree. I have enormous respect for the courage it takes to tackle these mountains but when someone's future, especially your children, count on you being there to guide them and teach them, then perhaps your vision needs to expand beyond the mountain you're attempting to defeat.

  • @jjohnston326
    @jjohnston326 2 роки тому +136

    I'm 50 this year. I was only 14 when I first gazed upon the Eiger and it has been burned into my memory ever since. There really is something special about this mountain.

    • @daviddavidsonn3578
      @daviddavidsonn3578 2 роки тому +2

      it's a big rock, "special"??, nothing....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @bentownsend4017
      @bentownsend4017 Рік тому

      What do you find special?

    • @nuclear9977
      @nuclear9977 Рік тому +4

      @@bentownsend4017the vertical mile of solid rock

    • @annnee6818
      @annnee6818 Рік тому +1

      ​@bentownsend4017 the perpetual darkness

    • @khimaros
      @khimaros 11 місяців тому +15

      @@daviddavidsonn3578 if you’d ever actually seen a mountain like this you’d get it. But you clearly have no idea.

  • @tay9843
    @tay9843 Рік тому +75

    Rest in paradise Ueli Steck aka The Swiss Machine. 10/4/1976 - 4/30/2017

  • @spencethegreat38
    @spencethegreat38 3 роки тому +1109

    I live in a 3 story apartment with an extremely tight and steep staircase, I will now refer to it as the Eiger. My dog will tell you some harrowing tales..

    • @emmaphilo4049
      @emmaphilo4049 3 роки тому +15

      Loollll

    • @jakethepitador2558
      @jakethepitador2558 3 роки тому +28

      OMG! That staircase is an offense against taste and decency! The constructor had a clear lack of theology and geometry!

    • @martinhuntley5342
      @martinhuntley5342 3 роки тому +14

      Loving this humor👌

    • @brotherspartacus4751
      @brotherspartacus4751 3 роки тому +6

      You have no respect. People died. Mother’s and fathers lost their children..families and friends lost their loved one! I pray you never know anything where you fear for your life….

    • @stephenmcdonagh2795
      @stephenmcdonagh2795 3 роки тому +10

      A guy who says he lives near me has a hard time with the stairs- I keep seeing him in his sleeping bag at base camp. Flat climbing, just like mountaineering, takes a certain amount of stupidity...:)

  • @jeancolley8908
    @jeancolley8908 2 роки тому +200

    I was familar with the earlier failed attempts on the north face, but this video is the first time I've heard the full story of the successful 1938 climb. And frankly, I am just absolutely STUNNED that Harrer climbed after forgetting his crampons. It's one thing to do ice climbing without spikes as a deliberate choice- another entirely to discover at the base of the mountain that you've forgetting critical equipment, and decide to go anyways

  • @vcom2327
    @vcom2327 2 роки тому +114

    I was in Kleine Scheidegg in 1981..
    I was told to look through the telescope. On the Eiger Nordwand, there were 2 climbers hanging from their ropes, dead for several days. What a shock.

    • @plentyofnothing
      @plentyofnothing 3 місяці тому +3

      Actually, I was there in 1891, and 2 other guys were dangling then - perhaps they were your chaps great-grandfathers?

    • @ryanw724
      @ryanw724 Місяць тому +2

      Ha ha... Slow clap​@@plentyofnothing

    • @themonsterbaby
      @themonsterbaby 11 днів тому +1

      I was there in 1189. All i seen was a frisky goat.​@@plentyofnothing

    • @plentyofnothing
      @plentyofnothing 11 днів тому

      @@ryanw724or Ha ha snow handclap?

    • @ryanw724
      @ryanw724 11 днів тому +1

      @@plentyofnothing ok

  • @doclewis8927
    @doclewis8927 Рік тому +209

    I cringe at the gear that the early mountaineers had compared to those who climb now. Wow. Those guys were beyond crazy to do what they did with their gear. That, in itself, is an achievement.

    • @drats1279
      @drats1279 11 місяців тому +5

      "beyond crazy? that remark clearly indicates you know nothing about why and how those adventurous men climbed. People like you will never understand.

    • @taitfreeman9421
      @taitfreeman9421 11 місяців тому +37

      ​@@drats1279ok rambo

    • @mikeog2617
      @mikeog2617 11 місяців тому +3

      Yeah will never understand stupidity lol

    • @astrumrimor2450
      @astrumrimor2450 11 місяців тому +2

      I can’t believe they didn’t wear more fur from head to toe. So crazy what they wore.

    • @TheMerryPrangster
      @TheMerryPrangster 10 місяців тому

      ​@@taitfreeman9421 no sure what relevance Rambo has here

  • @ahmettatar2825
    @ahmettatar2825 Рік тому +14

    I have been mountaineering for about 45 years. I climb in Uludag and Aladaglar mountains just as a hobby. But this documentary is great and I am very excited, congratulations

  • @Chuckbobuck201
    @Chuckbobuck201 3 роки тому +185

    Having traveled there in 2018 (during the summer ) was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to visit one of the most stunning and beautiful places on earth. Was almost unbelievable to see the beauty of the place!

    • @rossilake218
      @rossilake218 3 роки тому +4

      I want to go!

    • @trueman2467
      @trueman2467 3 роки тому +3

      👍 an avid lover of nature you seem. If it's unbelievable for you, go visit karakurams and passu cones. You ll love it forever.

    • @LieseLotte471
      @LieseLotte471 Рік тому +3

      It seems like the prettiest mountain to me! I have seen many of these documentaries but none of the mountains ever look distinct or special to me. This one does! Not the biggest or anything but sure the prettiest 😄

    • @DenoB777
      @DenoB777 15 днів тому

      I live around the Corner. But the view gets me everytime

  • @timw7256
    @timw7256 2 роки тому +43

    That interview with Brian was god awfully heartbreaking

    • @mac1975
      @mac1975 Рік тому +5

      What happened to Brian. He seemed to have disappeared

  • @DannyLovesPolska
    @DannyLovesPolska Рік тому +32

    Liked and subscribed. I am writing this in a hostel that overlooks the Eiger. After watching a different documentary many years ago, I have always dreamed about coming here to Grindelwald and seeing it in person. It is even more beautiful in person. And.... there is another mountain right next to it that is just as beautiful. Just incredible. What a beautiful world we live in.

    • @Glenn-em3hv
      @Glenn-em3hv Рік тому +1

      You wonder why the other mountain isn't just as popular???

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому

      Greetings from Switzerland 🥰

  • @mowana1232
    @mowana1232 2 роки тому +39

    I visited Kleine Scheidegg about 20 years ago. It is one of these magical places, you won't forget. Films can't quite capture the grandeur and sheer size of the Nordwand. When we were there, there were climbers doing an ascent. Their tiny, moving specks translated the Nordwand to human scale for us. Humans = tiny ants, Eiger = mother nature.

  • @lesflynn4455
    @lesflynn4455 3 роки тому +77

    This was a great watch. A fabulous documentary. Thank you for posting. Those pioneering climbers in the 30s and even in the 60s had such an adventurous spirit.

  • @gammaraygem
    @gammaraygem 3 роки тому +147

    I never climbed a mountain and never will. But I love watching documentaries like this, and as a kid (born in 1952) I used to read about these epic climbs.
    What I never understood though, in the case of the Eiger, is why, where , how, was there a railway track way up there???

    • @robertparsons558
      @robertparsons558 3 роки тому +14

      See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungfrau_Railway I have visited many times and hope to return again. 50 years ago it was an experience, now it's another tourist attraction and can be very crowded..

    • @gammaraygem
      @gammaraygem 3 роки тому +3

      @@robertparsons558 Amazing! Thanks!

    • @shirleymason7697
      @shirleymason7697 3 роки тому +3

      For the resort there facing Eiger.

    • @christiansargent6053
      @christiansargent6053 2 роки тому

      Why?

    • @koda90
      @koda90 2 роки тому +21

      it's in switzerland, lol. we have railways everywhere

  • @juliannaorgane4919
    @juliannaorgane4919 Рік тому +17

    I used to do high mountain hiking when I was young. I never climbed but I have always been fascinated by the mountaineering heroes.

  • @jvowen6555
    @jvowen6555 Рік тому +30

    I visited the Eiger in 1996. I had never heard of it before the day I arrived there, but have sure learned to respect the pioneering climbers who challenged it in the 1930s. My travelling buddy, a Czech fellow, tried to impress on me the epic battles they waged, but only these videos really capture it all for me. I found it somewhat surreal that people could watch climbers risking their lives from the comfort of a hotel. To each his/her own, I guess.

  • @lburns7952
    @lburns7952 3 роки тому +55

    It was considered 'bad form' to die on the mountain. Totally British! Gotta love it.

  • @DavidThomas-qq4hf
    @DavidThomas-qq4hf 3 роки тому +74

    RIP Euli Steck. Was great to see him again.

  • @leylag1466
    @leylag1466 3 роки тому +237

    The Eiger has always fascinated me like the Grand Dame of sheer rocks. Meanwhile I get dizzy on the third step of my ladder.

    • @victorianidetch
      @victorianidetch 3 роки тому +7

      I look at that mountain and think "That's just crazy, what a nightmare of a climb!"

    • @leylag1466
      @leylag1466 3 роки тому +6

      @@victorianidetch Ueli Steck ( he was called the Swiss Machine ) climbed it in 2 hours and 22 min.

    • @victorianidetch
      @victorianidetch 3 роки тому +3

      @@leylag1466 That is amazing, what a great talent!

    • @madbrad7274
      @madbrad7274 3 роки тому +2

      @@leylag1466 What a strapping stud

    • @leylag1466
      @leylag1466 3 роки тому +4

      @@madbrad7274 unfortunately he died on a rather easy part of the Mount Everest.🥲

  • @ip2862
    @ip2862 3 роки тому +69

    Sedlmayr and Mehringer were not found at the Death Bivouac. The body of Max Sedlmayr was found at the foot of the face the following year [1936] by his brother Heinrich and Martin Meier; they were among a team from Munich who were looking for the bodies of the victims of the Toni Kurz tragedy. The remains of Karl Mehringer were found in 1962 by Swiss climbers below the Flatiron at the lefthand end of the Second Icefield.

    • @Sunset553
      @Sunset553 2 роки тому +3

      I was wondering about the climbers who died on the face. I hope all were recovered, but it’s tragic having to prepare a trip to find someone you love. This video was my introduction to climbing the Eiger north face. It’s terribly sad.

  • @steviedee8921
    @steviedee8921 2 роки тому +8

    Fantastic recording.
    Chris Bonnington gave a lecture at our school circa 1971 and it was utterly mesmerising. I shall never forget it. Brilliant.

    • @sophie4636
      @sophie4636 5 місяців тому +1

      Ooo lucky you! How fabulous 👌

  • @cherrypickerguitars
    @cherrypickerguitars 2 роки тому +3

    I’m a first gen Brit emigrant,raised in Canada. Conceived in England, but born in 1958 in Canada, after my parents immigrated on the Empress of France. Chris Bonington is THE pre-eminent mountaineer of my generation. Growing up in the 60’s and reading the great adventure books of the day about the initial summiting of Everest, other mountaineering accounts, and books like The Gypsy Moth Circles the World etc, Bonington became my adventure hero. To me he is the embodiment of the British explorer! I have some climbing experience. I lived on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, in Alberta through the 80’s, and live in the interior of British Columbia now, but I’m a “hiker” at this point!
    Peace

  • @Craftybierfrau
    @Craftybierfrau 3 роки тому +41

    I skydived in the area looking at the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfräu, such a great experience. Love Grindelwald. Great to live in Switzerland

    • @antidoteforlife9460
      @antidoteforlife9460 3 роки тому +2

      Your a boss

    • @cathycharron-folsom4504
      @cathycharron-folsom4504 3 роки тому +2

      I lived a couple months every year in Wegen and have been on railroad inside Eiger. Hiked all local peaks and slipped once and started falling straight down a 7000 foot stretch (verticle). There were fallen trees because of previous avalanches. I managed to catch tree, but most of my clothes ripped off. Still had backpack and walking poles were on wrists. I was so scared and it was difficult to get off this vertical terrain. I had extra clothes. I was very careful and did not get on deer trail. Also let my landlord know which peak I would be climbing and when I would return.

  • @Subtletext
    @Subtletext 2 роки тому +51

    Ueli Steck did this climb in 2hr 23mins. WHAT A LEGEND!!

    • @newbeginnings8566
      @newbeginnings8566 Рік тому +6

      Died aged 40....

    • @captaincat1743
      @captaincat1743 10 місяців тому +7

      Ueli Steck's record climb is to me one of the greatest athletic achievements in human history.

    • @TheMerryPrangster
      @TheMerryPrangster 10 місяців тому +2

      Not really worth dying for.

    • @Subtletext
      @Subtletext 10 місяців тому +3

      @@TheMerryPrangster true but he didn't...here at least

    • @Subtletext
      @Subtletext 10 місяців тому

      @@captaincat1743 agreed

  • @nongthip
    @nongthip 2 роки тому +10

    When I lived in Germany (with German girlfriend) I used to drive down to Switzerland many times for mountain biking in summer and skiing/boarding in winter. The primary destination was usually Interlaken which I first visited in 1988 and became my go-to place far many years after. But to get into the big mountains meant going to Grindelwald which is the base for many famous mountains with ski lifts, cable cars and bicycle paths. The classic view is Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and many more to the east and west (Wetterhorn, Schilthorn, etc.). There is a tunnel railway called the Jungfraujoch which goes up to the "Top of Europe" which I've done a few times and the views up there (3,454 m/11,332 ft) are spectacular, although it can be quite crowded with other tourists. Part of the way up the tunnel train stops and you can go to a "window" which looks out of the Eiger north face and shows just how vertically steep and dangerous it is. I could and would not climb it myself, but it is one of the world's go-to places for mountain scenery. Oh yeah, bring your fat wallet, as it is expensive.

    • @chazzbranigaan9354
      @chazzbranigaan9354 Рік тому +1

      It's really not that expensive, I am in interlaken now and have heard many say switzerland is so expensive, are you guys from Thailand or something? Switzerland is cheaper than most major cities in the US.

    • @TheMerryPrangster
      @TheMerryPrangster 10 місяців тому +1

      Yeah I heard it was massively overpriced.

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому +1

      I live here and find it expensive, Mt Pilatus has a gorgeous view, reached by cogwheel on 1 side, by cablecar on other side. It's in Lucern.

  • @carrueross2705
    @carrueross2705 3 роки тому +38

    I always flashback to the Eastwood movie when I hear the word Eiger. Amazing world in which we live!

    • @bookaufman9643
      @bookaufman9643 3 роки тому +7

      Alex Honnold says that the Eiger Sanction is the most realistic climbing movie of all

    • @floydvaughn836
      @floydvaughn836 3 роки тому +5

      @@bookaufman9643 the training scenes are worth the popcorn. Talk about motivation!

  • @ashleybrown4754
    @ashleybrown4754 3 роки тому +95

    I can't even climb out of bed in the morning.

    • @kRomani-gh4ws
      @kRomani-gh4ws Рік тому

      💊💊💊💊💊

    • @handduggraverdronline
      @handduggraverdronline Рік тому

      Most kids these days have the same problem

    • @veganbutcherhackepeter
      @veganbutcherhackepeter 7 місяців тому

      ​​@@handduggraverdronline And so did you when you were a teenager. You know, hormones...
      I'm really tired of this 'back in the day we ate nails for breakfast and walked 20 miles to school uphill' BS.

    • @SylviaWalters-m8q
      @SylviaWalters-m8q 4 місяці тому +1

      Lol

    • @marilynschroeter796
      @marilynschroeter796 4 місяці тому +1

      You are funny!

  • @akseli9
    @akseli9 3 роки тому +30

    One of the best films about the North Face of the Eiger is "The Beckoning Silence" by Louise Osmond/Joe Simpson.
    Another great film is "Eiger" (Stéphane Deplus), about the first ascent by a woman, Catherine Destivelle on March 9, 1992.

    • @losmosquitos1108
      @losmosquitos1108 2 роки тому +3

      Thanks for the hints! Much appreciated. ♥️👍

  • @captnwally
    @captnwally 3 роки тому +35

    I’ve been to the foot of the Eiger a number of times. It is an eerie place when the fog rolls in. The most climbing I’ve done is to walk from Wengen and then on another day from Grindlewald , up to Kleine Scheidigg. I have also hiked above Murren a number of times. I love that entire area. Also, as a young Canadian growing up in a Cdn city I read most of the books mentioned in this video. Thank you for posting the video!

  • @dmmchugh3714
    @dmmchugh3714 2 роки тому +12

    If I'm not mistaken, the Clint Eastwood movie "The Eiger Sanction" recreated the Kurtz accident. Though of course Clint is saved when he cuts the rope. I think the movie shows that window out on to the face too. Crazy !

    • @user-gp5kh5tu4k
      @user-gp5kh5tu4k 18 днів тому

      tragically a cameraman died during the filming...

  • @twistoffate4791
    @twistoffate4791 3 роки тому +20

    At 42:44, Chris Bonington is talking about the mysteriousness of the mountain, still, in 1962, and his eyes sparkle and suddenly, it's as if he never aged a day & is young again.

  • @garlandremingtoniii1338
    @garlandremingtoniii1338 3 роки тому +91

    2015 (23 July): A team of British Para-Climbers reached the summit via the West Flank Route. The team included John Churcher, the world's first blind climber to summit the Eiger, sight guided by the team leader Mark McGowan. Colin Gourlay enabled the ascent of other team members, including Al Taylor who has multiple sclerosis, and the young autistic climber Jamie Owen from North Wales. The ascent was filmed by the adventure filmmakers Euan Ryan & Willis Morris of Finalcrux Films.

    • @riverdeep399
      @riverdeep399 3 роки тому +8

      That is truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing that information. :)

    • @Glenn-em3hv
      @Glenn-em3hv Рік тому +1

      Now that's just unbelievable that someone who's blind would do that!!!
      Very special person!

  • @rmarriott2
    @rmarriott2 3 роки тому +9

    "There's a wonderful photo of the four of them and you can just see that... that radiant glow of fulfillment and happiness [and frostbite] on their faces. It's a wonderful picture..."
    "Frostbite". He forgot that you can see frostbite on their faces! @33:06

  • @corkycobon1481
    @corkycobon1481 3 роки тому +93

    The whole of the Alps are beautiful but there is something that has always seemed ominous about The Eiger. It is a beautiful piece of rock but I do not feel the need to climb it.

    • @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368
      @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368 3 роки тому +1

      That's because your name isn't Kenton Cool and you don't have an earring like him.

    • @quantumpotential7639
      @quantumpotential7639 3 роки тому +1

      Well, please reconsider as the mountain is thirsty for great adventure men, and you could appear at the top .. VICTORIOUS.
      Well, think about it as your fine efforts might change the equation and the mountain no doubt would appreciate your presence.
      Thanks

    • @stephenburnage7687
      @stephenburnage7687 3 роки тому +5

      I think it is just the north wall. The mountain itself is a moderate climb if approached by some of the other routes.

    • @MrLjpadk11
      @MrLjpadk11 3 роки тому

      Why do alot of Brits have dreadful teeth?

    • @augustwest5273
      @augustwest5273 3 роки тому

      @@MrLjpadk11 😆

  • @paddlefaster
    @paddlefaster 3 роки тому +50

    I'll never forget taking the train to the top of the Eiger. They stopped at several of the windows so you could look out at the face. I can't imagine having the cojones to climb it.

    • @margaritaisabelcabrera6491
      @margaritaisabelcabrera6491 3 роки тому +3

      I did the same 20 years ago

    • @antidoteforlife9460
      @antidoteforlife9460 3 роки тому +4

      A train to the top?

    • @paddlefaster
      @paddlefaster 3 роки тому +4

      @@antidoteforlife9460 yes. It runs inside the eiger to an observation deck overlooking a glacier behind the jungfrau.

    • @One-Ring-To-Rule-Them-All
      @One-Ring-To-Rule-Them-All 3 роки тому +8

      There is no train to the top of the Eiger. You still have to be a mountain climber to reach the top (luckily). The train goes to the glacier between Mönch and Jungfrau but runs through the (poor) Eiger...

    • @paddlefaster
      @paddlefaster 2 роки тому +3

      @@One-Ring-To-Rule-Them-All pardon my mistake. It takes you really close to the top of the Eiger. And it does run through it.

  • @eckhal2
    @eckhal2 3 роки тому +20

    Was there in Feb - 1997 (not a climber) awesome area go their if you can, as my Swiss friends stated you will always remember it, respect to the climbers.🇺🇸

  • @moiraatkinson
    @moiraatkinson 2 роки тому +5

    I’ve been on that train through the Eiger, which stops at the station high on the north face, where you can get out and look at the route up that climbers would take. I’ll never forget the sight of all the ice and shuddering at the idea of climbing it. It’s a sight like no other - where else do you get to look through a window at the middle of a mountain and view it from a few feet away? When we got off the train at the top of Jungfraujoch there was as a steady stream of people heading up the Eiger by an easier route, which although snow covered and very cold in September, looked a reasonably easy climb, though a long one (considerably shorter if you took the train to Jungfrau, but I don’t suppose many did)! Brilliant video, like all of David Snow’s.

    • @Glenn-em3hv
      @Glenn-em3hv Рік тому +1

      I can't believe they actually laid train tracks up it!!!! Those people were incredible and a different generation!!!

  • @davidmclachlan6592
    @davidmclachlan6592 3 роки тому +112

    I've stood at the bottom of the Eiger 'wall of death' and looked up, it's awesomely scary .

    • @hill_skills
      @hill_skills 3 роки тому +8

      I've been on it twice in the winter but never got very far. One day,..one day....

    • @deadprivacy
      @deadprivacy 3 роки тому +9

      @@hill_skills that seems to be the trick, all these deaths from people getting trapped in the weather - young la just runs up it before the wind even changes direction, pick a nice day , get really fit, woosh,,,at the top by lunchtime he said.

    • @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368
      @oldmandoinghighkicksonlyin1368 3 роки тому +4

      6:05 When looking at the Eiger in profile, it reminds me of the Sphinx at the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

    • @stephenmcdonagh2795
      @stephenmcdonagh2795 3 роки тому +1

      Does it really overhang or is that an illusion? It's hard to tell looking at pictures and documentaries.

    • @davidmclachlan6592
      @davidmclachlan6592 3 роки тому +3

      @@stephenmcdonagh2795 yes it does overhang, looking at it from some angles it appears slightly concaved.

  • @Longtack55
    @Longtack55 2 роки тому +2

    A couple of years ago in Switzerland I was fortunate to stay with the daughter of the 9th party ascender Erich Vanis. He was obsessive about mountaineering and tended to ignore his family (as you would expect.) Maybe I can be first to ascend on one leg while wearing a onesie? Hmmm. An excellent production everyone, and my thanks.

  • @MADDLADO1
    @MADDLADO1 3 роки тому +90

    Thank you for these terrific uploads, David Snow !!!

  • @DonLee1980
    @DonLee1980 3 роки тому +35

    why is it that every story of a group of climbers trying to save one climber always ends in terrible tragedy with the whole group. so sad

    • @OvelNick
      @OvelNick 3 роки тому +11

      It's the promise made. For every story like that there are stories of climbers saved that you don't hear about. Someone is fuked... You do what you can to unfuk them.

    • @Quicksilver_Cookie
      @Quicksilver_Cookie 2 роки тому +4

      Actually this is one of the reasons why these days in high altitude climbing you often hear about people being "abandoned", or left to die. Through generations of climbers many have come to a conclusion that rescue at such high altitudes may be futile, and endangering more people than it's worth. Obviously, it's not always the case. And it sounds callous. But that's the reality, and most accept it when they decide to climb. You most often see this in absolute top altitude climbs of over 8000 meters, where a lot of the time somebody who is still alive will be seemingly abandoned by their group. But if you are incapacitated at that altitude and can't walk - rescue is almost certain impossibility. Will depend on a mountain, of course. And I've seen people say "well, why don't just fly a helicopter and rescue", to which there's a simple answer - even highest performing helicopters won't be able to hover at anything above 3000, maybe 3500 meters at best of conditions.

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому

      @@Quicksilver_Cookie Like poor Toni Kurz. They tried so hard to save him. Tried to reach him from tunnel window closest to him. There was absolutely nothing they could do for him. So gut wrenching.

  • @movingonward
    @movingonward 4 місяці тому +4

    I'm from a warm US state. It's hard when then weather is under 50 degrees for me. These stories boggle my mind.

  • @navidhendrix
    @navidhendrix 3 роки тому +11

    First thing I noticed was what the Composer did at 0:33. The emphasis on the 'shut' part of the interview with the drums. It wasn't random. It was played on the '1' part of the 4/4. Well done Composer .... well done.

  • @hill_skills
    @hill_skills 3 роки тому +54

    This has been posted before on various channels and I have seen it hundreds of times but this is the best quality one and has all the music unlike some of the others. Now we just need the documentary with Eric Jones soloing the Eiger back on UA-cam!

    • @lindsayrogers6690
      @lindsayrogers6690 3 роки тому +7

      Eric Jones is a legend. Also served a mean bacon butty in his cafe at the bottom of Tremadoc. Top lad.

    • @hill_skills
      @hill_skills 3 роки тому +2

      @@lindsayrogers6690 he is and he does indeed

    • @garthlyon
      @garthlyon 3 роки тому +3

      Eric Jones' solo (film) made it real when he lost his confidence and froze at the bottom of the Exit Cracks, but he heroically recovered (alone) to finish the climb.

  • @Yuuphonixx
    @Yuuphonixx 3 роки тому +47

    I absolutely loved the second ascent of the North Face of the Eiger. It gave Louis Lachenal and Lionel Terray the strength and confidence they needed to make Annapurna a success in 1950.

    • @ThoR52
      @ThoR52 2 роки тому +2

      It was quite an epic, which is ultimately the most interesting aspect for me.

    • @Yuuphonixx
      @Yuuphonixx 2 роки тому

      @@ThoR52 Not to mention that Chris Bonington and Ian Clough were the first Brits to ascend via the Nordwand in 1962, and then to lead an expedition that will first scale the south face of Annapurna in 1970. Although Chris was confined at one of the camps and Ian was caught in an avalanche created by a serac during the descent.

  • @stihlnz
    @stihlnz 3 роки тому +18

    Well done, great historical story, with some of the main still living protagonists.

  • @catlinferris5970
    @catlinferris5970 3 роки тому +25

    I didnt learn about steck till this year, he was going to be revolutionary and unfortunately he is no longer with us. But that's style ge climbed in, is the razors edge. Rest in peace to the men and women who push.

  • @silverpantsblue.1780
    @silverpantsblue.1780 3 роки тому +16

    i saw the thumbnail of this and couldnt think of anything but - The Eiger Sanction

  • @maasaigeordie
    @maasaigeordie Рік тому +2

    I'm not even a climber, but I've watched this documentary 5 times. I love it.

  • @towerdave4836
    @towerdave4836 2 роки тому +3

    Camped under the face in 2018 and spent hours gazing at the spindrift cascading down the face. Magical place.

  • @Tom-mo2dr
    @Tom-mo2dr 9 місяців тому +2

    If you watched the ' Eiger Sanction ' with Clint Eastwood they reinacted the dangling rescue attempt ! It was spectacular , in the movie they rescued him . Great documentary gentleman . Well done .

  • @timwilson2435
    @timwilson2435 3 роки тому +9

    Great upload.
    I think there was a film about Ed Whymper and the Matterhorn a while back, but haven't been able to find it. I do remember that it was a fascinating story, and pretty tragic.

    • @wm4462
      @wm4462 3 роки тому +1

      Look on UA-cam for: “death on the Matterhorn”
      There is a hour and a half doc on that story. Some drama but also a lot of good info.

    • @timwilson2435
      @timwilson2435 3 роки тому +2

      @@wm4462 thanks, found it. Not the one I remember seeing (think that was one in a series about mountaineers), but looks good.

  • @dirkvannieuwenhove
    @dirkvannieuwenhove 11 місяців тому +2

    I was hugely fascinated by clmbing because or Reinhold Messner. He climbed it all without oxygen (often solo), read all his books and stayed multiple times at his home town, but the call of the mountains left many behind …. I still find it fascinating but I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome by now so summiitting Wildspitze in Austria was my largest achievement. I wanted to progress from there but realized, despite Alpine trips close to 4K in height in Switzerland and France, I found I would never realize my dreams

  • @stephanosnicolaou7111
    @stephanosnicolaou7111 3 роки тому +31

    This channel has become my favourite. Keep them coming!

  • @ExxylcrothEagle
    @ExxylcrothEagle 2 роки тому +14

    Wall of Death is an amazing book. Whole history from heckmair to Harlin

  • @tm13tube
    @tm13tube 3 роки тому +29

    This is a haunting story. I’ll never forget it.

  • @northbynorth2283
    @northbynorth2283 3 роки тому +54

    I was lucky to climb the Eiger 20+ years ago, did not climb the north face but at the foot of the north all you can see is crosses and the sound of the mountain.

    • @jennifermcdonald5432
      @jennifermcdonald5432 3 роки тому +5

      What do you mean by the “sound of the mountain “.

    • @jaysoto1182
      @jaysoto1182 3 роки тому +6

      @@jennifermcdonald5432 the sound of the wind whipping off the mountain

    • @jennifermcdonald5432
      @jennifermcdonald5432 3 роки тому +3

      @@jaysoto1182 must sound very spooky, kind of hollow and spacey, empty. Thanks for answering!

    • @kvltizt
      @kvltizt 2 роки тому +1

      @@jennifermcdonald5432 not many trees soaking up the sound

  • @mrkipling2201
    @mrkipling2201 Рік тому +8

    I've climbed Snowden and even Mt Blanc as a teenager, 15 years old to be precise, but I wouldn't have tried anything else. For some reason, I started to suffer with bad vertigo in my late 20's, so these documentaries are my climbing experience now!!!

  • @clarissestanford
    @clarissestanford 6 місяців тому +1

    I live not far below the Eiger and Jungrfrau, and i think its so interesting that this video was recommended to me today, after i was just up on the Eiger for the first time since beginning April. I had no idea of its reputation and all these events.

  • @PhenomenalOrg
    @PhenomenalOrg 2 роки тому +2

    The story of four man, Tony, Andy, Eddie, and Willie will forever be legendary

  • @biologychic7292
    @biologychic7292 3 роки тому +93

    “A vertical mile of brittle blasted limestone, hanging ice, and howling winds.”
    Me: 😳 nope, no thank you.

    • @salvadorgutierrez1621
      @salvadorgutierrez1621 3 роки тому +1

      Honor y Gloria jp

    • @jonathanbrooks917
      @jonathanbrooks917 3 роки тому +1

      Lol

    • @Yuuphonixx
      @Yuuphonixx 3 роки тому +2

      The Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat is an even bigger nope to many for it is the biggest and highest mountain face in the world.

    • @bububububak
      @bububububak 3 роки тому +1

      😂

    • @JinxMarie1985
      @JinxMarie1985 3 роки тому +3

      Yup I'll just watch other people vicariously

  • @chrismeyers5963
    @chrismeyers5963 Рік тому +5

    I remember there was either a movie or another documentary about this, I know there was some guys who were filming about climbing this, talking about the tunnel with the guard thing and all, was pretty badass, I love history, can learn so much from it, especially this kind of stuff

  • @TheOracle65
    @TheOracle65 7 місяців тому

    I’ve stayed in Grindlewald in the summer a few years ago, and seeing the north face for the first time is truly awe-inspiring. The thought of climbing that vertical face seems absolute madness, but having watched a number of these mountaineering documentaries I can also see the fatal attraction of it.

  • @losmosquitos1108
    @losmosquitos1108 2 роки тому +12

    22:12 The historian talking about Kurz‘s death gave me the willies. Anyone noticed his diabolic laughter when he said: “Toni Kurz. It was perfect…“? 🙄

    • @brandonsexton9017
      @brandonsexton9017 Рік тому +1

      I thought that was pretty messed up too. I know he was probably meaning perfect drama for the media, but still the way he said it made him come across as a complete POS.

    • @petrouskamosimann2773
      @petrouskamosimann2773 3 місяці тому

      made me feel ashamed to be swiss😒 what a psycho

  • @akseli9
    @akseli9 3 роки тому +28

    Metanoia: most "directissima" route (more direct, more difficult) in 1991 by Jeff Lowe in two days, solo, without protection bolts.

  • @jedwardswalker
    @jedwardswalker 3 роки тому +4

    I truly admire the people who have the courage and strength to know when to call it....live to fight another day

  • @steerpike50
    @steerpike50 3 роки тому +20

    Brilliant documentary , iv heard and watched Chris Bonington since i was a kid , he is one of our true adventurers , very exciting stuff.

  • @feefee6889
    @feefee6889 7 місяців тому +5

    Rip Ueli Steck 😢😢 he was an incredible climber, just looks one with the mountain.

  • @akseli9
    @akseli9 3 роки тому +34

    Probably the boldest solo mountain climb in history: Metanoia, on the North Face of the Eiger, by Jeff Lowe in winter 1991. It's Jello's birthday today, he would have been 71. RIP.

    • @One-Ring-To-Rule-Them-All
      @One-Ring-To-Rule-Them-All 3 роки тому +4

      Metanoia is such a breath taking project. Jeff Lowe was the purest mountaineer I can imagine. RIP...

    • @losmosquitos1108
      @losmosquitos1108 2 роки тому +1

      Do you know of Ueli Steck‘s speed climb record in 2015 (2:22‘!), classic route? Unbelievable. ua-cam.com/video/NfpYNr7es0Y/v-deo.html
      R.I.P., „Suisse machine“

    • @akseli9
      @akseli9 2 роки тому +2

      @@losmosquitos1108 yes, Ueli Steck was such an amazing climber. He thoroughly discussed with Jeff Lowe about Metanoia because he wanted to be the first one to repeat it. Alas he died in the Himalayas, so we'll never see him achieve the first repetition of Metanoia.

    • @ContactsNfilters
      @ContactsNfilters 2 роки тому +1

      Nice. "Metanoia" was often translated to "repentence" or in a book titled "the mountain of silence" "to change one's mind", but I also like the idea of "meta" meaning beyond and noia of course means mind, so to go beyond the mind. Beyond the doubting thoughts. I'll have to read that book.

  • @catdaddy3302
    @catdaddy3302 3 роки тому +16

    “If you’ve climbed half the Eiger, you’re already committed.” You got that right!

    • @maxiepattie85
      @maxiepattie85 3 роки тому +3

      "i've been down that road and know where it leads
      why I keep coming back, a mystery to me?" - NOFX
      obsession is in the wiring i suppose?

    • @DennisFromRLM
      @DennisFromRLM 3 роки тому +2

      @@maxiepattie85 I have never seen someone quote NOFX before, lmao. I'm glad to say I have now.

    • @moemanncann895
      @moemanncann895 4 місяці тому

      “Getting to the top is optional, getting down is mandatory” -Ed Viesturs

  • @sophie4636
    @sophie4636 5 місяців тому +5

    What STUNNING storytelling. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through, totally absorbed, utterly captivated ❤

  • @miapdx503
    @miapdx503 Рік тому +3

    I don't like the cold. I don't like snow. But there's something about watching these videos from the warmth and comfort from my bedroom...I can understand why the challenge would draw people. Sometimes we like to be tested...the Eiger is a demanding, fearsome challenge. It calls to some...⛏

    • @TheMerryPrangster
      @TheMerryPrangster 10 місяців тому +1

      A foot massage and pedicure is more challenging 😁

  • @Vector_Ze
    @Vector_Ze 3 роки тому +12

    45-years ago, when I was young and invulnerable, I dangled my legs over the 1,000-foot sheer drop from Plateau Point in the Grand Canyon.
    A vertical mile? Hmm, no more dead than a fall from 1,000 feet. But, I'm no longer invulnerable. And, absolutely nowhere near as fit.

    • @tm13tube
      @tm13tube 3 роки тому +1

      And I’ll be paralyzed by terror just watching you.

  • @polloloci21
    @polloloci21 3 роки тому +7

    Just passed by the north face on a gondola. That mountain face is scary AF

  • @michaelbryant2071
    @michaelbryant2071 3 роки тому +29

    Remember Ulie Steck considered the greatest mountaineer ever by many died on Everst on April 30, 2017. He was attempting a route near Everest involving the 4th highest mountain Lhotse.

  • @elleemann
    @elleemann 3 роки тому +52

    Love these documentaries David. Thank you!

  • @GG-jn4dx
    @GG-jn4dx 3 роки тому +17

    Been around during summer hiking below it. Beautiful place

  • @TheNadinucca
    @TheNadinucca 3 роки тому +19

    Thank you for sharing this incredible documentary! :-)

    • @DavidSnowClimbing
      @DavidSnowClimbing  3 роки тому +4

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @memoonaahmad114
      @memoonaahmad114 3 роки тому +1

      @@DavidSnowClimbingin which country the eiger is?

    • @positronikiss
      @positronikiss 3 роки тому +1

      @@memoonaahmad114 Confederation Helvetica

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому

      @@memoonaahmad114 It's in Switzerland, the old Roman name is Confederation Helvetica. 🥰

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому

      @@positronikiss Smart ass. Lol. Why all vehicles have CH on them. 🥰

  • @Swisswavey
    @Swisswavey 4 місяці тому

    I remember seeing Chris Bonnington give a talk at a local school to promote his book. It must have been in late '70s, years later i had the great fortune to live in Switzerland and visit Grindelwald many, many times. That wall dominates every view. It's spectacular and menacing.

  • @rjones6219
    @rjones6219 3 роки тому +40

    The climber who died hanging on his rope. I seem to recall that he was left there for a couple of years. And when they did finally recover his body, they found his watch still working. Kept going by the gentle swinging of his body in the wind.

    • @michaelkinville177
      @michaelkinville177 3 роки тому +13

      Swiss movement?

    • @carolball5764
      @carolball5764 3 роки тому +3

      @@michaelkinville177 Ha!!

    • @lisaperry5999
      @lisaperry5999 2 роки тому +3

      Tony Kurtz

    • @Glenn-em3hv
      @Glenn-em3hv Рік тому

      Was he really there for years??? You would think that someone would cut the rope!!!!

    • @elobiretv
      @elobiretv Рік тому +1

      not true, he was cut down after a few days

  • @HardwareAddiction
    @HardwareAddiction 3 роки тому +5

    Thanks so much for uploading this. I've never seen this amazing documentary before.

  • @akseli9
    @akseli9 3 роки тому +24

    First woman (1992) Catherine Destivelle. Soloed Heckmair route on sight in 17 hours. Almost entirely without protection.

  • @chanachaya8996
    @chanachaya8996 3 роки тому +19

    It looks like the lords mountain! Maybe there are precious aspects of nature we are not meant to challenge!! I will just respect & admire it from below...

  • @helidrones
    @helidrones 3 роки тому +7

    I remember myself looking at Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau when I was a child and my grandparents took me to Switzerland for holidays.

    • @engegiger
      @engegiger 7 місяців тому +1

      Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau - Orge, Monk and Virgin. Legend says the Monk was protecting the Virgin from the Orge. 🥰

  • @simonmurfin1910
    @simonmurfin1910 3 роки тому +11

    That was excellent. What a contrast to see the time it took in the early days and then the sub 3 hour record. Unbelievable

  • @bepowerification
    @bepowerification 2 роки тому +37

    How the heck did Steck climb this in 2 hours 47 minutes? Thats insane

    • @Glenn-em3hv
      @Glenn-em3hv Рік тому +2

      I heard of people climbing Everest in hours without oxygen???
      I don't know if it's true but anyone that can climb like that is a super man!!!

    • @ngrg15
      @ngrg15 Рік тому +13

      ​@@Glenn-em3hvhe already had speed record of 4 hrs (approx) on eiger and he broke his own record later which was this. He was really fast but unfortunately died in 2017 in nepal during everest climbing from a different route.

    • @Letsgetiton41
      @Letsgetiton41 16 днів тому

      Mad isn't it to climb this in just over 2 hours for me one of the greatest achievements.

  • @never-stock-rc2968
    @never-stock-rc2968 6 місяців тому

    I am in no way shape to do any mountaineering at this level but the respect I have for the men that have tried climbing this peak is next to nothing. Cheers mates from hooper utah!!

  • @smoothmicra
    @smoothmicra 3 роки тому +16

    Did I hear the young Bonnington say "we aren't risking our necks, this is a calculated studied route" and the old Bonnington say "the ropes we were using were miles too thin, it was only a matter of time before one of them snapped"? Yep, sounds like risking your neck.

  • @ericdurae5085
    @ericdurae5085 Рік тому +1

    Been hooked on these documentaries for a couple months now and there extremely addictive!!!😂

  • @brucegwynn8509
    @brucegwynn8509 3 роки тому +8

    I'm not sure I spelled curtzey name right but there is a movie doc out about that accident and it's gripping, totally puts you in there at the moment

    • @twistoffate4791
      @twistoffate4791 3 роки тому +2

      Bruce Gwynn, I would be horrified to be stuck in such a predicament to begin with, and then to be told another 24 hours would have to pass before being rescued. By that time, his fingers were frozen solid - the least of his worries. But I guess you must consider your fate before such an attempt. But each climber secretly believes it will not be them that dies.

    • @lindsayrogers6690
      @lindsayrogers6690 3 роки тому +5

      It’s Kurz, Bruce, Tony Kurz. Absolute legend, what a fight the young lad put up. Utterly heartbreaking 💔

    • @brucegwynn8509
      @brucegwynn8509 3 роки тому +2

      @@lindsayrogers6690 yes it was , thanks

    • @sjcooper1974
      @sjcooper1974 3 роки тому +2

      The beckoning silence is the doc about to tony Kurtz

    • @w.alan.21
      @w.alan.21 3 роки тому +1

      first they remove the retreat rope, then they rappel onto a knot... at least they left behind some valuable lessons..

  • @wyomingadventures
    @wyomingadventures 3 роки тому +4

    I always read your descriptions. Full of great information and then watch the video. Really helps to know the information about what you are watching. What a mountain!

  • @saryansermino3930
    @saryansermino3930 3 роки тому +8

    Thank you for sharing this amazing documentary!!!

  • @andrewmcneil2110
    @andrewmcneil2110 3 роки тому +35

    My Dad was a climbing pioneer in North Wales and was picked for the Everest trip in 1952.

    • @dana102083
      @dana102083 3 роки тому +2

      Did he make it up and back home?

    • @twistoffate4791
      @twistoffate4791 3 роки тому

      Andrew McNeil, what happened? Did your dad accept and did he make it there and back??

    • @andrewa9694
      @andrewa9694 3 роки тому +2

      Well? finish this .......

    • @andrewmcneil2110
      @andrewmcneil2110 3 роки тому +8

      Lucky for me a motorbike accident 12 month before ruled him out.

    • @andrewmcneil2110
      @andrewmcneil2110 3 роки тому +17

      My Dad was the sort that before breakfast would think, “ I’ll just go and have a look at the route.” An hour later would be sitting on top of the thing pipe in hand. I “don’t know what all the fuss was about. “

  • @123HappyMad
    @123HappyMad 3 роки тому +50

    Here I am thinking North Face is just a popular winter brand.

    • @thiefonthecross7552
      @thiefonthecross7552 3 роки тому +10

      North Face refers to half dome in Yosemite.

    • @kvltizt
      @kvltizt 3 роки тому +7

      @@thiefonthecross7552 It also works nicely for many mountains in the northern hemisphere with exposed north faces. brutal in the winter, never receiving sun.

    • @thiefonthecross7552
      @thiefonthecross7552 3 роки тому +2

      @@kvltizt Yea for sure. Just talking about the brand specifically.

  • @ewsdneax61eaxe10
    @ewsdneax61eaxe10 3 роки тому +8

    Thank you very much mate for all these uploads👍👍👍

  • @doclewis8927
    @doclewis8927 Рік тому +3

    I just looked up the elevation of Eiger (approx. 13,000 ft/approx 3,962 m). It looks so much bigger than that. I guess the stark, sheer flatness of its North face makes it seem so much bigger. I don't understand how people can look at that face and say "yep, I can see a route to the top". Yikes.

  • @sandybanjo
    @sandybanjo 3 роки тому +1

    Great presentation.....I agree with Tamara below......Lots of lessons to be learned spiritually, as well of understanding the challenges.