Radio Times

Review by:

Geoff Ellis

If Everest is the ultimate mountain, the North Face of the Eiger is the Alpine climber’s ultimate challenge. More than 60 climbers have perished attempting to scale what amounts to a vertical mile of stone and ice haunted by howling winds and falling rocks. If the weather is clear, it’s all on view to spectators on the terraces of Grindelwald. But there’s an awful aura of defeat and death that surrounds the face.

Here’s a straightforward history of the repeated attempts to scale the murderous face. It unfolds in parallel with the story of an attempt by two British mountain guides, Kenton Cool and Neil Brodie. As with all mountain tales, it’s utterly gripping.

About this programme

An examination of the mountain in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, which at 13,025 ft is one of Europe's most notorious peaks, especially its infamous north face. The documentary explores its history and includes testimony from people who have climbed its forbidding slopes and those who live in its shadow.

Cast and crew

Crew

Director

Brian Henry Martin

Executive Producer

Nick Shearman

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