The Cima Grande Expedition
In The Cima Grande Expedition, Steve Backshall and his team prepare to climb Cima Grande in Italy’s Dolomites, aiming for the south face of the 2,999-meter peak. With only 12 hours to summit and return before snow hits, they must deal with falling rocks and melting snow from the sun. The day before the climb, they scout the mountain, awed by its size and getting mentally ready for the challenge. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Steve Backshall vs. the Vertical Mile, a show in which Steve and his team take on one of the deadliest mountain climbs in the world — the north face of the Eiger.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the team’s preparation for climbing the south face of the Cima Grande show the importance of both physical and mental readiness in climbing?
A: The team’s preparation demonstrates mental readiness by discussing potential hazards like rockfalls and snowmelt, and physically, they need to be in top shape to handle the technical challenges of the climb. Mental preparation is just as important, as the team must stay alert and focused on the constantly changing conditions.
Q: Why is the weather a crucial factor in Steve Backshall and his team’s decision to climb the Cima Grande?
A: Weather plays a crucial role because the team only has a 12-hour window to summit and return before a snowstorm hits. In addition, the Sun exposure on the south face of the mountain can melt snow, creating dangerous rockfalls, so they need to plan carefully to avoid hazards related to both weather and landscape.
Q: How does the team's plan to climb Cima Grande in a 12-hour window demonstrate the concept of managing time and risk in extreme conditions?
A: The team’s plan to complete the climb within a 12-hour window shows the importance of time management in risky situations. They must balance the need for speed to avoid worsening weather with the need for safety, ensuring they reach the summit and return before conditions become dangerous. This requires careful timing, coordination, and awareness of external risks like weather changes.