Banff Mountain Festivals

Bernadette McDonald

Friday, November 7
Max Bell Auditorium

As an avid climber, author, and the past director of the Banff Mountain Festivals, Bernadette McDonald has led a life full of adventure and encounters with remarkable mountaineers. Her latest book, Tomaz Tomaž, is the gripping story of one of the world’s most notorious alpine climbers. This compelling biography broaches difficult topics, from Humar’s involvement in the Balkan wars and his subsequent desperate escape, to how he came to be such an audacious climber known for outrageous soloing efforts on the world’s most difficult peaks.

From 1987 to 2007, McDonald was instrumental in the success of the Banff Mountain Film Festival as its director. She also founded the Banff Mountain Book Festival and in 2006, she was awarded the King Albert Award for her exceptional achievements in the mountain world.

McDonald has edited several books and is the author of three, including Brotherhood of the Rope, a biography of Dr. Charles Houston. Drawn from extensive interviews with Houston, this story masterfully captures the development of an American hero and a visionary in the field of high altitude medicine.