Do your hands tingle when you watch someone climb to severe heights? The Reel Rock Film Tour at 4 Peaks, hosted by the Jasper/Hinton Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, is back for an evening of films that offers all the excitement of rock climbing without needing to risk it yourself. Kick back and watch as one climber tests herself on some of the highest, most difficult boulder problems ever climbed in ‘The High Road.’ Or watch climbing legends battle risky heights in a high stakes race for greatness in ‘The Nose Speed Record.’ The Fitzhugh’s Nicolle Hodges met with Matt Reynolds, chair of the Jasper/Hinton section of the Alpine Club, ahead of the event.
Fitzhugh: Tell me about the affiliation between the Alpine Club and the upcoming Reel Rock Film Tour.
Reynolds: Jasper/Hinton formed a section of the Alpine Club in the mid-90s. We’re granted a certain amount of money to promote the mountains and leadership, and to help fund events like what Sarah is putting on with Reel Rock. It’s about helping the community bond. Reel Rock is essentially like the Banff Mountain Film Festival but it’s focused on rock climbing. It’s about inspiring stories of high-end climbers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Fitz: And through this event, people have an opportunity to interact and learn more about the Alpine Club?
Reynolds: Yes, there is actually a social at Sunhouse Cafe before the films. That would be the best time to get to know the mountaineering community.
Fitz: For people who can’t make it, why don’t you introduce them to the Alpine Club now?
Reynolds: The Alpine Club is a super cool club that started in 1906. Essentially, it’s all about bringing communities together to enjoy the mountains.
Fitz: What do you think exposing people to nature does to them? What’s the impact?
Reynolds: It’s impactful in a lot of different ways. You have the joy of being out with people who have similar interests. Mountaineering caters to a small group of people in the country so the general mountaineering camp is a way for people to get together, enjoy the mountains, and tell stories. On a physical level, you learn about yourself.
Fitz: What do you learn about yourself?
Reynolds: Mountaineering is about overcoming hardships. It’s about doing it in a team environment with friends. It can be extremely rewarding to spend potentially very intense moments of pleasure, and a certain element of discomfort that you have to embrace, to really enjoy what it’s all about.
Fitz: Anything else you want people to know about the Alpine Club before the Reel Rock Film Tour?
Reynolds: You don’t have to be a member to come to the event. If you do decide to become a member of the Jasper/Hinton section, you have access to trip information and it’s free to attend the trips. If mountaineering is something you are interested in but intimidated by, the club can take care of you whether it’s your first time or your 100th.
Reel Rock Film Tour will be in Jasper on February 19 at 4 Peaks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The event is strictly 18+ and tickets are available online at eventbrite.ca. There is also a pre-show climbers' social at Sunhouse Cafe at 5 p.m.
