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| EUROPEAN MOUNTAINS: PEOPLE AND PEAKS | Back to >>
Europe Today |
The United Nations has proclaimed 2002 the International Year of Mountains. It wants to increase awareness of mountain ecology and the way of life of mountain communities.
It's a chance for Europe Today to highlight the changing relationship between people and the peaks.
To celebrate the European mountains, Europe Today has spoken to two of Europe's leading climbers, and ventured into the world of European mountain life and culture.
REINHOLD MESSNER
 Hear some of Reinhold Messner's ideas about the importance of danger and silence in the mountains.
Exposure is very important for human beings, being far away from safety, being in self control and taking responsibility 
| | Reinhold Messner | Established as one of Europe's and the world's most celebrated explorers and mountaineers, he is also a Member of the European Parliament, a management consultant and author.
Here Messner tells Johannes Dell how he shares his experiences in extreme situations with people in other walks of life.
CATHERINE DESTIVELLE
 Share an Alpine adventure with the French climber as she describes a solo ascent of one of Europe's most dangerous peaks.
When you climb alone... nothing else exists. But you are not alone, you are with the rock
| | Catherine Destivelle | She is one of the world's most exciting climbers, having added solo and free climbing to her repertoire. She spoke about her passion to Johannes Dell.
TALE OF A MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
 Our reporter Lara Corner ventured onto the slopes of Mount Gran Vallone, in north-western Italy, once home to a community nearly wiped out by a high-altitude hazard.
Forty years ago, a huge avalanche hit Rochemolle, driving its inhabitants out and leaving a virtual ghost town.
HIGH ALTITUDE FASHION
 Trekking and climbing are more popular than ever.
Rough weather and rugged terrain demand tough clothing, but do you stick to traditional gear like lederhosen, or do you go high tech?
It's a question even confirmed city dwellers are asking, as Bethany Bell has found out in Vienna.
ARMCHAIR ADVENTURE
 For those more comfortable at low altitudes there has always been the chance to watch the hill-bound on celluloid.
Mountain film is a peculiarly European-inspired artform, and it has just celebrated its 100th anniversary with an exhibition in Potsdam from where Michael Steininger reports.
> SUGGESTED INTERNET LINKS
. UNESCO official site on Year of Mountains
. Reinhold Messner
. Catherine Destivelle
. Film Museum
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
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