Today’s high-altitude expeditions play out their ethical dilemmas in the spotlight of media attention. In the early years of mountaineering, the decisions to attempt – or not to attempt — the rescue of a helpless teammate or stranger were discussed in print months or years later. Now, they’re debated on talk shows within 24 hours of the event. An “Alpinist” editorial deplores the broad public impression that morality stops at a pre-ordained altitude. Others muse that the questionable ethical decisions are mostly products of the “brand name” mountains. It seems that the most negative stories are the most broadly reported and the most positive stories get little press. Our panelists have seen both sides, firsthand. From the 2007 Banff Mountain Film Festival Program:.

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