On July 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., award-winning writer, climber, and adventurer Geoff Powter will present a behind-the-scenes look at his new book, Survival is Not Assured: The Life of Climber Jim Donini.

Survival is Not Assured launched June 1, 2024 and quickly climbed to the top of the bestseller list in Climbing and Mountaineering on Amazon in Canada, the US, and the UK. The book tells the remarkable story of Jim Donini, an icon of American climbing for the past 50 years. It explores Jim’s groundbreaking climbs and his tumultuous experiences both on and off the rock. From the tragic death of his best friend in a car accident, to his integral role in the Yosemite “Valley Uprising,” Jim’s life has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but his spirit of resilience and determination has been unyielding. Through personal interviews and never-before-shared stories, Survival is Not Assured examines the life and legacy of this iconic climber, providing an inspiring and thought-provoking look at an American legend.

Geoff Powter served as editor of the Canadian Alpine Journal for 13 years and has won 13 National Magazine Awards. His last book, Inner Ranges, won the Climbing Literature Prize at Banff in 2019 and the National Outdoor Book Award in the US. He has hosted the Voices of Adventure interview event at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival for 25 years.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the Nelson United Church for a 7:00 p.m. showtime. Books will be available for purchase. Geoff will present a photo slide show and read excerpts from Survival is Not Assured. He will be available after presenting to sign books.

Tickets are $10 and available for purchase here. The Nelson Adventure Speaker series will be donating ticket sale proceeds to the Kootenay Climbing Association in support of building a new climbing and community centre in Nelson.

The Nelson Adventure Speaker Series is a non-profit endeavor, made possible with help from its partners and sponsors: Kootenay Mountain Culture; Notably, a Book Lover’s Emporium; Otter Books; Elephant Mountain Literary Festival; Whitewater Ski Resort; and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.