Terrifying POV video footage of a fall in Snowdonia. 
On February 24th Mark Roberts set out on a routine climb in Snowdonia, near Crib Goch with two friends. But a chunk of falling ice, soon changed the shape of their day when it knocked him into a 100ft slide down the side of the mountain. All of this was caught on camera with his helmet cam.
Mark Roberts has grown increasingly interested in winter climbing of late, and under safe conditions it can be a fantastic hobby to have. Mark suffered an unfortunate fall during his time out this time around, luckily his cameras caught all the real action, as in his words: “It wasnt one for repeating!”.
Helmet cams are becoming increasingly popular in sport and hobby alike. Climbers are using cams to show a POV of their ascent, while cyclists are using helmet cams to help with claims against drivers when they are being run off the road during a commute. Helmet cameras are becoming more and more affordable and far more accessible to the average outdoors person. The video caught on Mark Roberts camera gives a terrifying insight into the importance of Mountain safety.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=U3C799_ruzQ
The falling ice came from above where his friend was trying to get a good position for his own ice axe. Before he knew it, he was sliding, and falling down the side of the Mountain.
“I knew it was going to go some distance. There was no feeling of panic, more a concerted effort to protect my head and neck and be aware of what was below me, where I was heading and what I could do to slow and stop myself before I got to the more serious rocky outcrops.” said Mark when interview by the BMC
Mark was found where he fell by Llanberis Mountain Rescue team a mere 30 minutes after the incident had taken place. With instances like this, the prompt response of the Mountain Rescue teams is very important. BMC asked Mark how quickly they had responded to him, when alerted by other members of his party:
“It seemed pretty quickly to me. Everything was under control and I was more securely fixed to the ground and being kept warm. The doctor lowered in and was there checking for neck and spinal injuries, asking the relevant questions and giving me a few painkillers to take some of the sting out of my bruises and breaks.
From my perspective, I don’t think there is anything the MRT didn’t do which they could have and that just shows how good they are. The helicopter was there, creating a tremendous downdraft. I was supported by two harness loops, and then it was lift off to Bangor.”
A great testament to the volunteer work provided by those in the Mountain Rescue teams. With such a fall it shows a great mind set that he managed to land with as few injuries as he did, a panic could have quite easily resulted in a much worse result. While the video is certainly one of shock and awe, Mark Roberts shared it with the BMC in hopes that other climbers could learn from it, it certainly puts a stark reality to the very real dangers that you can experience when ice climbing.
You can read the full interview with Mark Roberts on the BMC website.
If you are interested in picking up your own helmet camera, then why not browse our Veho Cameras available online and in a selection of GO Outdoors stores.
Mike and Ollie of the GO Outdoors Show have recently been out training with Ice Climbing experts, and here are a few videos from them:
How to fit and Walk in Crampons
How to Perform an Ice Axe Self Arrest
Winter Essentials: The Ice Axe
