Alpine Destiny

When John Harlin III first decided to tackle the Eiger (an Alpine mountain often translated as "the ogre"), he didn't plan on his journey becoming the focus of the latest IMAX film to hit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, The Alps. Harlin's father, a mountaineering legend and pioneer...

By Amber Taufen

January 10, 2008

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When John Harlin III first decided to tackle the Eiger (an Alpine mountain often translated as "the ogre"), he didn't plan on his journey becoming the focus of the latest IMAX film to hit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, The Alps. Harlin's father, a mountaineering legend and pioneer of Alpine climbing, perished on the Eiger when Harlin was a child. John Harlin II had been the first person from the United States to climb the North Face of the Eiger, which he accomplished in 1960, but six years later, when he attempted a new route up the mountain (now known as the "John Harlin Direct" route), his rope snapped. His son was only nine years old at the time.

In The Alps, John Harlin III faces his inner fears and honors his father's memory. The new IMAX adventure screens through June 12. Tickets are $15 to $18; call 303-322-7009 or visit www.dmns.org.
Jan. 11-June 12, 2008

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Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

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