Mountain of movies

wIt’s film week at the Mountaineers Clubhouse in Seattle, with several short films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival on the schedule.

For 25 years, the festival (think Sundance) has aired dozens of films and has selected winners to go on tour. They’re not all mountain oriented, either, with occasional films on kayaking, biking and human-interest topics, said Mountaineer spokesman Richard Barringer.

The festival was held in conjunction with the publication of "Voices from the Summit: The World’s Great Mountaineers on the Future of Climbing" (National Geographic Adventure Press).

The show starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 300 Third Ave. W., Seattle.

Monday is the last day for phone orders (206-284-6310). There will be tickets at the door, although Friday night’s performance usually sells out.

Speaking of films, "Triathlon: Through the Eyes of the Elite" is the latest release by Endurance Films. It’s part of a Monday night program in Kirkland that includes local athletes, trainers, clubs and vendors.

Challenges include riding a virtual course in front of a 20-foot screen before the program starts.

Seattle athlete Tim Luchinske, who placed 16th overall in the 2000 Hawaii Ironman triathlon, will talk about finishing in the top 1 percent at Kona.

The 70-minute film chronicles the birth of the triathlon through its inclusion in the 2000 Olympics; vigorous training schedules in Colorado Spring; and other activity’s of elite athletes told in their own words.

The program starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $12 at the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., 425-893-9900.

The Christmas holiday is not the only annual event rushing upon us.

It’s time to register for the popular Winter Camping Seminar, sponsored by Everett Parks and Recreation and the Boy Scouts of America.

Learn everything you need to know to camp in winter during four indoor classes, then test your skills by building an igloo on Mount Rainier.

For a registration brochure, call 425-257-8300.

Nylon ropes, wool clothing, leather boots and wooden skis used to be the main items for climbers.

Now the gear is high-tech and the hype is even higher. Let Rock &amp Ice magazine gear editor Clyde Soles shed light on what works and what isn’t worth the money.

"Rock &amp Ice Gear: Equipment for the Vertical World" ($24.95, Mountaineers) looks past the advertising and gets to the heart of whether a piece of equipment works well.

Learn the dirty secret of autofocus cameras. Learn why a high tie-in point on a harness is best for children. Discover that the style and angle of the pick, as well as its shape, greatly affect the performance.

Well written with photographs and illustrations, "Gear" is a must-read before heading to the store.