50 Percent of Mountaineering Is Uphill: The Life of Canadian Mountain Rescue Pioneer Willi Pfisterer

by Susanna Pfisterer

Fifty Percent of Mountaineering Is Uphill is the enthralling true story of Jasper's Willi Pfisterer, a legend in the field of mountaineering and safety in the Rocky Mountains. For more than thirty years, Willi was an integral part of Jasper's alpine landscape, guiding climbers up to the highest peaks, and rescuing them from perilous situations.

Originally from Austria, this mountain man came to Canada in the 1950s to assail the Rockies, and stayed to become an integral part of mountain safety in Western Canada and the Yukon. His daughter, Susanna Pfisterer, has shaped his stories and lectures as an engaging and educational adventure story that features over 100 archival photographs, including avalanches in the National Parks, highlights from climbing 1600 peaks and participating in over 700 rescues, and guiding adventures with Prime Ministers. Accompanied by the humorous wisdom of the "Sidehillgouger," readers will traverse an historical and spectacular terrain.

310 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1641

Reviews

[Nayha Johal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cool to learn about Willi’s life and experience in mountaineering, rescuing, family, and how some of the mountain safety he’s implemented are still used to this day! He’s done some of the hikes I’ve also done or am excited to attempt one day!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, I bought this book thinking that it would be humorous.....
There is nothing very funny about mountain rescue in the Canadian Rockies! The story of Willi Pfisterer is fascinating and told in a way (by his daughter) that had me spellbound. I am not a climber, never have been, never will be but the tales told by Willi really drew me into that world. While reading about the beginnings of mountain rescue I felt as though I was sitting and listening to Willi and his teams. There is just enough about his family to help the reader to understand what kept him sane and respectful of Mother Nature and the humans who challenged her. There is a fair bit of technical information regarding the various aspects of work. However, I never felt overwhelmed with the facts - the information was there to keep me aware of the advances made and the techniques developed.
I highly recommend his book to anyone who has an interest in the Canadian Rockies and our desire to spend time in the beautiful and dangerous snow.

[Mark Lisac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming and very human story about Willi Pfisterer, who arrived in Western Canada from Austria as a young man with little more than ambition and a moutaineering background and became a pioneer in guiding and mountain rescue. Full of funny anecdotes, a feel and appreciation for the natural setting of the Rockies, technical information (but not boringly technical) about rescue techniques, and a light touch of irascibility that prevents the stories from becoming treacly. A very nice read. The only offsets are the several flagrant spelling errors (e.g., "heal" in place of "heel") and the odd choice of a cover that looks like it came from a 1950s edition of the Toronto Star Weekly (the cover is visible on the Kindle edition in Goodreads but not on the paperback edition for some reason).

[Bill Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pfisterer was born in Austria, enjoyed climbing and skiing as a young man. He came to Canada in 1955 were he worked with an outfitter, eventually moving to Jasper to open a ski shop and start mountain guiding. In 1963 he sold his shop to run the Big White ski school. Eventually, work with Walter Perren, Parks Canada first rescue specialist, led to a permanent job with Parks Canada.

While written by his daughter, it is written in the first person as if an autobiography. Pfisterer describes his many adventures in the Rockies including many of the rescues that he coordinated. He includes much information on climbing practices and potential dangers that is still very pertinent today.

[Jordan Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Canadian, it was great to see that Willi who came over from Austria could build out a life for him and his family - the Canadian dream! What a wild life the guy had. Very impressive. He taught me a few things about the Canadian Rockies that I would have never imagined - and I live an hour away. Nothing short of inspirational! A recommended read to anybody who likes outdoor adventure. You might learn a thing along the way, including a few good outdoorsy one-liners.

[Sherry Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened it and couldn’t close it again! Very interesting book about the story of mountain rescue in Canada explained through the experiences of this incredible man, family and journey. The mix of text and images really help convey the stories that often keep you on the edge of your seat. Big congratulations to the author for bringing the stories of her family and dad together in this beautiful piece of work. What a legacy. Thank you

[Janet Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sharing her father’s story in such a personable manner. Parks Canada has a stellar reputation on the search and rescue front, Willie’s story goes a long way in explaining why in a matter of fact, down to earth manner. The stories are real, the challenges great and the results speak for themselves. The underlying theme of listening to your gut has proven true over the years for more than just Willie. An easy, engaging, enlightening read, good job!

[Bryce Shupac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting biography of a life lived that was truly LIVED.Surprisingly emotional and heart twisting.
Highly recommend this book .

[Barb J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would only recommend this book to hardcore mountain climbers and ski/mountain rescuers.

[Lael · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tribute to an interesting man.

[Carlee Shenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book to read especially if you have a love for the mountains. I do have much respect for the dangers of being in Mother Nature and this book is very humbling .