
Alpine Book Peddlers The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains
Barry Blanchard’s memoir follows his path from an unsettled childhood to the highest levels of alpinism, with candour about the climbs, risks and lessons that shaped him.


Product Details
We offer free standard shipping within Canada on orders over $99. Orders ship from our store in Banff, Monday through Friday. Most orders are processed within two business days, with orders placed after 12 p.m. MST requiring an additional business day. Once your order ships, you’ll receive tracking right away. We currently only ship to Canadian addresses - Learn more.
If something isn’t quite right, most online orders can be returned within 14 days as long as items are unused and in original condition. Refunds are issued to the original payment method once items are received back in-store, with in-store returns always free and a small return shipping fee applying to mailed returns - Learn more.
All items are available for in-store pickup at our Banff location. Orders are typically ready within an hour during business hours, and always within 24 hours. Simply select in-store pickup at checkout and we’ll have it waiting for you at 129 Banff Avenue.
If you find the same product for less at a Canadian retailer, we’ll match it — or beat it. The item must be identical, in stock, and sold in Canada at a publicly advertised price. If you’ve already purchased, we’ll refund the difference on eligible orders within 15 days - Learn more
Specs and features
The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains
Style #: 9781952338410
We offer free standard shipping within Canada on orders over $99. Orders ship from our store in Banff, Monday through Friday. Most orders are processed within two business days, with orders placed after 12 p.m. MST requiring an additional business day. Once your order ships, you’ll receive tracking right away. We currently only ship to Canadian addresses - Learn more.
If something isn’t quite right, most online orders can be returned within 14 days as long as items are unused and in original condition. Refunds are issued to the original payment method once items are received back in-store, with in-store returns always free and a small return shipping fee applying to mailed returns - Learn more.
All items are available for in-store pickup at our Banff location. Orders are typically ready within an hour during business hours, and always within 24 hours. Simply select in-store pickup at checkout and we’ll have it waiting for you at 129 Banff Avenue.
If you find the same product for less at a Canadian retailer, we’ll match it — or beat it. The item must be identical, in stock, and sold in Canada at a publicly advertised price. If you’ve already purchased, we’ll refund the difference on eligible orders within 15 days - Learn more
Why you'll love it

Expedition Narrative
Blanchard describes ascents, avalanches and difficult decisions across the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, the Alps and beyond. The result is an intimate account of what demanding alpinism asks of the people doing it.

Climbing Culture
The memoir captures climbing during the punk-rock era, when youth, risk and independence shaped the scene. It gives context to the attitudes and partnerships behind the routes.

Full-Colour Photographs
Full-colour photographs add visual reference to the people and places in the narrative, giving readers a closer sense of the environments behind Blanchard’s climbing life.
Frequently asked questions
We’re here to help with the details, before and after you order.
Most orders leave our shop within 1–2 business days. Once your order is packed and scanned by the carrier, you’ll receive tracking right away.
No stress, it happens. If something doesn’t fit the way you expected, most items can be returned within 14 days as long as they’re unworn and in original condition. In-store returns are free, and mailed returns include a small return shipping fee. Some conditions do apply. Return Policy.
Most of our products are backed by the manufacturer’s warranty. If something goes wrong, we’ll help guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.
Yes. With our Best Price Guarantee, if you find the same product for less at a Canadian retailer, we’ll match it — or beat it. No hoops, no hard feelings, just fair pricing. Learn more.

Monod Sports is a family-owned specialty shop rooted in Banff, since 1949. Our team lives and works in the mountains, and we’re selective about what we carry — choosing quality gear we trust ourselves, stand behind fully, and feel confident recommending to anyone who walks through our doors.