If you’re a mountain person you know the pain of the shoulder seasons. The agonizing in-between times while we wait patiently for Mother Nature to kick in, blessing us with either snow covered slopes or sun dried trials. Over 35 years ago a group of Banff climbers, recognizing the great need for something to occupy their time while they pined for the season to begin, created what is now the internationally renown Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. This year’s festival features awe-inspiring mountain films, books, and speakers from all over the world as well as free photo exhibitions.