HATHERSAGE 16-20 MAY 2026
BMC/BMMS/ISMM MOUNTAIN MEDICINE FESTIVAL
FROM UK MOUNTAIN FIRST AID TO CUTTING EDGE HIGH ALTITUDE RESEARCH

The International Society of Mountain Medicine (ISMM) has asked the British Mountain Medicine Society (BMMS) to host their biannual International Congress. This unique gathering of the great, the good and the not so good of the mountain medicine world will be held in Hathersage. We want our guests to enjoy the village and the Peak District National Park in an environment where ideas will be exchanged over tea and British beer. The success of the annual British Mountaineering Council BMC/BMMS layperson's mountain medicine weekend convinced us that Hathersage will be the ideal venue and this lay event will again take place on the initial Saturday and Sunday of the festival. As always doctors, allied healthcare professionals and holders of the Diploma in Mountain Medicine will volunteer to put on two days of practical workshops for BMC members and professional instructors and guides.
On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the full ISMM Congress will cater for more technical medical aspects of all aspects of climbing and mountaineering with morning and afternoon plenaries and practically based workshops before and after lunch. There will be poster presentations of recent research projects. Wednesday will be devoted to hypothermia and cold injuries. The UIAA and ICAR medical commissions and international mountain medicine educationalists from the Diploma of Mountain Medicine will hold closed business meetings during the week but these international members will also be sharing their expertise by giving presentations and running workshops during the main Congress.
So who do we expect to attend? The simple answer is YOU! Anybody with an interest in BMC activities from sea cliff rock climbing to attempts on 8000m peaks and remote exploration. We welcome mountain professionals, mountain rescue personnel, Munroe baggers, ice climbers, alpinists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical students and physiologists. Our Congress website is in preparation to take congress bookings with details of the evolving programme and, as in the past, bookings for the lay weekend will be via the BMC website. These sites will be updated regularly during the Autumn (Fall for those attending from America).
This formal medical Congress will not be the normal professional gathering in suits and ties but with everybody being keen on mountain activities soft shell jackets, hoodies and trainers will be the order of the day. The organisers are aware of the need for a variety of accommodation ranging from four start hotels, pubs, the local YHA, climbing huts, and camping facilities for tents and vans. Venues in Hathersage and up and down the Hope Valley include the Memorial Hall, the Swimming Pool and even local churches., All will be linked by minibuses or bring your bike.
Expect a full social calendar to relax between more technical events.
Watch this space.

Dr David Hillebrandt
BMC Hon Medical Advisor
20/7/25