Steve Swenson is the former president of the American Alpine Club. According to fellow Meister Raphael Slawinski, “One of the things that I really admire about Steve, among many, is that he seems to be able to strike this balance between a demanding professional career, a wife and two kids, and climbing at the highest standards out there. He’s a recipient of the Piolet d’Or, climbed everest and k2 without oxygen. The other thing I really enjoy about Steve, although he’s 60, he’s one of the fittest people I know and more than anything he still enjoys climbing like a kid."
Exploration is not a specific goal. The attributes of exploration have more to do with doing something you've never done before and you don't know what's going to happen.
Gear Recommendations
RicheyIce Hammock
The big problem when climbing a big, technical mountain face is: how are you going to spend the night? Portaledges don't work for alpine faces because you aren't hauling and they are too heavy. The Richey Ice Hammock is a simple, large piece of nylon that can be anchored against a face of a mountain. As the climber chops a ledge, the ice hammock catches the ice debris and quickly creates a ledge. This method requires only half the amount of ice to create an equal sized ledge.
Deals, Deals, Deals
15% off Buff
By: Buff USA
Buff creates seam-free, multifunctional headwear in technical fabrics. A Buff can be worn as a facemask, balaclava, headband, neckerchief, and more. Take 15% off of everything!
Use the code "meister" at checkout
Additional Resources
Check out these links to additional episode content.