Enormocast 263: Steve House – The Art of Alpinism

Photos clockwise: House, M. Thurk, M. Thurk, House

On Episode 263 of the Enormocast, I sit down for a long overdue conversation with one of the greatest alpinists of all time, Steve House. Steve house spent 20 years riding the cutting edge of alpinism. His ascents of K7, The Rupal Face, and the Slovak Direct, among many more, represented a sea change in the world of highly technical big mountain climbing. But all that time strung out to the max took its toll, and finally an accident on Mount Temple in the Canadian Rockies signaled the beginning of the end for Steve’s climbing aspirations. Steve cowrote the lauded book Training for the New Alpinism and now heads Uphill Athlete and coaches aspiring mountaineers the world over. He is also a dad and husband. After all these years on the edge, Steve put the work in daily to keep life simple, free, and filled with love.

10 Replies to “Enormocast 263: Steve House – The Art of Alpinism”

  1. Shit Chris!! Shit Steve!! Damn, totally blind-sided. The depth, pure thoughtful from the soul emotion. Have to re-listen six……teen times or so to glean more. The part when you asked him if he still climbs…..the wisdom in his measured voice. Here…here…let’s die at home with loved ones around us…..

  2. Excellent man! What a fascinating guy. I appreciate that Steve gave you props for the important work doing these interviews of climbers for the world to hear. Thank you Chris. Don’t stop.

  3. I realized, and correct me if I’m wrong (again), your question was “Do you want HIM back”.. referring to the younger version of himself. Good stuff..

  4. Really great.. As a 61 yr old with plenty of stories and associated scar tissue, it really hit home. The process of coming to terms with being an aging athlete, and evolving into the next phase of life… Your question.. “Do you want it back?” was one of the best timed questions I’ve ever heard in an interview. You could feel the emotion in his pause, reflection, and his answer. I bet much of your audience went through the same emotions.

    1. You, of course, know that I am juts making this shit up as I go, but in the edit, I, too, was like “nailed it” when that last question landed! Thanks for the kind not and listening!

  5. This interview has been one of the absolute best of the Enormocast. Steve is an incredible inspiration and this conversation is more than moving and resonant.

    1. Agree. Think this is one of the best interviews you’ve done, Chris. Well done to you and so much respect to Steve for being so open.

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