Stories at Storm Mountain Amphitheate

Stories at Storm Mountain

More Than Just a Slideshow – A Night of History, Storytelling, and Community

On Sunday, September 7th, the historic Storm Mountain Amphitheater came alive once again with the voices and stories of climbing’s past. The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance hosted a sold-out evening featuring local climbing legends Lenny Nelson, Les Ellison, and Brian Smoot—authors of Wasatch Rock Climbs (1984)—as they shared timeless tales and classic Kodachrome slides from the early days of climbing in the Cottonwood Canyons.

The turnout was nothing short of incredible. Climbers of all ages—young and old—gathered under the canyon walls to honor the roots of Wasatch climbing. Many came directly off the mountain, chalk still on their hands, to be part of the experience. The amphitheater buzzed with energy, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the pioneers who shaped the community we know today.

An Evening of Stories & Legacy

The night began with a historic gear display and mingling among friends, followed by a captivating slideshow of first ascents and early routes that defined climbing in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Each story from Brian, Lenny, and Les painted a vivid picture of a time when exploration and creativity defined the Wasatch climbing scene.

The program also included a teaser for the upcoming Alpenbock film, introduced by SLCA Executive Director Julia Geisler and director Simon Fraser. This legacy project will shine a light on the University of Utah first ascensionists of the 1960s and the Alpenbock Club—a group whose passion and vision still ripple through the canyons today.

A Community United

What made the night truly special was the community itself. Families, longtime locals, and new climbers alike filled the amphitheater, proving that climbing’s history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the connections that bind us together now.