Stories at Storm Mountain Amphitheater

A Slideshow

Join local climbers and authors of Wasatch Rock Climbs (1984), Les Ellison and Brian Smoot, as they share stories of early climbing in the Cottonwoods. Held in the historic Storm Mountain Amphitheater—once a regular gathering spot for climbers—this event brings the past to life through classic Kodachrome slides and timeless tales from the crags.

📍 Storm Mountain Amphitheater, Big Cottonwood Canyon

5685 E Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025

🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🍺 BYOB

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EveNING Schedule

7:00 PM – Doors Open

7:00–7:45 PM – Historic Climbing Gear Display & Social Hour

7:45–8:30 PM – Slideshow

Stories of first ascents and the development of climbing in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons, told by special guests & crag legends Brian Smoot and Les Ellison

8:30–8:45 PM – Alpenbock Film Teaser & Remarks

A sneak peek at the upcoming film, with SLCA Executive Director Julia Geisler and filmmaker Simon Fraser.

8:45–9:00 PM – Q&A with the storytellers, filmmakers, and SLCA

About the Alpenbock Film

The Alpenbock film is a legacy story honoring the rich history and enduring spirit of rock climbing in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons. It tells the story of University of Utah first ascensionists in the 1960s and the club they formed—The Alpenbock Club.

As climbing evolves, our challenge is to preserve and protect these iconic landscapes, rich with history. We can save a place a thousand times, but lose it only once.

Credit: Alpenbock Scrapbooks, J. Willard Marriott Library, Special Collections Department, University of Utah