Bill Briggs

Education

His route required a free-hanging rappel down a 165-foot (50 m) cliff face, which he completed with his skis on.

Career

Briggs, born in Maine, is notable as the first to ski the Grand Teton on June 15, 1971 and as a result is said to be the "father of extreme skiing" in North America. He has also made first descents of other mountains in the Teton Range, including Middle Teton, South Teton, Mount Moran, and Mount Owen. In 2008, Bill Briggs was inducted into the United States. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, with his citation reading in part:

He also founded and presides over the Hootenanny, an open mic music event that happens every Monday in Moose, Wyoming.

He plays banjo, auto-harp and six and twelve-string guitars.

Briggs sings traditional and contemporary folk songs, specializing in mountain yodels.

Achievements

• He was the recipient of the 2003 Utah Ski archives Historical Achievement Award for his contributions to skiing.

Membership

Briggs is a founding member of the Stagecoach Band, which has played country and bluegrass music every Sunday since 1969 at the Stagecoach Bar in Wilson, Wyoming.