Stephen Koch has been to all Seven of the world’s tallest peaks, but the ascent wasn’t where he left his legacy. Turning around, Koch was the first one to snowboard down on all seven of the peaks, making chaotic descents, calculated turns and thrilling stories.
Koch comes to Vail as a part of the Vail Symposium’s Unlimited Adventure series to share his story of snowboard mountaineering – a term he coined. The event will take place February 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Donovan Pavilion in Vail. Tickets are only $10.
Putting the most rugged of runs at Vail or Beaver Creek to shame, Koch has descended peaks over 20,000 feet tall. Precise decision making meant the difference between life and death. Under the pressures of being over 20,000 feet, at times, Koch learned how to thrive in the face of fear.
Koch will share the lessons he learned from life on the edge. The edge being a place he has spent over 20 years climbing, snowboarding unprecedented routes and always challenging himself to go one step farther into uncharted terrain.
“As if climbing these difficult peaks aren’t enough, Stephen (Koch) decides to turn around and snowboard down them,” says Tracey Flower, the Symposium’s Executive Director. “You don’t see terrain like this in Colorado. His photos, videos and his stories are an incredible journey into an incredible world.”
In addition to the notable Seven Summits, Koch’s list of alpine accolades is vast. He was the first person to snowboard all of the major Teton Peaks in Wyoming. Koch has found himself in places of remarkable beauty, but also in situations of remarkable terror and chaos.
Koch will share his experiences and translate them into what it takes to prepare for any challenge, how to go one step farther than anyone else, and how to thrive in moments of crisis and chaos.
Who: Stephen Koch
What: Owning Your Fear. Stories from the world’s bravest snowboard mountaineer
When: February 28 | 5:00 p.m. reception | 5:30 p.m. presentation
Where: Donovan Pavilion
How Much: $10
Visit vailsymposium.org or call 970.476.0954 for tickets or more information