No. 629 Tyler Phillips, 2008

File — Box: 68, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Phillips (b. 1976) was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tyler discovered his love for the outdoors through the influence of his parents, as well as early experiences with the Boy Scouts. As a child, he skied at Solitude, but by the time he was in his teens he began to explore the backcountry. He also began climbing when he was seventeen years old with his close friends, who learned under the tutelage of local guide John Johnson. After high school, Tyler briefly attended Dixie State University and then lived for several years in Cedar City, where he and a handful of friends became involved in developing first ascents. Tyler describes some of his early efforts as a first ascensionist. Eventually, after honing his skills as a climber, Tyler returned to Salt Lake City and continued to pursue first ascents in the Wasatch Range. One of Tyler's great accomplishments, "Stiffler's Mom" in Little Cottonwood's Coalpit Buttress, received criticism due to debates about whether it had been climbed before. He remarks on the significant place of internet climbing websites in the ethical conflicts that sometimes develop in the climbing community. Tyler continues to be an avid climber and backcountry skier, while working at as a Facilities Manager at Snowbird.
Outdoor Recreation Oral History Project.
Interviewer: Erik Solberg

Dates

2008

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.