Stephen Koch

I was climbing on the Valhalla Traverse on the Enclosure/Grand Teton when my climbing partner, Michelle Smith, slipped and fell on the challenging terrain. After tumbling 30 feet down the mountain, the rope came taut and she stopped. It was then that she looked down at her misshapen leg and realized the severity of the [...]

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ABOVE: Stephen in the gym. VIGILANCE by Stephen Koch Vigilance is alert watchfulness. And as a climber it is paramount to be vigilant, not only for my own safety, but for the safety of my partner. Through the act of belaying, or protecting a partner with the rope, is when I am most watchful. My [...]

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On February 6, 2007, Hans Johnstone and I completed a new route on the north face of the Grand Teton, Squeeze Box (IV M7, A0, 1,000′). The line lies between Shea’s Chute and the Alex Lowe Memorial Route and ascends a weakness up a beautiful granite buttress. I had spotted the line during a flurry [...]

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I am posting this PC because I think it is funny and hasn’t been seen much. I also want to give props to its very talented designer, Matthew Speakman. Matt is temporarily living and working in PA until his return to Jackson. Matt took an old photo of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first [...]

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