alpenbock

A film that celebrates the history of Wasatch climbing and the legacy of those who did it first.

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"Alpenbock" is not just a film; it's a legacy project that honors the rich history and enduring spirit of rock climbing in the Wasatch Mountains. Your support can make this dream a reality, ensuring that these stories continue to inspire and educate for generations to come. Join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of climbing in one of America's most iconic mountain ranges. Need more convincing? Scroll down to read our Directors Statement and more from behind the scenes as this project unfolds!

Made in partnership with Headlamp Studios

Delve into the history of legendary Wasatch climbers in a short documentary, celebrating our climbing legacy in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, and the enduring spirit of the Alpenbock Club amid contemporary preservation challenges.

Climbing in the Wasatch has a rich legacy that spans many decades and locations. The focus of this short documentary film is around the creation of the sport in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This is the story of University of Utah first ascensionists in the 1960s and the respective group they formed– The Alpenbock Club. This is a story of passion, grit, culture, and climbing ethics and how climbing can improve quality of life and build lifelong relationships both personally and professionally.

Climbing is part of what it is to be a Utahn and is part of our legacy that is enjoyed still today by a growing new generation of climbers. Along with the increasing interest of rock climbing comes the challenge and responsibility to preserve and protect these areas with rich historical value. As climbing continues to evolve,, the routes and the passion for where we climb remain the same.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

I learned to climb on real rock, and to this day I don’t spend much time in the gym. In fact, the biggest benefit I get from climbing is fresh air and an intimate connection with nature. That’s what this film is really about, at its core. Centuries turn, and new generations of people fill the shoes left by their ancestors, but some things remain, transcending the fleeting human cycle. What’s still there when all the people on earth have been replaced by their great-great-grandchildren? What is the cost of being unaware of that connection? Creatively, the challenge will be working around lack of footage from the 1950s and 60s. To fill in the gaps, our team of animators will develop a cohesive style that represents the culture, attitude, and timeframe, bringing the textures of the Alpenbock Scrapbook to life. We are lucky to have dozens of key characters alive to pass down their history, a legacy which has only been told around the campfire. It is our responsibility to gather these voices and put them on the record, before their great-grandchildren step into their shoes for good.

- Simon Fraser