Uphill Athlete Podcast The Life Between Climbs with Scott Backes
Dec 9, 2025
Scott Backes, an accomplished amateur alpinist known for bold firsts and emotional honesty, traces his climb from rebellious Midwest youth to a climber who stayed true to himself. He recalls daring early Rockies solos, brutal bivouacs, and choosing city life over climbing tribalism. The conversation explores vulnerability in climbing culture, balancing family and risk, and finding meaning after peak experiences.
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Three Attempts On Alberta Show The Gods At Play
- Scott attempted the North Face of Alberta three times: weather, illness and equipment failures thwarted early tries, but on the third attempt they reached the summit and met wardens descending a different route.
- The repeated failures and final success illustrate alpinism's capriciousness and the role of perseverance.
Why Alpine Climbs Temper Ego Differently Than Rock
- Scott contrasts rock-climbing hubris with alpine humility: alpine objectives force awareness of uncontrollable factors (weather, objective danger) that temper ego.
- Hard alpine routes repeatedly remind climbers they can be overwhelmed despite skill and fitness.
Growing Up With A Narcissistic Father Shaped Scott
- Scott describes a childhood of covert narcissistic contempt from his father that taught him self-hatred, and books plus climbing helped him reject that narrative.
- He credits therapy, sobriety and relationships for 25+ years clean and a pathway to self-acceptance.