Ivan Hughes

In May 1961, amidst the snow-capped mountains and verdant forests of Canada's West coast, Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper, decided to try the impossible--a first ascent up the 'unclimbable' Stawamus Chief. Within two weeks, 12,000 cars full of onlookers crowded the base of the Chief while the climbers braved relentless heat, mosquitoes and a barrage of reporters. In the Shadow of the Chief takes a unique look at a part of climbing history and the spirit of the community that rallied behind them.

After sustaining a serious major brain injury alpinist Barry Blanchard reflects on his adventures and reconciles his life in the mountains.