No.458 Kim Miller

Transcript (30 pages of interview by Erik Solberg with Kim MillerKim Miller (b. 1952) grew up in Rexburg, Idaho. His dad was a farmer and his mother was a physical education teacher at the high school. He attended schools in Rexburg, including Ricks College, and graduated from BYU in 1977 in business communications. He was active in the Boy Scouts and worked as a hike master at a scout camp in the Tetons. Working near the Tetons progressed into climbing, and he describes favorite climbs, including the Polar Circus in Canada, Fairview Dome, Wolf's Head, and The Nose. Miller also recalls friends Tom Frost, Brian Smoot, Mark Ward, and Jim Dockery. Other topics include soloing (his favorite way of climbing), ice climbing, the dangers of climbing, the stigma of being a climber, his dislike of bivouacking, speed climbing, injuries, and gear. In the second interview, Miller discusses guidebooks and the publication of Wasatch Granite. He also talks about what it means to do a first ascent and gives his definition of a true climber. Other topics include changes in climbing equipment, aid climbing, first ascents, the feeling of being in the mountains, access, differences in American and European climbing, physical and mental dangers, current attitudes, climbing with his kids, being baffled over the rating systems, and climbing fads today. Outdoor Recreation Project. Interviewer: Erik Solber