On June 15, 1971 Bill Briggs became the first person to ski the Grand Teton. Skiing from the summit was considered impossible and his route required a free-hanging rappel down a 165-foot cliff face, which he completed with his skis on. 
 
Realizing, the next day, that his story would be doubted, he convinced a local journalist to fly over the still-visible ski tracks. With a photographer on board, they documented his feat and inspired a new breed of skier.