Building on last year’s celebration of Linda Merigliano, a longtime advocate for sustainable climbing access and preservation, the TCC will present the second annual Local Hero Award during the 2025 AlpinFilm Festival.
Originally inspired by the “Stewardship Award” presented to crag developer Tom Hargis in 2022, the Local Hero Award was established to honor significant contributions within the Teton climbing community. This award highlights individuals whose efforts in Stewardship, Advocacy, and Engagement have made a transformative impact on local climbing culture.
“The Local Hero Award reflects our commitment to acknowledging the people who embody the values of the Teton Climbers’ Coalition—preserving, advocating for, and actively engaging the Teton climbing community,” said TCC Executive Director Christian Beckwith. “These individuals are the foundation of a strong, sustainable future for our climbing environment, and we’re honored to recognize their contributions at AlpinFilm.”
Nomination and Award Details
The TCC invites community members to nominate individuals who have made a substantial impact in one or more of these categories throughout 2024:
- Stewardship: Demonstrating dedication to preserving and protecting the Teton climbing environment.
- Engagement: Outstanding commitment to gathering, educating, or engaging the climbing community.
- Advocacy: Exceptional efforts in championing the needs and interests of Teton climbers.
To nominate a candidate, complete the form here with the nominee’s details and a description (up to 500 words) of their achievements by January 10, 2025. The 2025 Local Hero Award recipient will be announced during AlpinFilm on January 18, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the community.