The Teton Climbers’ Coalition is proud to announce Garrick Hart as the recipient of the 2025 Local Hero Award. The award, which was presented to Hart at this year’s AlpinFilm Festival, recognizes his tireless dedication to inspiring and supporting Teton County students through climbing and outdoor education.

For over a decade, Garrick Hart has been the founder and backbone of the Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club, shaping the lives of countless students through his passion for the mountains. As a physics teacher, Exum Mountain Guide, board member of the Teton Climbers’ Coalition, and dedicated climbing steward, Garrick has gone above and beyond to create opportunities for young people to engage with the outdoors safely and inclusively.

Garrick Hart receives the 2025 Local Hero Award at this year’s AlpinFilm Festival. Chris Anderson photo

This year, Garrick was nominated by two of his former students—a testament to the lasting impact he has had on the next generation of climbers.

One former student, now an adult and community leader, shared:

“If it weren’t for Mr. Hart’s commitment to gathering the school climbing community, I likely wouldn’t have discovered my love for climbing or for bringing people together in the mountains. Growing up in Jackson as a Latina, I often felt like climbing wasn’t meant for me. Mr. Hart made that insecurity minuscule. He made sure I felt welcomed, never singled out, and always supported. No gear? No problem—he had some to lend. No experience? No problem—he organized training days for students. His encouragement is why I now help lead a BIPOC climbing social at the local gym, because climbing is for everyone—something he proved to me growing up.”

Another former student recalled a life-changing moment during a middle school climbing trip:

“I was terrified of heights, and on our final night at City of Rocks, I froze while descending. Mr. Hart remained calm, patient, and nonjudgmental. He kept the ropes tight and talked me through my fear. Years later, I had him as my physics teacher, where he applied real-world climbing scenarios to our lessons and taught avalanche safety—essential knowledge for our community. His passion and mentorship have shaped not just my life but the entire climbing community in Jackson.”

Beyond the classroom, Garrick has been an active force in local climbing stewardship, bolting new routes with students, replacing anchors at local crags, and leading efforts to ensure safe and sustainable climbing access. His leadership has not only fostered a thriving climbing culture but has instilled a sense of responsibility and respect for the mountains in the next generation.

Hart, second from left, with TCC board members Alice Pang, Charlie Thomas, Rob Werner, Marian Meyers, Hadden Goodman and Sheila Reddy. Chris Anderson photo

The AlpinFilm Festival, presented by the Teton Climbers’ Coalition, is an annual two-day mountain film festival celebrating Jackson Hole’s rich climbing and mountaineering heritage. The Local Hero Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the region’s climbing community.

The Teton Climbers’ Coalition is honored to present this year’s Local Hero Award to Garrick Hart, a true mentor, educator, and community leader. His unwavering dedication to the students and climbers of Jackson Hole ensures that the mountains will continue to inspire for generations to come.