Brian Greenwood Forever Changed Canadian Climbing
In this mid-1990s interview with Chic Scott, the legendary Brit tells the stories of some of his most epic climbs
Brian Greenwood was one of the most respected climbers in Canada. He pioneered dozens of new routes in the Rockies and Columbia Mountains during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. He has 13 new routes to his credit on Yamnuska alone and his two routes on the north face of Mount Temple are classics.
Greenwood was also a leader in winter climbing and made the first winter ascents of Mount Hungabee, Mount Victoria and Eisenhower Tower on Castle Mountain. He was at the heart of the Calgary Mountain Club climbing scene in the 1960s and early 70s, inspiring many of the leading climbers of the time.
He is still an inspiration today and his routes have stood the test of time, continuing to challenge climbers. Greenwood retired from climbing in the mid-70s and moved to Duncan, B.C. It was there that Chic Scott caught up with him on Aug. 3, 1996.
“I ended up in jail in Banff. Not regularly – twice. The first time was the funniest,” Greenwood says after being questioned by Scott about a post-climb bar brawl. He died in 2018, read more about Greenwood here.
Brian Greenwood Interview
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