Tobin Sorenson (June 15, 1955 – October 5, 1980) was an American rock climber and alpinist famed for establishing bold first ascents on Yosemite big walls, in the Alps, Canadian Rockies, and New Zealand.[1]

Early life and education

A California native, Sorenson was the son of a minister, Lee Sorenson, and was raised in Covina, California.[2] As a teenager he played the guitar at church and sang in the choir, and continued to emphasize faith and spirituality throughout his life.[2] Sorenson graduated from Biola University in 1980.

Career

Sorenson honed his climbing skills at Tahquitz Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, Suicide Rock, and Yosemite Valley.[2][3][4][5] Later he turned his attention to the European Alps, and conquered several dangerous ice climbs in the Mont Blanc massif and the Eiger north face.[2][6] Sorenson is considered by some to be the best all-around climber of his time.[2][7] A contemporary of John Long and John Bachar in a group they called the Stonemasters putting up daring new routes in the Idyllwild, California area, Sorenson pushed risk standards in the realm of rock climbing and alpine mountaineering.[3][7]

Death

Sorenson died from a fall during a solo attempt of the Mount Alberta's North Face on October 5, 1980.[8][3]

Further reading

References

  1. ^ Sacks, Ronald (1981). "Tobin Sorenson, 1955-1980". American Alpine Club. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e Accomazzo, Rick (Spring 2015). "He Would Just Go: Tobin Sorenson and the Alps, 1977". Alpinist. Vol. 45. American Alpine Club. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Long, John; Fidelman, Dean (2009). The Stonemasters: California rock climbers in the seventies. Santa Barbara, California: Stonemaster Press/T. Adler Books. ISBN 9780984094905.
  4. ^ "On Living the Adventure". One Pursuit. January 5, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ "On Living the Adventure, Part 2". One Pursuit. January 7, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  6. ^ Sorenson, Tobin (1978). "Climbs and Expeditions: Europe". American Alpine Journal. 21 (2): 587–588.
  7. ^ a b Long, John (2019). The Little Book of Outdoor Wisdom: An Adventurer's Collection of Anecdotes and Advice. Guilford, CT: Falcon. p. 81-85. ISBN 9781493034734.
  8. ^ "Covina Climber Killed in Fall in Canada's Rocky Mountains". Los Angeles Times. October 11, 1980. pp. A22.
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