INSIDE HISTORY BONUSGrowing up, Saudan lived close to Verbier, a hamlet in Valais, Switzerland, where it was customary to ski to school in the winter. At the age of 25, Saudan earned his certifications as a high mountain guide and skiing teacher in 1961.

In the field of high mountain skiing, first ascents of difficult and lofty peaks are often hailed as achievements. Saudan's notoriety came from a different type of accomplishment, though: he recorded 23 first descents, 18 of which were among the hardest descents ever recorded.

His extraordinary abilities and audacious deeds brought him international acclaim. Saudan rose to prominence in 1967 when he made the first descent of the Aiguille du Midi's Spencer Couloir.

His remarkable descent of this hitherto unskiable terrain earned him the moniker "skier of the impossible. " Among other things, this accomplishment cemented his reputation as a trailblazing and courageous alpine skier.

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