Stars of BFF 2018 – Thomas Huber (Germany)
Thomas Huber (Germany) – one of the greatest rock climbers – Presentation of Banskofilmfest 2018 – 24th of November, 21:00h, Big Hall, Culture center “Nikola Vapcarov”, Bansko
Thomas Huber (born 18 November 1966) in Palling, Bavaria) is a German climber and mountaineer. He lives in Berchtesgaden with his family. His brother and climbing partner is Alexander Huber and the two are called “Huberbuam” (Huberboys) in Bavarian dialect. They were the subject of the 2007 film To the Limit.
Thomas Huber, UIAGM Mountain Guide, the older brother of the two Huberbuam, has dedicated his life to alpinism. Together with his brother Alexander, they form one of today’s most capable and successful rope parties.
His childlike curiosity has always been prompting him to discover the unknown in the mountains all over the world. Whether it is speed climbing on the steepest walls, alpinism on the most difficult peaks, or expeditions in extreme regions – Thomas is looking for the challenge and takes it up with the ambition of an athlete.
Rise and fall, set-backs and successes, Thomas got to experience it all in the mountains. His strong, indomitable spirit has learned that in order to find the key to success, he must accept set-backs on his crazy vertical journeys. He is a father of three children and always aware of his responsibility for his family.
Besides climbing mountains, Thomas entertains a large audience with his adventures – even after more than a 1000 intense, funny and passionate slide shows. With his brother Alexander, Thomas has authored several books and is the protagonist of several movies. He also is a much-appreciated guest in talk shows.
Acheivments:
- 1994 First redpoint ascent of “The end of Silence” (5.13d/X+/8b+), one of the hardest multi-pitch climbing routes in the world at that time
- 1996 Free ascent of the route “Salathé Wall” on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley; Winter solo ascent of the Eiger north face
- 1997 First ascent of the route “Tsering Mosong” (VII+,A3+) on Latok II, 7108m
- 1998 First ascent of “El Niño” on El Capitan, and “Free Rider”, first free ascent of an El Capitan route in one day with Alexander Huber
- 1999 Second ascent of the south west wall of Latok IV (6445m)
- 2000 First ascent of the direct north pillar of the Shivling (6543m) with Iwan Wolf and winner of the Piolet d’Or
- 2001 First ascent of Baintha Brakk III (6800m), second ascent of Baintha Brakk I (7285m)
- 2003 First free ascent of “Zodiac” (5.13d/X+/8b+) on El Capitan with Alexander Huber
- 2004 Speed record on El Capitan, “Zodiac”, in 1:52h
- 2007 Speed record on El Capitan, “The Nose”, in 2:45,45h
- 2008 First ascent of the west wall of Holtanna in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, together with brother Alexander and Stephan Siegrist
- 2008 Ascent of Ulvetanna in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, together with brother Alexander and Stephan Siegrist
- 2009 First free ascent with Alexander of Eternal Flame, (5.13a), on Trango (“Nameless”) Tower (6,239 m), Pakistan.
Their first first ascent, Rauhnachtstanz on the south face of Wagendrischlhorn becomes the foundation of their climbing lives. The unknown of the vertical world, the first ascent, it became their biggest motivation and has since remained their true passion. At the local crag, Karlstein, they establish countless new routes in a short time, and their climbing ability keeps improving. Soon, they are known beyond Palling, and their name changes from Riedlbuam to Huberbuam…
The name stands for difficult first ascents and wild stories from their explorations of the mountains…
They share their passion without compromise, and even if they may seem different at first sight, they both share the name Huberbuam and what it stands for. They are a perfect team on the hardest mountains.
Again and again, Thomas has to deal with serious injuries that hinder his progress as an athlete. Because of these set-backs, he develops a strong will. Giving up is out of question. Later in his life, he discovers sky diving and tries to combine it with climbing: After a difficult ascent, the parachute comes in and provides a quick descent.
Music is another way for him to express himself. He is the lead singer of the punk rock band Plastic Surgery Disaster. Despite is wild spirit, Thomas appreciates nothing more than finding peace at home with his family. He lives in Berchtesgaden. He is married to Marion and has two sons and a daughter: Elias, Amadeus, and Philomea.
