He was noted for skiing down large and steep mountains, including those in the Himalayas, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

He received great renown in 1967 for his first descent of the Spencer Couloir on the Aiguille du Midi, a route that was considered unskiable.

[5][4] His extreme exploits involved considerable preparations, studying the mountain, the snow, and the terrain over an extended period of time.

These were relatively short and wide metal skis, designed to be quick turning in powder snow, as well as to be easily loaded outside the helicopters.

[9] He became a motivational speaker in later life for corporate executives, using his films to demonstrate the leap in courage it takes to conquer new peaks and new challenges.