But the products that would eventually make him rich were not pitons and carabiners, but rather fleece jackets, board shorts and plaid shirts.

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Dissatisfied with the soft steel pitons used by other climbers, he taught himself blacksmithing and created a spike of chrome nickel steel so strong and light that it fundamentally changed the sport.

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It's best known feature are the breathtaking twin mountain peaks of the Pitons, and there is no better view on the island than from where Jade Mountain sits - the resort was built with every single "Infinity Pool Sanctuary, " as the suites are called, facing it.

FORBES: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia, West Indies