Born in Oklahoma to Jack and Betsy Powers, Phil began climbing at age 15. Since then, his achievements have included the first ascent of the Washburn Face of Denali (named in honor of Bradford Washburn), the first winter traverse of the Cathedral Group in the Grand Tetons, the first ascent of Western Edge (a 23-pitch rock route) on Lukpilla Brakk, the first American ascent of Gasherbrum II in Pakistan, and an ascent of K2 without supplemental oxygen. Powers has also led dozens of expeditions to South America, Alaska and Pakistan's Karakoram Range.