In 1969 he created a new curved ice ax, the Piolet, which gave climbers better purchase, say, on the smooth surface of a frozen waterfall.

FORBES: The World According to Yvon

He recently used an ax to cut through the ice in the pond next to the sauna, making a hole so that "saunalised" competitors could jump into the icy water after their time in the hot room, to win extra points.

WSJ: In Estonia, a 'Scavenger Hunt' for People Who Love Saunas

Among the network's program offerings are hit series such as American Pickers, Ax Men, The Universe, Ice Road Truckers, Chasing Mummies, Top Shot and Pawn Stars, as well as acclaimed specials including America the Story of Us, WWII in HD, 102 Minutes That Changed America, Moonshot and Life After People.

ENGADGET: n3D presents History Channel's The Universe in 3D on July 30