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The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him – An Inspiring Biography of World Champion Snowboarder Craig Kelly and the 2003 Durrand Glacier Tragedy
“Eric Blehm offers an insightful perspective on how Craig Kelly became the effortless icon that we all revered as well as sobering details of how his heroic journey tragically ended. The Darkest White is a must read, not just for fans of snowboarding, but for anyone looking for inspiration from an unlikely hero.”—Tony Hawk
From Eric Blehm, the bestselling author of The Last Season and Fearless, comes an extraordinary new book in the vein of Into the Wild, the story of the legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly and his death in the 2003 Durrand Glacier Avalanche—a devastating and controversial tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people.
On January 20, 2003, a thunderous crack rang out and a 100-foot-wide tide of snow barreled down the Northern Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. More than a dozen skiers and snowboarders were thrust down the mountain, buried beneath several tons of rock-hard snow and ice in the Durrand Glacier Avalanche. A heroic search and rescue ensued. Among those buried was Craig Kelly—“the Michael Jordan of snowboarding”—a man who had propelled the sport into the mainstream before walking away from competitions, to rekindle his passion in the untamed alpine wilds of North America
The Darkest White is the story of Craig Kelly’s life, a heartbreaking but extraordinary and inspiring odyssey of a latchkey kid whose athletic prowess and innovations would revolutionize winter sports, take him around the globe, and push him into ever more extreme environments that would ultimately take his life. It is also a definitive, immersive account of snowboarding and the cultural movement that exploded around it, growing the sport from minor Gen X cult hobby to Olympic centerpiece and a billion-dollar business full of feuds and rivalries. Finally, The Darkest White is a mesmerizing, cautionary portrait of the mountains, of the allure and the glory they offer, and of the avalanches they unleash with unforgiving fury.
"The most unremittingly exciting book of nonfiction I have come across in recent years. I found myself reading late into recent nights wholly transfixed by every paragraph, every word."—Simon Winchester, The New York Times Book Review
From Eric Blehm, the bestselling author of The Last Season and Fearless, comes an extraordinary new book in the vein of Into the Wild, the story of the legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly and his death in the 2003 Durrand Glacier Avalanche—a devastating and controversial tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people.
On January 20, 2003, a thunderous crack rang out and a 100-foot-wide tide of snow barreled down the Northern Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. More than a dozen skiers and snowboarders were thrust down the mountain, buried beneath several tons of rock-hard snow and ice in the Durrand Glacier Avalanche. A heroic search and rescue ensued. Among those buried was Craig Kelly—“the Michael Jordan of snowboarding”—a man who had propelled the sport into the mainstream before walking away from competitions, to rekindle his passion in the untamed alpine wilds of North America
The Darkest White is the story of Craig Kelly’s life, a heartbreaking but extraordinary and inspiring odyssey of a latchkey kid whose athletic prowess and innovations would revolutionize winter sports, take him around the globe, and push him into ever more extreme environments that would ultimately take his life. It is also a definitive, immersive account of snowboarding and the cultural movement that exploded around it, growing the sport from minor Gen X cult hobby to Olympic centerpiece and a billion-dollar business full of feuds and rivalries. Finally, The Darkest White is a mesmerizing, cautionary portrait of the mountains, of the allure and the glory they offer, and of the avalanches they unleash with unforgiving fury.
"The most unremittingly exciting book of nonfiction I have come across in recent years. I found myself reading late into recent nights wholly transfixed by every paragraph, every word."—Simon Winchester, The New York Times Book Review
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
336 people are currently reading
4932 people want to read
About the author
Eric Blehm
19 books349 followersEric Blehm is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His book The Last Season won the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award and was named by Outside magazine as one of the “greatest adventure biographies ever written.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
November 2, 2024
I listened to The Darkest White: A Mountain Legend and the Avalanche That Took Him on audiobook and it is mesmerizing. It chronicles the life of Craig Kelly as he introduced the world to snowboarding. He was tragically killed in 2003 during an avalanche in British Columbia that killed six others.
Kelly's childhood included becoming very self-reliant because he was often left on his own for weeks and months. His grit, determination, and ingenuity to survive as a child served him well when he encountered leaders who didn't believe in snowboarding and thought skiing was the only winter downhill sport.
Captivating, particularly for readers who love adventure, daring, and unapologetically pursing big dreams.
Kelly's childhood included becoming very self-reliant because he was often left on his own for weeks and months. His grit, determination, and ingenuity to survive as a child served him well when he encountered leaders who didn't believe in snowboarding and thought skiing was the only winter downhill sport.
Captivating, particularly for readers who love adventure, daring, and unapologetically pursing big dreams.
January 19, 2024
The story of snowboarding icon Craig Kelly is both sweet and sour. Eric Blehm masterfully tells the two sides of this story with the keen eye of a writer, but more importantly, the enthusiasm of a fan. The Darkest White is how Kelly was the guy everyone felt like they were best friends with but whose life ended prematurely and needlessly in an avalanche.
The book has three parts but really two distinct phases. The first phase is about Kelly's rise to the top of the snowboarding mountain (pun intended!) and the second is about when he walked away to indulge his love for snowboarding in a totally different way. You are going to like Craig Kelly. There's no reason not to.
The highest compliment and recommendation I can give an author is when I am riveted without having any connection to the content. I have never snowboarded in my life. I am much more likely to stay in the lodge by the fire with a book (please try to hide your shock). I never heard the name Craig Kelly before I opened this book. I was hooked from beginning to end. I think you will be, too.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harper Books.)
The book has three parts but really two distinct phases. The first phase is about Kelly's rise to the top of the snowboarding mountain (pun intended!) and the second is about when he walked away to indulge his love for snowboarding in a totally different way. You are going to like Craig Kelly. There's no reason not to.
The highest compliment and recommendation I can give an author is when I am riveted without having any connection to the content. I have never snowboarded in my life. I am much more likely to stay in the lodge by the fire with a book (please try to hide your shock). I never heard the name Craig Kelly before I opened this book. I was hooked from beginning to end. I think you will be, too.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harper Books.)
December 1, 2025
The Darkest White tells the story of Craig Kelly, one of snowboarding's early champions. By the end of the book, I felt as though I had actually known Craig. What an amazing heart and personality he had.
I probably would have enjoyed The Darkest White more had I known more about snowboarding. As it was, I felt the book was bogged down by far too much detail that didn't seem to add to the story. My eyes glazing over every time I encountered another info dump.
The last portion of the book was riveting. Perhaps if I were a snowboarder, I would have inhaled every word in the book.
What a loss. RIP, Craig.
I probably would have enjoyed The Darkest White more had I known more about snowboarding. As it was, I felt the book was bogged down by far too much detail that didn't seem to add to the story. My eyes glazing over every time I encountered another info dump.
The last portion of the book was riveting. Perhaps if I were a snowboarder, I would have inhaled every word in the book.
What a loss. RIP, Craig.
February 16, 2025
I didn’t love the first part of this book, where they recount Craig Kelly’s rise as the world’s best snowboarder…it was interesting, but over-detailed with lists of competitions and names of friends that became hard to keep up with. Also, while Kelly was undoubtably an amazing and inspiring person, I sometimes felt like the author idealized him, and overly portrayed his virtues and perfect mentality. But I suppose that’s to be expected in a memoir written by a friend.
The latter half, however, was absolutely gripping. It read like a forensic investigation as it provided a detailed account of the days leading up to one of the most infamous avalanche accounts in backcountry history.
For me, it was a somber reminder that the mountains are indifferent towards who you are, your training, and backcountry hubris. And it raised difficult questions about responsibility in mountain accidents and the profound impact of the human-factor in those situations. It was really a fantastic story of an incredible human and mountain accidents, and made me deeply question how I would act in that kind of situation.
The latter half, however, was absolutely gripping. It read like a forensic investigation as it provided a detailed account of the days leading up to one of the most infamous avalanche accounts in backcountry history.
For me, it was a somber reminder that the mountains are indifferent towards who you are, your training, and backcountry hubris. And it raised difficult questions about responsibility in mountain accidents and the profound impact of the human-factor in those situations. It was really a fantastic story of an incredible human and mountain accidents, and made me deeply question how I would act in that kind of situation.
April 21, 2025
Eric Blehm’s The Darkest White is a palpable and poignant biography that chronicles the life and death of snowboarding legend Craig Kelly. Known by many as “the Michael Jordan of snowboarding,” Kelly was instrumental in bringing the sport into the mainstream before stepping away from competitions to pursue backcountry adventures. Craig died tragically in the 2003 Durrand Glacier Avalanche in British Columbia, which claimed the lives of seven people .  
Blehm beautifully captures Kelly’s journey from a latchkey kid to a world champion, detailing how he helped pioneer the young sport of snowboarding into the mainstream in such a short time. The narrative delves into the evolution of snowboarding from a niche trend to an Olympic sport and billiondollar industry.
While the book is a must read for snowboarding enthusiasts, its exploration of human ambition, the allure of nature, and the risks inherent in extreme sports make it compelling for a broader audience. Blehm’s portrayal of Kelly as a purist who “turned his back on business deals, high-dollar sponsorship contracts, and… prize money” to return to the “powdery backcountry and thirst for adventure that had first drawn him to his calling” resonates deeply
In The Darkest White, Blehm delivers a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable athlete and a cautionary tale about the unforgiving power of nature, and the beauty of a life committed to being true to oneself, adventure and fearlessness in the name of a life fully lived. While Craig Kelly was a name I encountered a lot in my youth surrounded my snowboarding and its culture , this masterful piece of journalism has solidified Craig as a true hero of mine, a man to forever exemplify and honour. A tearful ending that had me reflecting on my own life and values towards adventure, inspired always by my father, a passionate back country skier himself, and a man of true character, who gifted me this book a couple christmases ago and which I allowed to sit on the bottom rows of my “to read” stack for far too long.
Blehm beautifully captures Kelly’s journey from a latchkey kid to a world champion, detailing how he helped pioneer the young sport of snowboarding into the mainstream in such a short time. The narrative delves into the evolution of snowboarding from a niche trend to an Olympic sport and billiondollar industry.
While the book is a must read for snowboarding enthusiasts, its exploration of human ambition, the allure of nature, and the risks inherent in extreme sports make it compelling for a broader audience. Blehm’s portrayal of Kelly as a purist who “turned his back on business deals, high-dollar sponsorship contracts, and… prize money” to return to the “powdery backcountry and thirst for adventure that had first drawn him to his calling” resonates deeply
In The Darkest White, Blehm delivers a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable athlete and a cautionary tale about the unforgiving power of nature, and the beauty of a life committed to being true to oneself, adventure and fearlessness in the name of a life fully lived. While Craig Kelly was a name I encountered a lot in my youth surrounded my snowboarding and its culture , this masterful piece of journalism has solidified Craig as a true hero of mine, a man to forever exemplify and honour. A tearful ending that had me reflecting on my own life and values towards adventure, inspired always by my father, a passionate back country skier himself, and a man of true character, who gifted me this book a couple christmases ago and which I allowed to sit on the bottom rows of my “to read” stack for far too long.
November 12, 2025
Wow. What a ride.
Beautiful and tragic, this was such a good read.
This book perfectly encapsulates the struggles, excitement and nostalgia of learning to snowboard. It gives so much history about the sport that I had no idea about and got me so excited. It also perfectly describes the mountains I learned to ride on (though I’m not as fortunate to have rode even a fraction of what Craig did)
The shift to the tragedy in the book is both heart wrenching and unbelievably perfectly written. I have not cried so hard reading a book in my entire life. Hearing it described in such detail paired the humanity shown… it’s not for the faint of heart.
The one downfall on this one for me was that at times reading it felt like an uphill battle. I found myself reading at an absolute glacial pace and would find myself frustrated and put the book down for long periods of time (as you can see in my start/finish dates…). But thats nothing against the author or writing style. This book and Craigs story deserved every single word.
Overall an amazing book I would highly recommend, just give yourself some time with this one if you think you might hang onto every word like I did.
Beautiful and tragic, this was such a good read.
This book perfectly encapsulates the struggles, excitement and nostalgia of learning to snowboard. It gives so much history about the sport that I had no idea about and got me so excited. It also perfectly describes the mountains I learned to ride on (though I’m not as fortunate to have rode even a fraction of what Craig did)
The shift to the tragedy in the book is both heart wrenching and unbelievably perfectly written. I have not cried so hard reading a book in my entire life. Hearing it described in such detail paired the humanity shown… it’s not for the faint of heart.
The one downfall on this one for me was that at times reading it felt like an uphill battle. I found myself reading at an absolute glacial pace and would find myself frustrated and put the book down for long periods of time (as you can see in my start/finish dates…). But thats nothing against the author or writing style. This book and Craigs story deserved every single word.
Overall an amazing book I would highly recommend, just give yourself some time with this one if you think you might hang onto every word like I did.
April 27, 2024
A well written, researched and told story, albeit a little long. I had never heard of Craig Kelly, he's perhaps a little before my time/I wasn't apart of hardcore snowboarding culture, but I liked the way Blehm seamlessly wrote a biography and historical non-fiction of the tragedy.
I have much respect for those who (safely) freeride and go into the backcountry, as I would never EVER do it. Similar to the book I read about Everest. Interesting to learn about but hard no.
Audiobook: 12h 27m
I have much respect for those who (safely) freeride and go into the backcountry, as I would never EVER do it. Similar to the book I read about Everest. Interesting to learn about but hard no.
Audiobook: 12h 27m
April 11, 2024
3.5/5 — Final section gets 5-stars and was some of the most compelling/harrowing nonfiction I’ve read in a while, but the lead up surrounding the birth of snowboarding and Craig’s training was over-detailed and, in my opinion, quite a slog.
May 26, 2024
If you are a fan of winter sports and snowboarding in particular you would probably enjoy this book. As "just a reader" it is too long and has waaaay toooo many details re: everything.
August 16, 2025
snowboarding book made me cry
March 28, 2024
As a lifelong fan of Craig Kelly, this was both emotional and inspiring. I had sort of lost track of how many people were involved in the accident so it was also a solemn reminder of the loss the mountain community suffered that day. Very well written, great book.
June 18, 2024
Everyone picking up this book knows how it ends. Therefore, it takes a special skill in storytelling to capture a fateful day with such suspense. What’s even more special is how Craig Kelly’s iconic snowboarding journey is captured. Craig was a legend and propelled snowboarding to where it is today, so it was a treat to be taken on this ride.
Read
April 6, 2024As a backcountry/alpine skier in the 1980s, I saw snowboarders as young/brash and loud. I knew little of that sport's origins or its early (pre Shaun White) heroes until I read this book. It is story of Craig Kelly, one of snowboarding's early champions before it became a big time endeavor. His journey from world champion to aspiring backcountry guide to untimely death in an avalanche makes for a compelling read.
The (roughly) last half of the book, dealing with backcountry skiing and boarding in British Columbia was personal to me, in that I have on two occasions spent a week in that province being helicoptered in and then climbing up thousands of feet every day (for a week) in extraordinary and untracked terrain. One of those weeks was at Selkirk Mountain Experience, where the avalanche that took seven lives, occurred. I have skied with an avy bag, beacon and probes in some of the drainages mentioned and crossed slopes that in the wrong situations could have slid, trusting my guides and instincts along the way.
A coroner's investigation concluded that the event of question was a tragic accident and the evidence presented in this book supports such a conclusion. Many backcountry skiers seek steep and untracked slopes such as "La Traviata," the terrain that gave way that day in January 2003 with such terrible consequences. They know, or should know, that so traveling risks, as the author notes, "stirring the dragon" of avalanches whose conditions can be predicted with some probability, but never certainty.
Overall a remarkable book, highly recommended to skiers/boarders and non skiers/boarders alike.
The (roughly) last half of the book, dealing with backcountry skiing and boarding in British Columbia was personal to me, in that I have on two occasions spent a week in that province being helicoptered in and then climbing up thousands of feet every day (for a week) in extraordinary and untracked terrain. One of those weeks was at Selkirk Mountain Experience, where the avalanche that took seven lives, occurred. I have skied with an avy bag, beacon and probes in some of the drainages mentioned and crossed slopes that in the wrong situations could have slid, trusting my guides and instincts along the way.
A coroner's investigation concluded that the event of question was a tragic accident and the evidence presented in this book supports such a conclusion. Many backcountry skiers seek steep and untracked slopes such as "La Traviata," the terrain that gave way that day in January 2003 with such terrible consequences. They know, or should know, that so traveling risks, as the author notes, "stirring the dragon" of avalanches whose conditions can be predicted with some probability, but never certainty.
Overall a remarkable book, highly recommended to skiers/boarders and non skiers/boarders alike.
June 26, 2024
I don't know anything about snowboarding, and most of the adventure nonfiction I read is about specific expeditions rather than a biography. So I wasn't sure what to expect from The Darkest White. In the end, what I got was a very engrossing book, where I learnt a lot not just about Craig Kelly and snowboarding, but also about avalanches, backcountry skiing and, in the last quarter and especially the epilogue, about the others involved in the 2003 catastrophic avalanche.
A lot of the times, when I read adventure nonfiction, I feel really bleak and like no one should ever put themselves at risk like that. This was a refreshing change; while the avalanche itself was vivid and scary, I was glad to have learnt about Kelly and the people around them and found the ending very moving.
A lot of the times, when I read adventure nonfiction, I feel really bleak and like no one should ever put themselves at risk like that. This was a refreshing change; while the avalanche itself was vivid and scary, I was glad to have learnt about Kelly and the people around them and found the ending very moving.
January 15, 2024
A well written, thoroughly researched, enlightening and illuminating book detailing the life and tragic death of snowboarding legend Craig Kelly. So well done it will engage readers regardless of experience with or knowledge of the sport; the author is efficient and professional while evidencing passion and love for the sport and the individuals described. I would recommend this to all readers for its quality of writing, strength of pacing and exposition, and as a beautifully crafted tribute to an adventurous spirit lost too soon. If you enjoy Krakauer you will love this.
Thank you Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC
Thank you Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC
January 25, 2025
From learning all about the inception of snowboarding, to getting to know the coolest kind of legend, to feeling like I experienced the avalanche… this is so well written, you’ll find yourself able to see, feel, & touch this piece of history. Furthermore, it was unbiased, well rounded & thorough. I appreciate that. Completely recommend, even if you aren’t into snowboarding!
May 7, 2025
A fascinating account of the life of a trailblazing snowboarder and the complex circumstances that led to his death in a tragic avalanche. This was highly accessible and readable to someone who preferred to drink cocoa in the lodge as a little kid the few times my dad tried to get me into snowboarding. Who knew I would be so invested in snow science and avalanche safety?
September 15, 2025
Progressively more gripping throughout the book. Cool history of snowboarding, great life story of an incredible snowboarder and unique guy in general, and harrowing description of a disastrous avalanche. Made me want to get in the backcountry at times and never step foot off resort at others. Feel like everyone could take a few notes on living life a little more like Craig Kelley.
April 25, 2024
A memorable/haunting avalanche scene and an engaging read beforehand too - recommend.
Read
September 9, 20245/5 really good and really sad! Put into perspective how terrifying avalanches are
March 19, 2025
An incredible adventure story and evolution of a snowboarding legend! But at its core, it is about the enduring lure of adventure sport despite nature’s lurking indominable power.
April 22, 2025
harrowing
June 22, 2025
Loved it for the history of the super early days of snowboard culture, the DiY + competition scene and all the pioneers. Your favourite snowboarder's favourite snowboard book 😎
May 15, 2024
Well researched, granular look a the early days of snowboarding. Despite knowing the outcome of the adventure via the title, tight writing kept it suspenseful throughout. Cannot imagine being helicoptered onto a mountain top and then being told to ski down! Nope.
July 20, 2024
Listened to the audio book. This book was so much more than I was expecting. From the history of how snow boarding started to the history of it becoming legitimized. Through in there the story of a amazing human and then a whole bunch of science with regards to avalanches. I learned a lot and was really drawn into the story.
April 4, 2024
Wow what a book. I cried in the end
July 2, 2024
Excellently researched and written. This book would not have been the same were it written by someone that didn't understand the soulful draw and deep meaning that snow, and big mountains, and freeriding have for some of us. Craig Kelly was truly a legend, and while it was extremely difficult to read towards the end, I'm so glad to know more about his life and am grateful his story was shared.
June 16, 2024
There are books -- The Emerald Mile, Into Thin Air, Seabiscuit -- that draw the reader into a portrayed sport whether or not they're interested in it to begin with. For me, this wasn't one of them. The chapters about and surrounding the tragic avalanche are gripping, but the rest were something I skimmed. I was actually less interested in snowboarding after reading this than I was before.
Maybe if the on-topic chapters had been embedded in more context about backcountry snow sports and guiding? Maybe if the author hadn't been so close to his subject? Anyway, not completely a success for me.
Maybe if the on-topic chapters had been embedded in more context about backcountry snow sports and guiding? Maybe if the author hadn't been so close to his subject? Anyway, not completely a success for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
Man it’s crazy how short the history of snowboarding is. Rip to the legends.
December 30, 2024
An exceptional recounting of Craig Kelly's rise to fame, his transition to guiding and the events leading up to his tragic death in the avalanche in January of 2003 in the Selkirk Mountains in BC. I was gripped by the novel and sorrowfully read the ending in bursts wishing against reason that somehow he would survive. Kelly is a true hero, a multi-world champion who is also genuine, cautious and adventurous (a rare combination), and a pillar of the community. He had a loving wife, Savina, and a daughter, Olivia, who was just three years old when Craig passed. The book touches on snow safety and science, and the human factors that are inherent in avalanche risk. In 2003, there was a persistent weak layer that had formed in November after a period of warming and rain, with large surface hoar formation, creating the perfect surface for a large slab to slide on— which ultimately happened due to the spacial inconsistency of the snowpack on that fateful day in the Tumbledown mountain range near the Durrand Glacier.
Craig Kelly and snowboarding can be thought of as synonymous terms. He was around during its inception in the late 1900’s and was both an athlete for Sims (an OG snowboard brand) and Burton. After Kelly became a Burton sponsored snowboarder, he designed a plethora of boards for the company and was close with Jake Burton Carpenter (Burton’s owner), they took trips to NZ for heli-skiing and Kelly got hooked on the backcountry. Kelly’s local mountain and initial learning happened on the faces of Mt. Baker, Washington. He would hike up in the winter (as ski resorts did not allow snowboarders on their lifts) and slide down, high on stoke and using the hours of snow time to build his iconic style. Kelly was a part of the fight to convince American ski resorts to open their doors (hesitantly) to snowboarders, and trained Shawn White at one of his snowboarding schools in Europe.
"You go up into the mountains empty, Dobis would tell them, "even with no lunch, you would come home full" (46)
“It’s braver and more honorable to turn back than to forge forward into uncertain terrain…Snowboarding is about living, not about dying” (105) -Craig Kelly teaching avalanche safety in Hokkaido, Japan
“Society is full of rules, and I use the time I spend in the mountains as an opportunity to free myself of all constraints. [Speaks about his transition from racing to freeriding]. This is not retirement. I am simply revolving my snowboarding professionalism around freeriding rather than competing. It sure feels right” (86). Do what you love, even if it's against the grain. Kelly was a pivotal face in backcountry snowboarding and the epics of the mountain. Jake Burton had his hesitations but ultimately it was a huge success for the company and served as an inspiration to many to invest in this new hobby. Craig was smart. This decision shows that even when the world says otherwise, a decision you know to be true can be the best choice. Only you know your heart and what “feels right”.
“[I’m always focusing on the next trip; the next move, the next fresh power turn], I never really feel like I’m completely there. I guess that’s just within myself to figure out” (106).
-Craig Kelly. Super driven. How do you set yourself up for adventure but remember to enjoy the moment you’re in? When have you moved so far past your baseline that enough isn’t enough?
(122) In my job as a backcountry ski guide, I see people arrive at my doorstep from - busy lives in the city, ready to leave all the stress and schedules - they need time to recreate, to recharge the old batteries, to think of nothing and reflect on everything. [paraphrased] Mountains are the medium for this… with the message being a quiet mind and a satisfied soul. -From an Essay written by Allan “Bardini” Bard called “The Backside of Beyond” published in the 1998 issue of Couloir
Towards the Unknown Mountains, Rob Wood (book rec)
Gerry Lopez, surfing legend and Mr. Pipeline himself, watched a film showcasing Craig Kelly’s snowboarding abilities and flair and stated, “it was the first time he seen anybody cut back on a bank of snow exactly how a surfer does this in the water - such powerful grace and effortless stle on such a critical section of the mountain while it’savalanching. Zen maser–next level.” (98)
Craig Kelly and snowboarding can be thought of as synonymous terms. He was around during its inception in the late 1900’s and was both an athlete for Sims (an OG snowboard brand) and Burton. After Kelly became a Burton sponsored snowboarder, he designed a plethora of boards for the company and was close with Jake Burton Carpenter (Burton’s owner), they took trips to NZ for heli-skiing and Kelly got hooked on the backcountry. Kelly’s local mountain and initial learning happened on the faces of Mt. Baker, Washington. He would hike up in the winter (as ski resorts did not allow snowboarders on their lifts) and slide down, high on stoke and using the hours of snow time to build his iconic style. Kelly was a part of the fight to convince American ski resorts to open their doors (hesitantly) to snowboarders, and trained Shawn White at one of his snowboarding schools in Europe.
"You go up into the mountains empty, Dobis would tell them, "even with no lunch, you would come home full" (46)
“It’s braver and more honorable to turn back than to forge forward into uncertain terrain…Snowboarding is about living, not about dying” (105) -Craig Kelly teaching avalanche safety in Hokkaido, Japan
“Society is full of rules, and I use the time I spend in the mountains as an opportunity to free myself of all constraints. [Speaks about his transition from racing to freeriding]. This is not retirement. I am simply revolving my snowboarding professionalism around freeriding rather than competing. It sure feels right” (86). Do what you love, even if it's against the grain. Kelly was a pivotal face in backcountry snowboarding and the epics of the mountain. Jake Burton had his hesitations but ultimately it was a huge success for the company and served as an inspiration to many to invest in this new hobby. Craig was smart. This decision shows that even when the world says otherwise, a decision you know to be true can be the best choice. Only you know your heart and what “feels right”.
“[I’m always focusing on the next trip; the next move, the next fresh power turn], I never really feel like I’m completely there. I guess that’s just within myself to figure out” (106).
-Craig Kelly. Super driven. How do you set yourself up for adventure but remember to enjoy the moment you’re in? When have you moved so far past your baseline that enough isn’t enough?
(122) In my job as a backcountry ski guide, I see people arrive at my doorstep from - busy lives in the city, ready to leave all the stress and schedules - they need time to recreate, to recharge the old batteries, to think of nothing and reflect on everything. [paraphrased] Mountains are the medium for this… with the message being a quiet mind and a satisfied soul. -From an Essay written by Allan “Bardini” Bard called “The Backside of Beyond” published in the 1998 issue of Couloir
Towards the Unknown Mountains, Rob Wood (book rec)
Gerry Lopez, surfing legend and Mr. Pipeline himself, watched a film showcasing Craig Kelly’s snowboarding abilities and flair and stated, “it was the first time he seen anybody cut back on a bank of snow exactly how a surfer does this in the water - such powerful grace and effortless stle on such a critical section of the mountain while it’savalanching. Zen maser–next level.” (98)
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