6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain

by Eric LeMarque (With)

In this riveting first-person account, former Olympian and professional hockey player Eric LeMarque tells a harrowing tale of survival—of how, with only a lightweight jacket and thin wool hat, he survived eight days stranded in the frozen wilderness after a snowboarding trip gone horribly wrong.

Known by his National Guard rescuers as “the Miracle Man,” Eric recounts his rise to success and fame as a hockey player and Olympian, his long and painful fall due to crystal meth addiction, and his unbelievable ordeal in the wilderness. In the end, a man whose life had been based on athleticism would lose both his legs to frostbite and had to learn to walk—and snowboard—again with prosthetics. He realized that he couldn’t come to terms with his drug addiction or learn to walk again by himself. He had to depend on God for his strength.

Now an inspirational speaker committed to raising awareness for the dangers of drugs and crystal meth, Eric, in 6 Below, confronts the ultimate test of what it takes to find your way out of darkness, and—after so many lies—to tell the truth and, by the grace and guidance of God, begin to live again.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Christian, Survival, Ebooks, Biography

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2017

About the author

Eric LeMarque is an inspirational speaker, business owner, entrepreneur, avid sports enthusiast, and volunteer. He lives with his wife of eleven years, Hope, along with their two children, Nicholas and Zach, in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Eric’s ability to be candid about his mistakes in life. He tells a raw truth of arrogance, drug addiction, and self-destruction. This Olympic hockey player tells his own story of going from having a chance at a promising athletic career to the depths of meth abuse. He describes a close brush with death when he finds himself lost in the mountains for 9 days during a snowstorm. Although he miraculously survives to tell his story, the experience would change his life forever. I appreciate his telling of his journey. He behaved pretty badly before and after being stranded on that mountain, but he owns up to all of it. This could not have been easy to write. Unfortunately, there were a great many typos and grammatical errors. This is why I rate it low. Still, this is such a profound story that I am glad to know it. I have not seen the movie, but it might be a better way to hear Eric’s story if writing/typing errors bother you.

[Helga Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an astonishing survival story about a former Olympic athlete who almost lost his life on a Mountain. Eric tells his story as a successful hockey player and former Olympian. He loved powder, the snow for his snowboarding addiction and crystal meth addiction. His tale on the mountain for 8 days after being caught in a blizzard with only a lightweight jacket is harrowing.

He was stranded on the Sierra Mountains in the freezing wilderness with no food or water with his snowboard for protection. After 8 days he was rescued by the National Guard who called him “Miracle Man”. He recounts his story, his arrogance, his self-absorbency and his painful fall from his addiction. From a very athletic man, he would lose his feet and legs and learn to walk again using prosthesis66. He learned to depend on God for strength and find Him.

Eric was very candid about his drug use, his anger and family issues. After his long recovery and marriage he became an inspirational speaker to raise awareness to drugs, crystal meth and other drugs like pain killer over use and to tell the truth through the guidance of God.

It was a good survival and inspirational story about someone who beat the incredible odds of staying alive in the harshest conditions. A movie came out about this last year which I did not see. This book did have some editing grammar issues.

[Kacey Wight · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the worst edited books I’ve ever read. Blatant spelling and grammar errors throughout the entire thing.

With that aside, it was not what I expected at all. Only finished it because I paid $16 for it. Im ashamed I supported this guy at all.

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was this book even edited? I wanted to give it a higher rating but the frustration of all the typos and errors wouldn't let me give it anything higher than two stars.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle on the mountain, i enjoy this book.

[Janice LeCocq · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s remarkable that this man managed to survive his ordeal in the mountains, which he readily admits could have been avoided if he hadn’t been addicted to drugs and otherwise just plain foolish. It was a fast read, but pretty much another “endurance” story. I’ve read better ones, but it’s easy to see how it translates into a movie.

[Morena Fina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho scelto di acquistare questo libro dopo aver ascoltato distrattamente un podcast che accennava alla vicenda di Eric LeMarque. Non avevo grandi aspettative, ma mi sono ritrovata immersa in un racconto sorprendentemente profondo e lucido.

Il libro narra la straordinaria storia di Eric, che affronta difficoltà fisiche e psicologiche con una capacità di introspezione davvero rara. Le sue descrizioni delle vicissitudini vissute, dei pensieri e dei sentimenti che lo hanno attraversato sono straordinariamente chiare e toccanti. La narrazione, intensa e coinvolgente, ti porta direttamente nel cuore delle sue esperienze, rendendo impossibile staccarsi dalle pagine.

È un libro che consiglio vivamente a chiunque voglia leggere una storia autentica e ispiratrice, capace di lasciare spunti di riflessione profondi sul coraggio, la resilienza e la forza interiore. Un racconto immersivo che lascia il segno.

Perché dovresti leggere questo libro?

Questo libro non è solo una storia di sopravvivenza estrema, ma un viaggio dentro la mente e il cuore di una persona che affronta il limite umano. Ti permetterà di riflettere su temi universali come la resilienza, il significato della vita e la capacità di trovare forza anche nei momenti più bui. È un libro che ispira e coinvolge, spingendo il lettore a interrogarsi sulle proprie scelte e sul proprio percorso personale. Se cerchi una lettura capace di toccarti nel profondo e di offrirti nuove prospettive, questo libro è sicuramente per te.

[Candace Running · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story of survival. For much of the story it was hard to like Eric, and by his own admission he was a self-absorbed a@h. He had played professional hockey and even went to the Olympics, but eventually his life consisted of meth and snowboarding. But by God’s grace he survived his ordeal, kicked his habit and eventually found love and turned his life around. Although not without a lot of stumbling in the process. The editing in the book, like other reviewers have commented was awful. It didn’t detract from my reading or comprehension and I just assumed it was self-published. I don’t know why he posted pictures in the middle of the book, which gave away if he has escaped unscathed or not from his eight days lost in the snow on Mammoth Mtn. It’s less than 200 pages so as much as enjoyed the story I’m glad I didn’t pay anything for it but instead, checked it out of library. A movie was made of the story in 2017 and Josh Hartnett and Mira Sorvino starred so I’d be interested in seeing it. I gave it four stars because it was such an interesting and miraculous story of survival.

[Shandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the true story of Eric Lemarque.
Addicted to Crystal Meth, Eric sets out to snowboard on the mountain, leaving behind his warm, and heavy clothing to protect against the elements. Under the hold of meth, Eric makes a decision for one final run, even though a storm is fast approaching. This decision will prove to be one of many poor choices Eric makes during an 8 day fight for survival, in extreme temperatures, in hopes that he will be rescued.
Eric is rescued, but his fight for survival has only just begun, as he faces amputation of both feet, and addiction to painkillers. Watch as Eric finds the determination not only to live, but to find love and triumph over all the adversity thrown his way.

This has become a major motion picture and I hope I can find it and watch it.

[Kathy Lee Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I had seen the movie first and I am glad because I would have been very disappointed with it had it been the other way around.
Eric was so totally honest about his drug addiction and what he had to go through to get to where he is now.
When he was on the Mountain he was alone and no one knew where he was. The movie made it appear as if they did. You just have to read this book if you're a fan of true survival stories, especially when the survivor turns his life around and shows how anyone can overcome terrible odds.
This is a must read.
The one thing that's a negative issue was the terrible editing. But it didn't keep me from enjoying the book.

[Mark Jebson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

I grew up and played hockey with Eric until he moved to Michigan for school. He was not only the best on our team but was far superior than any player on any team we ever played. I remember hearing when Eric was missing on that mountain and thinking that if there was anyone who could survive it would be Eric. He is such a special person, and it has nothing to do with his athletic skills (and they are amazing). He is just a fantastic guy. Like Eric, I dedicated my life to Christ later in life. I am so thankful how God is blessing so many people through Eric’s story. Eric is a true winner.

Mark J.

[Patrick Barrins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book .The reader is transported to the unforgiven natural enviroment.Where beauty and tranquillity are intertwined with the brutality of nature. The main character makes the mistake of underestimating the law of the mountains and pays the ultimate price for his failure.
He describes in detail his battle with drugs and how they transformed his personality from being a loving human being into a self obsessed ugly individual. Those close to him were at the receiving of his violent outbursts.
His incredible journey of survival was only the start of his spiritual journey to become a better person. Hope certainly entered this journey and transformed his life.

[Margaret Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living a life of athletics and drugs, Eric thinks himself invincible and in control; able to attain whatever he puts his mind to. However, when a sudden storm hits him while snowboarding, Eric finds himself lost and alone. In a scramble to survive, he tries to find his way back and in doing so, comes to grips with the reality of who he is. As with any survivor, the journey doesn't end there, but only begins when he is rescued seven days later, and he must find his identity and learn to live with his new reality. A great read on survival, Faith and the limits of humanity.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book on an Amazon ad and decided to read it on Hoopla. I enjoyed this quick paced story of Eric Lamarque’s life and near death on Mammoth Mountain when he survived eight days in horrible conditions, the resulting injuries and amputations of his feet, his drug addiction and what he did to change the direction of his life. This book is encouraging to anyone who wonders how their life will unfold. The only problem I had was the lack of proofreading and the lack of editing which made this book irritating (to me) to read.

[Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been one of my favorites by far and I look forward to reading Crystal Clear. Eric has been a very impactful author managing to talk about his life long family issues, anger/hockey issues, and his drug addiction. He does all this while making the book interesting, intense, and hard to put down. The book had very few parts where anything seemed boring or uninteresting. My overall rating is a 19/20.

[Trebor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of the many pitfalls of the human condition and the struggle to find equilibrium and redemption. An honest recollection of the consequences of poor life choices and the slow and painful climb back to self esteem with humility and honor. A lesson to all readers how poor choices can have irrevocable finales. I pass no judgement as who can cast stones at one's own reflection. I am thankful that there are paths that lead out of the abyss and darkness.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good memoir about the author being lost on a snow-covered mountain for 8 days and his recovery. It's not an easy book to read because the author, at the time of his experience, was not a great person. He was a drug addict and seemed to be very difficult to be around, especially during his recovery. He takes an unflinching look at himself, and it's sometimes hard to read. However, his story is uplifting and ultimately ends well.

[Michael McQueen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ONLY reason this book is getting more than one star is that I respect Eric's story. It is certainly worthy of being in a book! However, it was HORRIBLY written, and with a co-author at that! I felt as if the first draft went straight to publishing, because there were mistakes everywhere, making it almost unbearable to read. Too bad, it ruined the book for me.

[karen service · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conquering Mountains

The story is about survival on a cold snow covered mountain. It could also be about survival from drug addiction. Erik suffered from both,but it was his good habits and training that prevailed and saved him .His life after tested and challenged everything he.believed in. He had to dig deep within himself to find his way and learn to live and love.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that this book started out rather uninteresting however since it is difficult to quit reading even a boring book, one always thinks that it will improve so I generally continue, with Eric Lemarque's, I am so glad that I didn't stop reading "Miracle on the Mountain"! It was impossible to put this book down.....as to remembering, it is a real life story and it had me reading non-stop.

[KAREN RUTH ULLOM · Rating 5 out of 5]

ERIC MADE A LIFE WORTH LIVING TO THE FULLEST!!

As a person who battles severe back pain due to an injury, I appreciated Eric’s story and fully understand his battle with pain medication. Each day I try very hard to take less medication for pain and am thankful when I’m able to reach my goal. God has blessed Eric!!

[Em Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first review? Kinda?
A great true story to read especially if you have a passion for snowboarding or anything snow sport related. Eric definitely made himself vulnerable as he wrote this when he describes his misadventure on the mountain to his drug addiction.
Has some flaws in the writing but overall, an intense and eye opening read for anyone who finds adventure on the mountain.

[Monika Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I came across this book, which is a great read for anybody, but especially for those going through personal challenges. It is good to be reminded of how much we are all capable of. I also appreciated the authors candour about his addictions and about his subsequent relationship with God. A really inspirational book.

[Patricia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great comeback

I read this book in one day. Eric LeMarque is a witness of God's power in a troublesome adventure. I love his stand on recovery and would love to hear him as a speaker. Amazing!!!

[Eileen Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw the movie on Hulu, I watched it over four times! Then read the story. One of the most amazing survival stories of how God's grace saved a man trapped in the addiction. Book was full of editing mistakes which I hope have since been corrected, but the story is worth the quality.

[Debbie L Modrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down, it was such a page turner. Sometimes God takes us where we don't want or think we need to go, but he always knows better. I thank Eric for sharing his story and his transformation.

[Nancy K. Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Except for his finding Jesus I really found the book boring. Too much me me me I guess. I rarely find the editing in a book a problem, my mind just auto corrects. I skimmed most of it , but I'm glad he found his way forward.

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last 10% was annoying and although the author wanted to inspire, I don't find it inspirational to be told it's God's intension for everyone to have someone they care about and can sacrifice for. I did enjoy reading about his ordeal on the mountain though, which was the main part of the book.

[Martha Daku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracle man

This book will keep you reading till the end. The complete honesty of the author is refreshing. He mentions that God made a difference in his life. I would have enjoyed hearing about that in more detail. God definitely spared his life for a reason.

[Sullivan Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so good, great even for the majority. But man once he got rescued it got WAYYYYY too religious for me. Most of the book is 4/5 stars then ends at a 2/5 so I went right in the middle with my rating.