As many of you probably already know, skiing lost another of its high profile athletes just this last weekend. On Sunday Nov. 13, World record cliff dropper, Jamie Pierre was killed in an avalanche on the back side of Snowbird Mountain in Utah. Becoming the first skier killed in an avalanche this season, the news may not be such a shock to those who have followed his career, but is crushing just the same. Setting the world record for the highest cliff drop in 2006, Pierre was no stranger to taking huge risks, and putting a lot of faith in the powers that be. To put this in context, at 255 feet, the record setting cliff is only ten or so feet less than the golden gate bridge. Sadly, people use this bridge every year to take their own lives. Pierre took the plunge relying only on faith, and a backpack stuffed with clothing. In fact, this drop would still hold the record today if it wasn’t for a very lucky mistake made in 2008. Pierre’s record was shattered by almost 100 feet when Fred Syversen accidentally sent the wrong cliff, and had the fortune of suffering only a few bumps and bruises.
After setting the record, Pierre decided he was done taking the unnecessary risks. Limiting his drops to less than 100 feet, the pro skier made the decision for the sake of his family and friends. This just goes to show that no matter how carefully you weigh the risks, the mountain always has the final say. Hopefully such sad news so early in the season will act as a warning to the rest. Never let your guard down, and always respect the terrain. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come for our ever competitive, ever dangerous sport. hopefully we don’t have to say goodbye to anymore of our heroes this season.
Rest in Powder
Jamie Pierre 1973-2011
C.R. Johnson 1983-2010
Arne Backstrom 1980-2010
Shane McConkey 1969-2009
Doug Coombs 1957-2006
The Ullr Influence 