Jasper McGrath...

...set out alone the morning of January 6th, 2010, something he routinely did as a snowboarder in Vail, Colorado. His goal was to ride a frequented and easily accessible area of side country just out of resort bounds. What Jasper thought would be a quick and untracked pow lap ultimately became his last run. 

Solo and unknowingly unprepared, Jasper triggered an avalanche that encompassed him and buried his body under 3 1/2 feet of snow, only the tip of his snowboard visible through the debris.

Common to take off for days at a time, those close to Jasper didn’t realize his absence until days later. With no note or mention of his plan,  friend's began searching, scouring apartments and the resort itself, but not the zone he been riding. 

Jasper passed from suffocation January 6th, 2010, his body recovered 8 days later by Vail patrol spotting his board from the gondola.

A memorial sits in the trees near where he was found.

Emily was friends with Jasper and spent many weekends of high school with him and other friends, playing games and creating misadventures in the woods of Northern Minnesota. Jasper disappearance and death was a formative memory for her.

As Emily began exploring the backcountry, the gravity of Jasper's situation never left her mind. The importance of carrying the right gear and education is a topic she has deeply passionate about. Now, Emily spreads awareness and help to the backcountry community with her annual giveaway in honor of Jasper McGrath. 

The mountains give us so much. But anyone who has spent dear time in their midst becomes familiar with loss. 

2023 saw deep loss for so many communities, family, and friends. 

This year we honor the loss of Jasper McGrath but also the loss of Kyle Smaine and Sam Armanino. 

May we smile as big, love as whole, and goof off as serious as they did.

Lost but never forgotten.

-Emily