Yesterday was a tough day for the skiing community after Tahoe-based pro skier Kyle Smaine was buried and killed in a large avalanche in the Hakuba, Japan backcountry. Smaine was in Japan alongside photographer Grant Gunderson and fellow pro skier Adam Ü for a marketing trip and had wrapped shooting for the day when him and his partners went to ski a few personal laps, running into several other parties in the zone including a group of Austrian skiers and a group of Canadian mountain guides guiding a group of emergency doctors. After Ü and Smaine skied two laps on the run, they were transitioning to hike out at the bottom with one of the Austrians, when the second triggered a massive avalanche above them on an adjacent slope, burying all three. According to Gunderson, the avalanche crown measured two meters tall.
Ü was buried nearly 1.5 meters deep for nearly half an hour, but miraculously survived without injury. Sadly, Smaine and the Austrian skier were recovered but were unable to be revived. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Smaine was a friend and inspiration to many in the freeskiing community. He won a halfpipe gold medal in the 2015 Freestyle World Championships and was known for his hardworking personality and dedication to the sport.
About The Author
stash member Max Ritter
I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.
ampva301
February 13th, 2023
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Jordan Clark
April 11th, 2023
Smaine completed two loops of the run before the second person set off a huge avalanche above them on a nearby hill, burying the entire group as they transitioned to hiking out with one of the Austrians at the bottom. I want to do this after doing some handyman services work. Thanks!
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Jennielee
March 23rd, 2023
According to Gunderson, the avalanche crown measured two meters tall. wedding photo booth rental Charlotte
Jennielee
March 23rd, 2023
They were both pronounced dead at the scene. wedding photo booth rental Charlotte
Jordan Clark
April 11th, 2023
Smaine completed two loops of the run before the second person set off a huge avalanche above them on a nearby hill, burying the entire group as they transitioned to hiking out with one of the Austrians at the bottom. I want to do this after doing some handyman services work.
Amber Brion
May 4th, 2023
I’m sorry to hear about this tragic event in the skiing community. Avalanches are a serious danger in backcountry skiing, and it’s important for skiers to take appropriate safety measures to minimize the risk. It’s also important for skiers to stay informed about weather and snow conditions, and to be aware of the warning signs of an impending avalanche. My condolences go out to Kyle Smaine’s family and friends during this difficult time. Marketing Company Cincinnati