While Chris Benchetler might be best known for making the mountains his canvas, he's equally talented with a paintbrush in hand.
On March 27, 2021 our mountain communities awoke to news of devastating loss to our ski tribes. A helicopter crashed in the Northern Chugach Range of Alaska taking the lives of two of our favorite guides, Greg Harms and Sean McManamy. Along with our legendary friends and their pilot Zachary Russell, two of their clients, Petr Kellner and Benjamin Larochaix, also perished. There was only one survivor. The tragic accident in Alaska sent a ripple of grief through mountain communities and ski adventurers worldwide. The 2020/21 season had struck early and often with backcountry avalanche fatalities and the Alaska crash sent us reeling towards the end. Healing hearts and supporting community loss is a collective effort. We grieve these losses, present and past.
The painting Paradisal Transcendence was created by Chris Benchetler for Greg Harms’ infant daughter, Freja. The design honors our friends and heroes and seeks to transcend grief and commune with spirit. Former IFSA Co-Founder Lhotse Merriam Hawk reached out to Chris hoping to console, heal, and memorialize our bygone buddies though this original keepsake for Freja Harms. The faces in the mountain of Paradisal Transcendence are symbolic of all friends lost in the mountains. Lookers right, you will see Harms’ ski tracks. Listen closely and you’ll hear him shout, “Fuck Yeah!” We hope this design reminds you to hear the laughter of bygone legends sharing your adventures from another realm.
Paradisal Transcendence by Chris Benchetler.
100 percent of proceeds of Paradisal Transcendence merch will be donated to the families of the victims of the crash. Stay tuned for more info on the fundraiser.
About The Author
stash member Teton Gravity Research
It all began with a dream and a little cash scraped together from fishing in Alaska... Since 1995, we've been an action sports media company committed to fueling progression through our ground-breaking films (37 and counting) and online content.
angelaevans
July 14th, 2021
It is really sad that this accident happened, it took away someone I love. His act of remembrance is commendable. taming io
SamStevens
July 14th, 2021
Great tribute to the late Greg Harms. It was really such a tragic accident. This is a good thing to remember him by. Thanks for sharing this Roof Repairs
TreePro
July 16th, 2021
It’s really devastating to lose someone whom you know has very great potential. This painting will definitely be a great memento of Greg’s memories. Tree Cutting Services
SamStevens
July 19th, 2021
A great triute to a fallen friend and fellow sportsman. Thanks for sahring this lovely article Septic Repairs
Scott Sawyer
July 20th, 2021
A great tribute to a friend. Thanks for sharing this! I’m sure Greg was a great guy. Gone too soon Septic Repairs
piter kang
December 1st, 2021
It is really sad that this accident happened.MBR Plus
lucyqwd
December 1st, 2021
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piter kang
January 25th, 2022
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