The morning after I wrote my latest entry and hearing of CR's accident I awoke in Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to a foot of fresh snow. The night before, Josh from TGR, Johnny from Powder and Gabe from Smith stayed late with me in TGR's office composing the press release that I'm sure you've read. If not, its up, click on CR's front page photo at 4FRNT.com and get informed. 

That night was heavy. I got bombarded by voicemails, text messages and emails from everyone I know expressing their sympathy. As if I could do anything about it; I read em all, replied with a "thanks brother" and proceeded to sleep to no avail. That morning, despite the freshies and the moment of silence that Powder magazine organized for CR at the top the tram, I bounced from Jackson on a powder day - the cardinal rule you don't break. I just couldn't be around the scene and especially around those that didn't feel the same way I had felt.

I missioned my way south, headed for SLC when I stopped at a local shop of ours in Pocatello called Barries. Barries may be one of the few standing family owned ski shops solely operated by passionate skiers. These guys are so fired up on skiing that I can never not stop in on my way via I15. Nonetheless as I'm sure you got a shop like them near you, I entered into a conversation with the owner, Barrie, which quickly led to a short discussion about how we are going skiing and that its not negotiable. I've turned Barrie down before and this time I wasn't of the strength to keep headed south as promised to all the boys and girls at the office that was awaiting my arrival. We were indeed headed for the slopes and I exceeded the speed limit following Barrie all the way to the hill. Pebble is the resort, its just south of Pocatello and its the shit. 

We did a few laps. Joined by local shred Jonas Marcinko, we made the best of what Pebble had to offer and that a lot. I was stunned at the terrain and the playfulness of the conditions and terrain. I followed Barrie and Jonas with no hesitation. We had a blast and I'm so thankful to Barrie for recognizing my weakness over CR's death and forcing me to ski. It was truly theraputic, which was exactly what he had promised.

I later fled to SLC where I joined the team at 4FRNT for a second to swap out skis for the upcoming ski test at Snowbird. I made it about as far as the reception desk when I had to leave again. CR's skis on the wall, his posters, his clothing hanging in the shop, it was too much. I stood out front awaiting my wife's arrival before gearing up for our departure for Tahoe. 

I arrived to Tahoe yesterday, stunned, bummed yet excited to see the family and the friends Cr and I had in common. The snow was flying, wet and deep like I remember from my previous years living here and I immediately got way stoked.

Today I visited Squaw for a second to see some friends and then immediately ventured to CR's sisters house where the family was present. The front door of her house was littered with gifts that friends had left on their stoop. There was a guest book, some quotes of CR and just all around good vibes. Upon entry, seeing CR's family was very difficult. We took some time to express our thoughts and love for the late CR and talk about events moving forward. They were so hospitable it was just like arriving home to my own family. There was a constant influx of family and friends through the door of who came to pay their respects. It was great to meet family and see the friends I knew from a while back still living or since have relocated from living in Tahoe. We spent time building up a collection of logos for CR's memorial sticker and prepped for future memorial services. Shane Anderson, CP, Joe Stumpf, Lisa my wife and Skogen Sprang later met for dinner where we  laughed and drank strong drinks. It was such a release of emotions and I'm so grateful for CR's extended family in bringing us all together under these unfortunate circumstances. We later fled back to your hosts, Bryce and Olya's house in Tahoe City where I continued on in sorting out images and videos' I've collected over the last few years of working with CR. Its sad but I feel great honor in having an opportunity to have a stake in showing off CR's wonderful life.

A collection of footage I recently finished from our road-trip (Jan. 29 - Feb. 4) is linked below. Hopefully you will feel the spirit as we all did while being together. CR was an awesome human and he truly brought significance to skiing on a global level. Skiing is the most awesome activity in the world and we are all so stoked to be apart of it. Do CR a favor and go skiing after reading this, if you haven't already done so.

http://vimeo.com/9796623