Doug Coombs

It was with great sadness that I read of Doug Coombs death today in the Alps. Doug was a pioneer of Alaskan heli-skiing and ski-mountaineering. We had the privilege to have Doug as our guide on two trips to Alaska when he and Emily were running Valdez Heli-Skiing Guides. He was truly the epitome of someone that loved what they did, he really shared his passion for the mountains and was a fantastic guide.

I will never forget that day on Kiwi Wall in AK, when Doug was opening up the run, and Wes and I were flying up on the heli to ski Kiwi. Watching him ski with grace and fluidity a 4000 foot 55 degree Alaskan spine sent chills down my back. He radioed up to me and said "hey, no worries, just mind your sluff, let 'em rip and HAVE FUN!"

Amen Doug. RIP