Extreme Skiing Legend Doug Coombs falls in La Grave
“When I first arrived at La Grave and stared at the majestic glaciated peak of La Meije (13,065 ft.), I imagined endless ski runs that would last a lifetime! After 5 seasons in La Grave, I am still discovering new descents off the lift served peak.”
Doug Coombs
His words today have a tragic poignancy. He, and a friend, fell in the couloir de Polichinelle whilst skiing in La Grave, France. Both men died from injuries sustained. Initial reports suggested they had been taken by an avalanche.
Doug won the first World Extreme Skiing Championships in Valdez, Alaska in 1991. He was a UIAGM / IFMGA certified alpine, rock and ski guide, two-time World Extreme Ski champion, and went on to found Valdez Heli-Ski Guides. With his wife Emily, he later created Steep Skiing Camps Worldwide; originally in Jackson, Wyoming and later in the European Alps.
Doug featured in the incredible Chamonix ski-mountaineering segment in Warren Miller’s movie “Journey”. Pistehors have more information on the tragedy here, and Skiing Mag ran an enlightening interview; “Get me Doug Coombs”.
He will be sorely missed by family, friends and all those who stood in awe at his skiing.
