The Darkest White

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Eric Blehm provides a profound look at Craig Kelly, the revered icon of snowboarding, and the tragic end of his journey. This compelling narrative is essential for snowboarding enthusiasts and anyone seeking inspiration from an unlikely hero. The story unfolds around the devastating Durrand Glacier Avalanche in January 2003, which claimed seven lives, including Kelly's. On that fateful day, a massive avalanche swept through the Northern Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, burying skiers and snowboarders under tons of snow and ice. Kelly, known as “the Michael Jordan of snowboarding,” had shifted from competitive fame to explore the untamed wilderness of North America. This account chronicles Kelly’s life—a moving tale of a latchkey kid whose athletic talent and innovations transformed winter sports, taking him worldwide and into extreme environments that ultimately led to his demise. It also serves as a comprehensive exploration of snowboarding's cultural evolution from a niche hobby to a billion-dollar industry, complete with its rivalries and feuds. Ultimately, it presents a cautionary reflection on the mountains' allure and the harsh realities they can unleash. This book captivates readers, making it one of the most exciting nonfiction works in recent years.