Imagery: Courtesy of Fischer Skis
On January 29th, 2023, tragedy struck the ski world as Tahoe local and freeskiing legend Kyle Smaine passed away doing what he loved in Nagano, Japan. Kyle grew up in Lake Tahoe, California, surrounded by numerous Olympians and other industry professionals, and always dreamed of becoming a professional skier. This dream led to a deep passion for the sport that he loved and numerous successes in every aspect of the industry. Smaine became the FIS Halfpipe World Champion in 2015, appeared in two Warren Miller films, and helped develop the Fischer Ranger 108.
Yet, more than Kyle’s successes and triumphs competing and skiing around the world, Kyle was a pillar of light and kindness, lifting up those around him and building community through empathy and authenticity.
Kyle Touring in Lake Tahoe
The Smaine Fund
To honor Kyle’s innate ability to build community and passion for the world of skiing which he loved so much, his partner Jenna Dramise created The Smaine Fund, an organization designed to help up-and-coming athletes through mentorship, financial assistance and unique training opportunities. Their motto “Fueling Athletes” is achieved through four driving principles: Career Development, Education, Brand Building and Community Impact. This combination is designed to build up athletes to not only excel at their sport, but also to be well-rounded members of society and pillars of community, just as Kyle was. The fund currently supports nine athletes across four sports and is looking to grow. If you feel compelled to donate, hit the button below.
Kyle Ripping Pow Turns in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Kyle Smaine’s Limited Edition Fischer Ranger 108
Kyle, among others, spent nearly 30 months of intense collaboration to make one of the most versatile skis on the freeride market. The combination of a poplar and beech core, a shaped metal layer and a freeskier rocker profile makes the Ranger 108 one of the most versatile freeride skis on the market. As a nod to Kyle’s contribution, Fischer is releasing a limited-edition graphic to honor the light and excitement Kyle provided to the industry, and with each purchase of the ski, there will be a donation to the Kyle Smaine Foundation. Designed by Fischer’s Head of Design, Blaž Bajezelj, this graphic features a patchwork of illustrations of Kyle himself and many of the things he loved.
Here is what Blaž had to say about his heartfelt artistic expression:
“I didn’t know Kyle well and mostly only from our work Teams meetings regarding future designs and technical aspects of Fischer skis. I only met Kyle in the flesh in 2022 on a late October weekend in Tux, Austria. He’d come to the Hintertux glacier to test a new generation of freestyle skis along with two other Fischer athletes.
I got to know him a little better as we shared meals back in the hotel restaurant between test runs and liked him straight away. He just had this relaxed and cool air about him. On his last day in Tux, he told me he’d crashed his drone while shooting content. He’d forgotten about the video feed lag and had flown it straight into a waterfall. He’d managed to retrieve it later that day and hoped it would still work. I had to add that little detail to the ski design, a sort of Easter egg for the very few who knew the story.
Another one is Wrigley, a friend’s dog that would frequently come skiing and hiking with them. In the videos posted on Instagram, you can see their strong bond. I still tear up every time I think of poor Wrigley waiting for his next run with Kyle. The rest of the drawings are more straightforward, I guess, like his radiant smile or his favorite foods or places, the sports he enjoyed, or barreling down local bike trails with Jenna, the love of his life.
When I heard of him passing away, it hit me hard. Even not knowing Kyle well, his death resonated with me—it felt like I had lost a dear friend, and I felt compelled to make a design that would reflect his vibrant energy. It was a privilege to know this beautiful soul.” –Blaž Bajezelj
Check out Kyle Smaine’s Tribute Fisher 108 and in the words of Kyle: “Ski pow, eat ramen, smile more…it’s not that serious.”
