When I was invited to guest edit this issue of Freeskier, I could only think of the classic Wayne’s World line, “I am not worthy.” Yet I sensed an opportunity to help create a lasting legacy for Shane and his family, so I jumped at the chance. I now consider this to be the most important piece of editorial that I have ever been involved with. If you’re going to read only one issue of Freeskier this year, please let it be this one.

On March 27, 2009, I awoke to another rainy down day in Haines, Alaska. Walking upstairs I noticed the TGR crew seemed upset. As I walked closer, I saw a tear in Erik Roner’s eye. I asked, “What happened?” He said one word: “Shane.” My knees buckled, as I reached for the railing to steady myself on my feet, immediately knowing Shane was no longer with us.

“YOU WOULD NOT BE RIDING THE SKIS ON YOUR FEET
TODAY IF NOT FOR SHANE’S HARD-FOUGHT VISION.”

Shane and I built our careers together after meeting in 1992 while I was the photographer for the World Pro Mogul Tour. While traveling the world together over the course of many years, we developed a bond that was more than a mere friendship. We developed a trust. This trust is essential in the working relationship between a photographer and an athlete, and I was lucky to learn this from one of the best.

Shane possessed uncommon vision and a unique and ridiculous set of skills. With his talents, he could have acted any way he wanted and people would have put up with him. Yet he chose another route; he was the court jester of the ski industry. He not only wanted to win, but he wanted to change the sport in the process.

In his heyday, Shane was arguably the best skier on earth. Anything, anywhere, anyhow… just bring it. From gates to moguls to terrain parks, huge backflips and big-mountain lines, he did it all. He compiled quite the collection of racing, Pro Mogul and X Games medals, while also dominating the big mountain tour. He was eventually slowed by the weak link in skiing: his knees.

Shane used this down-time wisely, revamping his fi lm parts, starting a family and designing skis, most importantly the reverse-sidecut, reversecamber Volant Spatula. (See Buyer’s Guide issue, page 38 for more information).You would not be riding the skis on your feet today if not for Shane’s hard-fought vision. It became Shane’s primary goal to affect change during that stubborn era of skiing’s history.

While turning the ski world upside down, Shane found another focus, Sherry, who would later become his wife. Shane and Sherry started a family, and Shane brought the same passion to fatherhood that he did to the rest of his life. He was a devoted father to their daughter Ayla, and was probably the most fun dad ever. As with anything Shane decided to do, he gave it 110-percent.

While I do not think I will ever be settled in with this loss, I know I am not alone. Shane’s passing is surreal. At times I still do not believe it; I still feel his presence in my day-to-day life. But it is fact, and I will always miss you, Shane. —Flip McCririck