New footage of JP Auclair and Andreas Fransson released, one year after their passing

Note: This post was so influential in 2015 that it has earned legendary status on Freeskier.com, therefore making its way into our “On This Day” social media series in which we re-share the greatest videos skiing has ever seen. This one especially near and dear, as we miss JP and Andreas greatly, and we hope you enjoy reflecting on it as much as we do. – FREESKIER Editorial Squadron

“On September 29, 2014 I lost my two best friends JP Auclair and Andreas Fransson in an avalanche on Monte San Lorenzo near the border of Chile and Argentina,” writes filmmaker and fellow adventurer Bjarne Salén. “It has now been one year since the accident. I created a film to celebrate and remember our lovely friends. This film is from our last years together where we skied, worked and had amazing adventures together. We went to Chamonix, Norway and Chile. Andreas, JP, Daniel Rönnbäck [photographer] and I started a project together called, Apogée, which means: The highest point in the developing of something. The project was Andreas and JP’s idea, travel to magnificent destinations and create beautiful, touching ski movies to inspire others around the world.”

Today, September 29, 2015, marks the one-year anniversary of JP Auclair and Andreas Fransson’s passing. The footage throughout Salén’s short film displays the team’s strong friendship, elite mountaineering skills, passion for the mountains and purity of life. While JP and Andreas are no longer physically with us, their dream of creating Apogée has become a reality thanks to Bjarne, Daniel and their ever-living spirits. As the film displays, both JP and Andreas portrayed an unmatched vision and respect for life in the mountains up until their final moments. We ask that you let the film stand as inspiration to live your own life, wherever you are, doing whatever it is that you love, to the maximum each and every day. Thank you for everything, JP and Andreas. May you ski in peace.

In recognition of JP and Andreas’ extraordinary contributions to the sport of skiing and their unwavering commitment to spread good will, please consider a donation to one or more of the following charities: The Auclair Fund, proudly managed by friends of JP Auclair, Alpine Initiatives, and Armada; and Safe Passions, established in Andreas’ honor, with an aim to bring awareness of safety in the mountains to youths and young adults.

More: One year removed, remembering JP Auclair and Andreas Fransson