In memory of Judson Wright, this is a special re-airing of a Season 6 interview with him. 

Judson was a father and a husband first, and the founder and lead guide of Kootenay Backcountry Guides.  He was the co-founder of State of the Snowpack, and lead guide of White Grizzly Snowcat Skiing.  He was also the most enthusiastic crossing guard you ever met.  

Judson guided with the principle that if you are doing it for yourself then you are no longer guiding.   He loved to share the joy of powder skiing and seeing people light up as they fall in love with it.

We’re going to miss you Jud.  Rest in Powder. 

Summary of the Episode: 

- Wisdom shared from years of guiding and moving through the mountains

- Philosophies on good guiding and instruction 

- At the end of the day, it’s just skiing.  We all need to come home to our families.  

The Judson Wright Legacy Fund was established by Judson’s wife Kelly. This fund will support initiatives that reflect Judson’s values, including backcountry awareness and education. Find the fund here: https://ospreycommunityfoundation.ca/funds/judson-wright-legacy-fund/

Resiliency Resources for Grief/Loss Listed in the Episode:

Canada

- Canadian Mountain Community Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) 

To find out more or get in touch with a Peer Responder: mountaincism.ca, [email protected] or the Dispatch Line (for immediate support): 604-670-2772

- Mountain Muskox 

mountainmuskox.com

- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

British Columbia Broader Regional Mental Health & Community Resources: bc.cmha.ca

- Center for Loss and Life Transitions

An organization dedicated to helping people who are grieving. Books and resources about grief: centerforloss.com

- MyGrief.ca

MyGrief.ca is an online resource to help people move through their grief from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace. It can help you understand your grief and approach some of the most difficult questions that may arise.

- Lumara Grief & Bereavement Society

A BC based organization that runs programs for youth and families navigating grief and loss: lumarasociety.org/about-us

United States

- The American Avalanche Association Resiliency Project

https://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/resilience-project

- Survivors of Outdoor Adventure Recovery (SOAR)

Instagram page @outdooradventuresandrecovery or website soar4life.org

- American Alpine Club, Climbers Grief Fund

https://americanalpineclub.org/grieffund

- Redside Foundation, supporting guides in MT, ID, CO, WY

https://www.redsidefoundation.org/

- Brooke Shiny Edwards - Resiliency Coach 

https://wildworldwanderings.com/coaching

Thanks to the sponsors of the show.

Legacy Sponsors:

Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund

AVSS

Drone Amplified

Partner Sponsors:

CIL Avalanche

Safeback

onX Backcountry

Music: Ketsa

Artwork: Mike Tea 

Production: Caleb Merrill, Bob Keating