The Darkest White

A Reflection on Craig Kelly, Snowboarding’s Eternal Inspiration

At just 12 years old, I was captivated by snowboarding—a passion that would define my life. On January 20, 2003, the snowboarding world stood still, rocked by disbelief at the untimely loss of one of its pioneers, Craig Kelly. Even as a young grom in Southern Vermont, I felt the impact of his passing deeply. My bedroom walls bore a collage of legends like Craig, Jeff Anderson, and Tristan Picot, made from torn pages of Snowboarder and Transworld Snowboarding magazines. Though I never met them nor understood the full weight of the risks they faced, their influence shaped my snowboarding journey.

In 2006, Jacques Russo’s documentary Let It Ride brought Craig’s story to life. Narrated by Metallica’s James Hetfield, the film revealed Craig’s evolution and his profound effect on the sport. It was the first truly comprehensive exploration of snowboarding’s history and Craig’s unparalleled role in it. To this day, Let It Ride continues to inspire riders worldwide.

Fast forward to 2024, and Eric Blehm’s The Darkest White emerges as a definitive biography of Craig Kelly. Blehm, a New York Times bestselling author and former Transworld Snowboarding editor, spent over five years crafting this meticulous account. Diving beyond the archival footage and stories featured in Let It Ride, Blehm’s work chronicles Craig’s journey from a BMX prodigy in Mount Vernon, Washington, to the greatest snowboarder of his era.

When a method is this good, there's not really anything to say: Craig Kelly

A Trailblazer’s Path

Craig’s story begins in the early 1980s when Jeff Fulton introduced him to snowboarding on the Mount Baker Highway. Though the learning curve was steep, Craig’s determination transformed him into the sport’s torchbearer. By his late 20s, he had claimed every major title, cementing his status as the GOAT. But his greatness extended beyond competitions; Craig envisioned snowboarding as an art form, free from societal constraints. His decision to leave competitive riding and embrace freeriding in the mountains redefined the sport’s ethos.

Supported by Burton’s Jake and Donna Carpenter, Craig’s shift away from contests to the backcountry was groundbreaking. His advocacy for splitboarding and contributions to Burton’s splitboard program helped usher in a new era of exploration and adventure.

Craig Kelly, Indy Grab, Mt. Baker

A Lasting Legacy

Craig’s pursuit of becoming a certified mountain guide in Canada showcased his commitment to pushing boundaries. As documented in The Darkest White, he faced challenges from conservative ski institutions and grueling training programs. Yet his dedication inspired peers like Jeremy Jones, who mused on the book’s impact: “Where would splitboarding be if we hadn’t lost Craig?”

Blehm’s book also delves into the tragedy on the Durrand Glacier that claimed Craig’s life. Through careful research, it examines the avalanche’s causes, including the snowpack’s instability and guiding missteps. The narrative balances the complexities of human error with the inherent dangers of the mountains, honoring Craig’s cautious nature while confronting the heartbreak of his loss.

Craig Kelly, Backside handplant, Truckee California

A Story for the Future

As Craig’s daughter Olivia reflects, The Darkest White preserves her father’s legacy for future generations. For today’s snowboarders, many born after Craig’s passing, the book serves as a vital connection to the sport’s roots and its most transformative figure. Olivia’s words resonate: “This book is an amazing opportunity to share the early years of the sport with those who may not know anything about it.”

For me, Craig’s story is more than snowboarding history. It’s a reminder to embrace the mountains on our own terms and to pursue our passions with unwavering commitment. Eric Blehm’s The Darkest White ensures that Craig’s legacy, much like his timeless methods, will continue to inspire riders for generations to come.

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