Doug Coombs


I miss you buddy...

Doug died in a skiing accident in La Grave April 3rd. A big part of my life is gone with Doug. I struggled this winter, through each avi cycle and dry spell. Was I so stressed because of what was about to come to pass? Doug died, and I was in shock, still am. He was perhaps the one mountain person I compared myself to, to see where I was at, as regards to picking my lines down mountains. When I Guided with Doug, here in Verbier or in Greenland, every day was an extra challenge, where at the end of a run Doug had picked, or I'd picked, we'd be so amped about our line. Huge smiles and high fives to the line that passed through an impossible slot. Doug had a special feeling for route finding and the changing mountain conditions, which does not just come to everyone, no matter how long they have been in the hills.

Doug Coombs playing with Mario Doug Coombs inverted over Kangaamiut

I could no longer ski in Doug's presence. I fell apart! Doug skied like no one else on the planet. Really, I'm not making this up. He really had a touch that was unique. In nice snow he looked good. But when we skied some funky couloir on old avalanche debris, he made it look like easy boot top powder! How could I keep my form when Doug just waltzed through the most difficult conditions as if it were nothing!

I can't write right to honor Doug correct. Too bad for those that didn't get to ski or hang out with him. Mark Newcomb did write about Doug which really describes him the way he was. I will never forget you and the intense feelings you provided. Take care bro and see you...

Posted: Mon - April 24, 2006 at 07:15 AM        

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